McGill was the obvious choice for me as it coincided with all of the criteria I was looking for in an institution. I wanted to:
- Branch out on my own
- Live in a new city – the beautiful city of Montreal!
- And attempt to learn a new language
From my research of McGill, I wanted to explore the many opportunities in policy and international relations that the University had to offer. I laid out the potential courses I wanted to take, the professors I would want to research with, the Max Bell centres I wanted to work with, and the clubs I wanted to join — all before I even got accepted. McGill’s strong priorities in shaping leaders and policymakers in the public service drew me in and, eventually, the people and community I surrounded myself with solidified my stay.
I wanted to attend a university where I knew I would have the chance to grow, and that is only possible through seeking discomfort. My first few days were obviously discomforting – I had communal showers, knew absolutely no one, had little to no knowledge of French, and was jobless! Although, these experiences have shaped me into a person that can embrace the unknown. I have learned to adapt, to pivot, and to be proactive.
I knew I made the right decision because when I look back on my struggles in my first year, I can just laugh it off because of how resilient and strong I became coming out of it.
What stands out to me the most about my time at McGill is the students. I have met so many people from a variety of backgrounds and lived experiences, whether in Canada or across the world. It is awesome to be just in any classroom and meet someone from Asia or Latin America or Europe. The international community at McGill is amazing, and I love getting to meet people with personal stories and reasons for wanting to attend McGill.
I also love the advocacy exhibited by the students. Compared to other universities, I believe that McGill students have something special when it comes to tackling injustices. There are so many clubs and services dedicated to action against injustices and promoting service above self at McGill, such as Mobilizing for Milton Parc, and the ECOLE Project. I find this inspiring because many students are aware of their privilege and use their resources to help those in need.
McGill’s location in Montreal, a hub of social activism and innovation, provides an ideal environment for students to engage with local policymakers and community organizations.”
Another thing that stands out for me about is the multitude of opportunities in policy engagement offered by the University. McGill's vibrant policy ecosystem provides a dynamic platform for students to delve into pressing societal issues, engage in meaningful discussions, and enact positive change. From student-run associations like the McGill Policy Association to a whole public policy school like Max Bell (where I currently work as a communications assistant), students have access to a diverse range of organizations and initiatives that host events, panel discussions, and workshops, fostering a rich and interdisciplinary understanding of complex policy issues.
In the summer of 2023, I joined many student leaders across the country to take part in the first Youth Assembly on Digital Rights and Safety, a project led by the Max Bell School’s Centre for Media, Technology, and Democracy. I got to experience hands-on policymaking and work with youth to provide recommendations aiming to empower youth to have more control over their online experiences.
Throughout this year, I co-wrote policies on empowering youth to combat misinformation and disinformation and addressing the indirect costs (food security and housing) of post-secondary education through the McGill Youth Advisory Delegation (MYAD). I travelled to the United Nations Headquarters and presented my policies to several permanent mission representatives. I am currently communicating with their offices to plan out next steps and future collaborations between MYAD and their respective governments. I was even a panellist for a United Nations side event: Youth-Driven Tech for Social Good. I spoke on the importance of empowering and educating youth on the ethics of technology and privacy, rather than restricting them.
I even write policies in my capacity at the Students’ Society of McGill University and Arts Undergraduate Society. Driven by a love for student governance, I now write policy for the betterment of the university experience.
McGill’s location in Montreal, a hub of social activism and innovation, provides an ideal environment for students to engage with local policymakers and community organizations, gaining firsthand experience in policy implementation and grassroots advocacy. The wealth of resources, the spirit of collaboration, and the emphasis on real-world impact make McGill a premier destination for policy innovation and excellence, shaping my academic and extracurricular pursuits and preparing me for a career in public service and advocacy.
Academically, McGill provided me with a rigorous and intellectually stimulating environment that nurtured my curiosity and passion for learning. As a student of political science and religious studies, I find that my academics intersect with a lot of my interests. I have noticed elements of international relations, popular culture, media and free speech, gender and sexuality, and so much more! My professors do an amazing job in ensuring the content they present have a lot of relevant real-world elements. I never would have imagined I’d be learning about anime in my religion course, but here I am in my Japanese Religions class!
McGill's emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and critical thinking equipped me with invaluable skills that have been instrumental in my career development. Through engaging in research projects and extracurricular activities, I honed my analytical abilities, problem-solving skills, and leadership capabilities, which has prepared me for the challenges of the professional world.
Beyond academics and career preparation, McGill's vibrant and inclusive community has fostered personal growth and enriched my cultural awareness. Interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds and engaging in multicultural experiences broadened my perspective, instilling in me a profound appreciation for diversity and a commitment to fostering inclusivity.