Before I came to McGill, to be honest, I did not recognize the University’s great reputation and the unique culture of Montreal and Quebec. I was a young boy in China and had no idea what life would be like outside China. Fortunately, I successfully received an offer from McGill and that changed my life.
Besides my studies, one thing that McGill taught me is the very, very special spirit of McGillians.”
I came to McGill as an undergraduate student in the Department of Electrical Engineering in 2012. At the age of 18, everything was new to me. The “collision” of eastern and western cultures really broadened my horizons and I got to know the world better. At McGill, I got to know people from all over the world and listened to their stories. One thing I really enjoyed was trying different regional cuisines rather than just Chinese foods.
I still recall that whenever I was struggling, I would take a walk to Le Vieux-Port or drive my car to Saint Joseph's Oratory and just sit there for a little while. I had so many good friends and beautiful memories at McGill and in Montreal.
Besides my studies, one thing that McGill taught me is the very, very special spirit of McGillians. It is hard to describe that spirit, but I believe all McGill alumni and students know what I am talking about. It is this spirit that makes McGill so special compared to other world-class institutions. McGill's motto “Grandescunt Aucta Labore” keeps encouraging and inspiring me to be better and make positive contributions to society.
It was also at McGill that I was introduced to Leonard Cohen’s work and became a big fan of his. His songs, poems, and artworks brought lots of inspiration to me and changed my way of thinking.
After five incredible years at McGill, I left Canada and moved to the UK to pursue my PhD, which is another interesting and challenging adventure. I really miss McGill and Montreal and the first thing I would like to do after COVID is over is go back and visit my second hometown.
Merci beaucoup, McGill.