Tartu College is a very important place for the Estonian community of Canada. It’s the home of Eesti Elu / Estonian Life newspaper, VEMU Estonian Museum Canada, numerous academic organizations, and is also a place where many university students in Toronto reside.
As Tartu College celebrates its 55th anniversary this year, we wanted to introduce readers to the people who make this place thrive. This time, we’re speaking with Mohammad Ebadi, a recipient of the Tartu College Student Residence Scholarship who is on track to becoming a Doctor of Dental Surgery. Read on to find out about the experiences that have shaped him (including ones at Tartu College) and a special event coming up later this year.
(interview with Vincent Teetsov)
To begin with, please tell us who you are using just five words. And then tell us why you chose those words.
Ambitious, Resilient, Ethical, Kind, Flexible. It’ll all make sense once you read the whole article.
Where did you grow up and what are the most impactful moments of your early years?
I am originally from Zanjan, a predominantly Azerbaijani-speaking city in Iran. I was born and raised there, and lived in Zanjan until I was twenty-one, at which point I emigrated to Canada.
Growing up, I was deeply influenced by my family’s entrepreneurial spirit. My father and uncles were all small business owners, and from the age of ten, I spent much of my time in the bazaars and shops, helping them after school and during summer breaks.
These early experiences, observing and interacting with customers, participating in negotiations, and witnessing the day-to-day rhythm of people’s lives, had a profound impact on me. They instilled in me a strong appreciation for human connection and shaped me into a social and outgoing person, someone who values communication and often wears a smile.
What brought you to Tartu College?
I was introduced to Tartu College by one of my best friends, who completed a PhD in Mathematics at the University of Toronto. He lived at Tartu College for nearly two years starting in 2018, and during that time, I occasionally visited him and had the chance to experience the community firsthand.
Spending time there, enjoying the welcoming atmosphere and the company of his roommates, left a lasting impression on me. After getting accepted into the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Toronto in 2023, Tartu College naturally came to mind as a place where I could feel at home.
“Dentistry stood out as a unique blend of art, science, engineering, surgery, and medicine. From the outside, it may appear routine, but in reality, it’s a dynamic and demanding field.”
(Mohammad Ebadi)
You’re a recent winner of the Tartu College Student Residence Scholarship and a future dentist. What led you on this path?
As a science student, I always knew I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare, but for a long time, I wasn’t sure which path was right for me. Since 2019, I began shadowing professionals in various fields that I thought might interest me—mining engineering, finance, dentistry, medicine—you name it, I explored it.
But none of the professions I shadowed truly resonated with me. I couldn’t see myself committing to any of them long-term—except for dentistry. Dentistry stood out as a unique blend of art, science, engineering, surgery, and medicine. From the outside, it may appear routine, but in reality, it’s a dynamic and demanding field. Every day presents new challenges, and every patient brings a unique case.
What truly drew me in was the human aspect—dentistry is built on direct, trusting relationships with patients. It’s a field where I can make meaningful connections, continue to grow and learn, and stay constantly engaged. I’m not someone who enjoys sitting behind a computer or working remotely, so dentistry felt like the perfect fit for my personality and values.
As for the Tartu College Student Residence Scholarship, it was a meaningful recognition of a small but important moment. One day, I noticed one of my roommates had a persistent cough that lasted several days. Concerned both for his well-being and the potential spread of a respiratory illness, I gently brought it up with him while we were in the kitchen and encouraged him to see a doctor. He did, and was diagnosed with pneumonia and prescribed antibiotics.
That experience reinforced for me the importance of awareness and care within a community. When I later saw the email about the scholarship, I felt that this small act reflected how I aim to serve others with the knowledge I’m gaining on my path to becoming a dentist. If I can help even one person improve their health or oral hygiene, I believe I’ve fulfilled part of my mission.
I hear you might be organizing a workshop soon…?
Spoiler alert! In October, I’ll be leading a workshop focused on promoting a healthy lifestyle, with a particular emphasis on the prevention and management of diabetes through diet and lifestyle modifications.
We’ll cover practical strategies for making healthier everyday choices, understanding the connection between nutrition and chronic disease, and empowering individuals to take control of their well-being. There will also be interactive discussions, resources, and tips that participants can easily apply in their daily lives.
And that’s just the beginning—there will be much more to discover! I’m really excited to share this knowledge and help build a healthier, more informed community.
“Each floor and unit is home to students from a wide range of cultural backgrounds and academic disciplines. During my time here, I’ve had the chance to meet peers from South Africa, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, and many other countries—connections I might never have made if not for Tartu College.”
(Mohammad Ebadi)
What is the most interesting thing about Tartu College for you, and being in Toronto in general?
Tartu College is a microcosm of Toronto itself; diverse, vibrant, and full of life. Each floor and unit is home to students from a wide range of cultural backgrounds and academic disciplines. During my time here, I’ve had the chance to meet peers from South Africa, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, and many other countries—connections I might never have made if not for Tartu College. These encounters have allowed me to learn about their cultures, traditions, and cuisines firsthand. The residence fosters an open-minded and welcoming community, where conversations are engaging and everyone is genuinely fun to talk to.
Choose one photo that is important to you and tell us the story behind the photo.
The photo I’ve included was taken on the day of my White Coat Ceremony, and it represents the entire journey I’ve been on. A journey that began when I arrived in Canada in June 2017, unable to speak English, and will conclude in June 2027 with my graduation as a Doctor of Dental Surgery. This image captures more than just a moment; it symbolizes years of hard work, fear, dedication, hope, and relentless effort. Every step I’ve taken since day one in Canada is reflected in this single photo.
Tartu College is turning fifty-five years old this year. Thinking ahead to the future, where do you see yourself when you're fifty-five years old?
Life has been full of surprises, I could have never imagined being where I am today. The future is hard to predict, but one thing I do know is the kind of person I hope to become. I aspire to be like my mentors: knowledgeable, skilled, and honest in their professional lives, and kind and generous in their personal lives. Many people, both directly and indirectly, have helped me reach this point. I would not be here without them. Inspired by their support, I hope to pay it forward by positively impacting the lives of others.
