And the 4,000^th Member is…
Sébastien Fortin

In honor of this historic occasion, Taresa LaRock asks the 4,000^th CAS member a few questions about membership, actuarial science, and himself.

Taresa LaRock: How do you feel about becoming a member of the CAS?
Sébastien Fortin: The CAS is a well-respected organization with high standards and is made up of very competent and qualified individuals. I'm very proud to finally count myself as one of them and I can only hope I will make the CAS proud to have me as a member.

TL: Where did you go to college and what was your major?
SF: I went to the University of Laval in Quebec City (Canada) and majored in actuarial science.

TL: Do you feel this growth is a positive step for the CAS?
SF: I think it's indeed very positive for the CAS. Every new member to the organization strengthens it. They add new blood to the pool and that brings with it new ideas that are always important going forward in the future.

TL: How long have you been studying to be a member?
SF: I started working on exams in college and have been working for six years. So I've been at it for a bit over eight years!

TL: How does it feel to be named the 4,000^th member?
SF: I must say it actually made me laugh. I wanted to know if I had won anything! It actually doesn't feel any different than if I was the 3,999^th or any other member. Seeing my candidate number on that little list on the CAS Web Site was the real thing! This is the greatest professional achievement of my life and I will remember that day for as long as I live.

The company I am working for wanted to celebrate my achievement (I was the first to become Fellow at the company). The actuarial department and some vice presidents were invited to a very nice restaurant and during the evening they asked me to say some words to everyone. They sure put me on the spot, as I hadn't really thought about it in advance.

I thanked the company and everybody for coming and said I was touched that they were doing this for me. But what was most important for me was what I said to those still writing exams. I told them that I was not an extraordinary employee, that I didn't have an exceptional intellect, but that I was just like them. I had finally finished my exams and that they too, could do it. It is an extremely hard thing to accomplish, but the feeling and the rewards are great.

So to all those out there who are still studying for exams and that might think they can't do it, don't underestimate yourself, you could be surprised at what you can achieve. I surprised myself.

TL: And one more pressing question-what's your favorite color?
SF: Black.