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. To begin, we’ve spoken to Brandon Terry—President of the Tartu College Student Council, a passionate urban planning student, and a personable individual who gives generously to this community.
(Interview by Vincent Teetsov)
To begin with, please tell us who you are, using just five words. And then tell us why you chose those words.
If I were to describe myself using just five words, I would say: Athletic, Urbanite, Environmentalist, Compassionate, and Determined.
Athletic is definitely a key word I’d use to describe myself, given my deep passion for football (soccer). I’ve practically been living and breathing the sport since I was ten years old, drawn in by teams like Arsenal and Barcelona, and especially by watching Messi in his prime. Today, I continue to play in the Toronto Adult City League on weekends, while also following professional teams in both Europe and North America on TV.
Urbanite is another strong descriptor, as I’ve always been fascinated by cities and urban environments—and have lived in them for most of my life. My passion for urban planning and city design began around the age of eight. On family road trips across the U.S. and Canada, I would constantly talk about and study the major cities we passed through, captivated by their skylines and infrastructure. I’ve also spent countless hours building and designing cities from scratch—whether on blank paper, in games like SimCity, Cities: Skylines, or even in Minecraft. I love watching how these cities grow and evolve over time. After completing my undergraduate degree in Urban Studies at the University of Toronto, I’m now pursuing a Master of Science in Urban Planning at the same university.
Environmentalist is a term that grew out of my passion for urban planning—particularly around grade nine, when I started to better understand the causes and consequences of the climate crisis driven by global warming. That year, I worked with the New Ezekiel Project, an organization that sought to transform underused urban spaces into vibrant, community-serving areas. As a volunteer, I spoke in front of city and school board officials to advocate for turning an abandoned parking lot near my high school into a riverside park—which still stands today. This experience deepened my appreciation for natural environments and led me to pursue a minor in Environmental Geography and a Certificate in Sustainable Pathways alongside my Urban Studies degree. I’ve since focused my academic interests on climate change mitigation and adaptation planning within city design and broader urban policy.
Compassionate is a word that reflects a core value instilled in me by my parents: the importance of understanding others and listening to their concerns. Compassion is essential in the field of urban planning—especially when working with communities impacted by development or change. In my own approach, I strive to ensure that all voices are heard, particularly those from marginalized communities.
Beyond planning, I always try to empathize with people’s situations and consider how I might be able to support them, whether through action or simply by being present.
Determined is the final word I’d use to describe myself—it reflects my persistence and resilience in the face of challenges. I don’t give up easily. When I encounter a problem that’s particularly difficult or frustrating, I keep working at it until I find a solution, no matter how long it takes. Determination is also a core family value I was raised with—an essential mindset that has shaped how I approach both life and learning.
These experiences sparked and nurtured my passion for urban environments… After each trip, I would eagerly try to recreate and implement the ideas and infrastructure I had observed using various city-building software and simulation platforms.
(Brandon Terry)
Where did you grow up and what were the most impactful moments of your early years?
I grew up in Michigan from 2001 to 2006. From 2006 to 2013, I lived in the Greater Houston Area in Texas. Finally, before moving to Toronto for university, I returned to Michigan, where I lived from 2013 to 2021. Some of the most impactful moments from my early years were our family trips around the U.S. and Canada. These experiences sparked and nurtured my passion for urban environments and played a defining role in my decision to pursue a career in urban planning at a young age. After each trip, I would eagerly try to recreate and implement the ideas and infrastructure I had observed using various city-building software and simulation platforms.
Another moment that will always bring a smile to my face is when I scored my first-ever goal in soccer during grade five for my school’s team in Houston. At the time, I was playing varsity—the highest and most competitive level—alongside students from grades six to eight. Most of my teammates and opponents were larger, taller, and stronger than I was. I remember the day vividly: I received a pass from my teammate and immediately took a shot after he dribbled past the keeper, sending the ball into the net.
Ten-year-old me absolutely lost my mind. At our team’s sports banquet, my coach joked that I “celebrated as if I’d won the World Cup”—and reminded everyone that I was only in grade five, competing against older and more physically developed players.
What brought you to Tartu College?
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and the closure of the Canadian border, I was forced to complete my first year of undergraduate studies online from my home in Michigan. As a result, I wasn’t able to experience the true in-person university life that typically comes with first year.
However, during the summer of 2021, things began to gradually reopen—with restrictions still in place—including hybrid classes at U of T and the reopening of the Canadian border. This finally meant I could move to Toronto. I was incredibly excited to move to my dream university, in a city and country I had been infatuated with since childhood. But one major hurdle stood in the way: finding off-campus housing.
Because I was no longer a first-year student, living in residence was neither a requirement nor an option—especially with the ongoing pandemic. Starting in June, my parents and I began using the U of T housing search site to try and secure a place for me to live. Due to my budget constraints and my preference for having my own private space, the options were extremely limited—Toronto’s rental market is notoriously expensive, especially for one-bedroom apartments. On top of that, I was unemployed, had no source of income, and was relying entirely on fixed government funding to cover my living expenses.
By late July, just as we were running out of options, we came across a place called Tartu College—a student residence ideally located just across the street from the U of T campus. The price, especially compared to other downtown options, was surprisingly affordable. Without hesitation, we contacted the management team at the time, Helle and Kyla. They informed us there were only a few spots left, so we quickly submitted an application and paid the deposit for first and last month’s rent. Thankfully, my application was approved, and I had secured an affordable housing option amid Toronto’s challenging rental market.
