Alumni Spotlight: Matthew Brinkman ‘15
We recently had the pleasure of connecting with Matthew Brinkman, a member of the Class of 2015. Starting his journey at ISM in preschool at the age of three, Matthew reflects on a remarkable 15 years that shaped not only his educational path but also left a lasting mark on his life and career.
Matthew recalls his time at ISM as a deeply rewarding experience. “There are people I knew back in that preschool class who I graduated with, and I’m still friends with today,” he shares. “That’s 25 years of friendship, which is incredibly rare for most people.” His active involvement in school life included participating in soccer and basketball, and attending show choir performances, school plays, and sporting events.
When asked to sum up the ISM community in one word, Matthew chose “close-knit.” This sense of belonging and connection prepared him for the challenges of college and beyond. He attended the University of Minnesota Duluth, initially majoring in criminology before shifting to history. Matthew credits ISM with providing a rigorous academic foundation. “We had our standard tests, finals, and AMS tests, which helped me in terms of preparation and study habits.” He points out that ISM’s standard for academic success—viewing anything below a 70% as a fail—instilled in him a desire to excel.
Matthew emphasized two key features distinguishing ISM from other educational institutions: the intimate community and the structured environment. As a private school, ISM offers students a smaller community that fosters meaningful relationships and personalized support. “In comparison to a public school with thousands of students, the one-on-one help at ISM is unparalleled,” Matthew explained.
Reflecting on his transition to college, Matthew felt ahead of many peers. “Some classes we covered at ISM were taught at a higher level than what I encountered in college,” he notes. The quality of education at ISM and the opportunity to learn from dedicated teachers significantly contributed to his confidence.
In recent years, Matthew’s career path pivoted into sales. He credits his ISM experience for his ability to forge connections with clients. “Being part of a tight-knit community taught me how to interact with diverse groups of people. In a larger public school, you don’t get to know everyone in that way,” he explains. Understanding different communication styles has been vital in his sales role, allowing him to build trust with clients.
Matthew has fond memories of the ISM campus, describing it as a special place. “We have 52 acres of our own land, which gives a sense of privacy and homeiness. When I went to school, I felt like I was visiting my second family.” He appreciates the unique structure of ISM, where students progress from preschool to graduation, symbolizing a journey. “You literally start near the bottom of the school and work your way up the stairs to senior year,” he adds.
When it comes to choosing a school, Matthew believes The International School of Minnesota stands out due to its global perspective. “The name really lives up to itself. You meet people from all over the world, which broadens your horizons in an incredible way,” he explained. For families looking to provide their children with an education that transcends borders, ISM offers a genuine opportunity to experience diverse cultures and develop a global mindset.
As Matthew reflects on his time at ISM, it’s evident that the school has played a significant role in not just his education but his personal development as well. The bonds he forged and the lessons he learned continue to inform his life and career today. Matthew Brinkman’s story exemplifies what it means to be a part of the ISM community—a journey defined by connection, growth, and lasting friendships.
Looking ahead, Matthew has clear goals for the next five years. He aspires to lead a sales team and is open to various industries that will allow him to implement the skills he honed at ISM. “I want to be in a position where I can help others succeed, just as I was supported,” he shared. This aspiration reflects the values instilled in him during his time at ISM, where teamwork and collaboration were emphasized.
We thank Matthew for sharing his experiences and insights, reminding us all of the profound impact an educational environment can have on one's life.
