A unique constellation. McGill taught me that I am one and there is no one on Earth like me. And that uniqueness is not just accepted by others, but a gift, a superpower, a constellation of qualities to be celebrated. You might argue that "finding yourself" and appreciating your uniqueness comes with any early adulthood experience, but the special environment at McGill really accelerated this process for me personally.
As an Ontario student, I could have defaulted to the easy single Ontario application, but there was a cachet to McGill and Montreal that was irresistibly cool and intriguing.”
McGill offered an inclusive and diverse environment like no other school, even back in 1990 before these words became in vogue. One where differences are a part of life and celebrated. I guess I was already seeking a unique experience having applied to McGill in the first place. As an Ontario student, I could have defaulted to the easy single Ontario application, but there was a cachet to McGill and Montreal that was irresistibly cool and intriguing.
In high school, I hid my differences: my Asian race, my embarrassing thoughts, my lofty ambitions, my true self, for fear that they would be heckled or sneered at by my peers and threaten my belonging to the high school clique.
Very soon after stepping foot on campus at McGill, I realized I had the opportunity to escape the shackles of high school identity, and be my true self. My Asian heritage was a badge of pride, my embarrassing thoughts became conversation starters, and my ambitions were fueled with inspiration from other students and faculty. The international student body, the dual language/culture city, and the inclusive spirit of the types of students attracted to McGill made it the perfect place to blossom into my own over four years on campus.
Recognizing and embracing my uniqueness has given me the confidence to achieve my dreams, overcome setbacks, and be resilient no matter what life throws my way. This confidence is especially crucial for young women as we make our way in a man's world. For me, there were many times I didn't think I could succeed in the C-suite, and I still have many moments of self-doubt. But I always come back to fact that, although I am not perfect, I am smart and capable, and there is no other one like me on this planet. McGill made me, and I am forever grateful.