On August 14th, 2021, I finally arrived in Toronto and moved into Tartu College. I was warmly greeted by Jüri, the front desk attendant, who helped me settle into both the building and the city. During my first year at Tartu, I quickly became good friends with Jüri and connected with staff members like Kyla and Helle. Additionally, I also became good friends with Hellen and Maria, who work at Master’s Buffeteria within the Tartu College building. Almost exactly a year later, around my birthday in August, I decided to join the Tartu College staff team as a front desk attendant, wanting to give back and contribute to the wellbeing of the building and its residents. Later that fall, in October, I formally joined the Tartu College Student Council (TCSC) as an event promoter. In my fourth and final year of undergrad, I stepped into a larger role as Vice-President of TCSC, helping to engage and represent the resident community. Most recently, in September of last year, I became the current President of TCSC—a role I continue to hold today.
… extreme heat events and severe flooding due to intense precipitation are two of the most significant threats facing the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Through my academic journey, I aim to apply my knowledge, skills, and passion for urban environments to help cities—both now and in the future—better plan for and respond to the severe and evolving impacts of climate change.
(Brandon Terry)
You’re studying urban planning at the moment. Can you tell us about that?
As I mentioned earlier, I’ve been pursuing my desired career from a young age, driven by a deep fascination with urban environments. I’m currently specializing in sustainability and climate change adaptation strategies within urban planning practices. I strongly believe that the climate crisis is closely intertwined with urban planning, as cities must be well-equipped to manage and mitigate the growing impacts of climate change that directly threaten them. In Toronto, for example, extreme heat events and severe flooding due to intense precipitation are two of the most significant threats facing the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Through my academic journey, I aim to apply my knowledge, skills, and passion for urban environments to help cities—both now and in the future—better plan for and respond to the severe and evolving impacts of climate change.
What is the most interesting/fun thing about Tartu College for you?
I think the most fascinating aspect of Tartu—especially during my time working as a front desk attendant—is getting to meet and learn about each new cohort of students from September to April every year. I’ve had the opportunity to form meaningful and long-lasting friendships during my time both living and working at Tartu, which has made the experience even more special. Being the President of the Tartu College Student Council (TCSC) has also played a big role in this, as our monthly socials and events are designed to bring residents together and foster a sense of community. Another aspect of Tartu that really resonates with me—particularly as someone passionate about city-building and urban planning—is the extensive renovations and building improvements that have taken place during my time here. Almost every summer I’ve lived at Tartu, I’ve been able to observe firsthand the gradual modernization of the building, as many suites have undergone much-needed renovations and upgrades.
Interestingly, I can also say I played a significant role in some of these renovations—especially during the summer of 2024, when I helped paint the 1 and 2 suites, sanded and varnished tables, and even took part in demolition work. This year, I’m looking forward to seeing how Tartu continues this transformation with the ongoing renovation of the 3 suites—the last remaining “standard” suites in the building, now that the 1 and 2 suites were upgraded to “prime” last summer.
Can you share one photo that’s important to you and tell us the story behind the photo?
Wow, this was a tough one to choose—there were so many moments and photos I could’ve picked from. But after scrolling through my camera roll, I came across one that stood out: the time I saw one of my greatest football idols—and arguably the greatest of all time—Lionel Messi, play live here in Toronto in October of last year. This moment brought an unbeatable smile to my face, unlike any of my other memorable experiences. Seeing my idol play in person was a dream come true.
Although he didn’t score one of his trademark golazos that game, his incredible dribbles and passes still drew plenty of “oohs” and “ahhs” from the crowd. What made the moment even more special was that Messi was joined by a few other legends from the 2008 Barcelona team of my childhood—Suárez, Busquets, and Alba. So not only did I get to see Messi play, but I also got to watch the core of my favourite childhood team reunited on the pitch.
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?
I definitely see myself being very successful in my career and passion for urban planning. I also envision having a well-established family, with each member thriving and doing great things in their own lives.
Beyond that, it’ll be fascinating to see what the world looks like by then—2056. Questions like: Did we adequately prepare for climate change? What will our cities look like? Which countries will still exist if another global conflict arises? Who will be the most influential or famous people of that time?—these are all things I find myself wondering about right now.
To pay it forward, is there anyone you think we should speak to next from within the Tartu College Community? Please tell us why you chose them.
I believe there are many wonderful people within our Tartu community, but if I had to highlight someone who truly stands out, I would choose my fellow front desk attendant and coworker, William Aung. Will has lived at Tartu for roughly the same amount of time as I have, though he has an extra year of front desk experience under his belt. Given his background and extensive involvement at Tartu, I think he could offer some valuable and deeper insights about the community. In addition to his role at the front desk, he also serves as the Vice-President of the Tartu College Student Council (TCSC).
Will consistently puts in his best effort to ensure that everything runs smoothly and stays well-organized across all his responsibilities. He demonstrates genuine leadership whenever and wherever it’s needed.
Unfortunately for both me and the rest of the Tartu College community, Will will be leaving us at the end of August, having recently graduated from his master’s program. That said, we’re all confident he’ll go on to achieve even greater things in his career.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
