When I was only 12 years old, a friend of our family told me about McGill University for the first time. That is when I started dreaming about going abroad for my studies – even though I had never been to Canada. Luckily, when it came the time to choose a university, I visited the campus right at the beginning of Orientation week. I fell instantly in love with this vast campus filled with green spaces and charming architecture, and yet located at the heart of the vibrant Montreal downtown. I could easily picture myself walking through campus to go to class, studying at the library or relaxing between classes on the Lower Field.
I also chose McGill because I had learned about its high standing and prestigious reputation on the national and international stage, and I found that Montreal was the perfect environment for an international student like me, as it is a very welcoming city full of open-minded and friendly people.
My McGill experience would not have been the same without the support I received. What stood out most to me was that I never felt alone or lost inside this huge community because I could always rely on my close relationships and the strong support system I built over five years. I am immensely grateful that I could find my place at McGill, thanks to the guidance of family, friends, professors, advisors, and mentors. Last but not least, I will never forget the generosity of all the donors who encouraged me to strive for excellence in my studies and supported our crowdfunding or fundraising efforts to have a positive impact within and beyond McGill.
McGill provided me with unique research opportunities, including my summer internship and my experience in McGill’s Structures Laboratory. I am incredibly fortunate that the journey I had the privilege of starting at McGill will continue at MIT, where I will pursue a Master’s in Building Technology.