Fearless Futures Begin Here

The women who founded SMLS wove the DNA of women “can and will” into the fabric of this school. Even then, they knew a woman’s place should be of her choosing. Over 130 years later, we continue to see examples of “ambition without limits” in our students and alumnae; empowered women who have learned to dare and who are stepping into the unknown with confidence, a sense of purpose and a boldness that sets them apart in a rather competitive world.

 

We were especially delighted to welcome one of these inspiring women back to SMLS earlier this week. SMLS alumna Taegan Poles ‘19 joined us for our International Women’s Day Celebration assembly this past Monday and shared with us some of the ways she has learned to dare and how that’s paying off for her. Since graduating from SMLS, Taegan has been pursuing her passion and looking forward to a future in motorsport - both behind the wheel as a racecar driver and as an engineer, working towards her PhD at Queen University as part of their Nuclear Mechanics Research Group. She has earned multiple degrees (in science and engineering), is a mentor to young children interested in STEM, and has been recognized on the world circuit as a trailblazer in advancing gender equality in the world of motorsport. 

 

Her return to SMLS this past week is a perfect showcase of what learning to dare looks like and how it can transcend long after a student’s days at SMLS are gone. For those of us at SMLS, this is what we prioritize and celebrate not just on International Women’s Day, but every day; it’s not just the presence of women, but the power of women.