By Glen Herbert

Growing up in Rosseau, Samantha Brett ‘04 recalls venturing out on her bike as soon as she was old enough to cycle the roads in and out of the village. “I craved a deeper understanding of the world around me,” she says. She found it by exploring the wetlands, forest, and the lakes that define the region. 

Enrolling in Grade 9, “what began as a childhood adventure,” she says, “was nurtured and guided by RLC.” It extended her engagement with and understanding of the natural world. It also brought her into contact with peers from around the world, those who brought new insights and new passions. Where we learn can be as important as what we learn, and that was true for Samantha. Being in Rosseau, gaining a unique, personal perspective on the natural world, was a key aspect of her education. 

After RLC Samantha earned a Master’s in Environment and Management and a Graduate Certificate in Climate Change Policy and Practice from the University of Toronto. In 2014, she founded Iron Oaks Environmental Management, consulting on major energy infrastructure projects in Western Canada. Today she is also a Senior Environmental Advisor at TC Energy, specialising in regulatory project management and reclamation ecology.

In 2024 Samantha addressed the graduating class by saying “remember the subtle gifts of this place. They are special, and they are yours forever. … My wish for you is that you continue to feel nurtured by this place, the community and the beauty of the natural environment that surrounds you. You are in one of the most extraordinary places on earth.” She finished by saying, “RLC taught me to contribute meaningfully to the communities I am a part of. And that you get what you give.”

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