When I was applying to university, McGill was (and still is) very highly rated as an academic institution. However, it was even more important to me that McGill was well regarded at the international level compared to other highly rated schools in Canada. No matter where you travel, people know of McGill. This was vital for me coming from an international background and wishing to compete on the international stage.
To me, McGill was defined by the level of academic excellence that we were expected to strive for. Everyone was exceptional at what they did and very active in extracurriculars. You met students who drove initiatives rather than simply participating in them, not to mention this was an exceptionally diverse group of people. McGill was not just composed of people from Quebec or Canada; it was a bright young international community in which I could grow.
Because of its international nature, I looked beyond the borders of Canada when entering the workforce. I chose to work in a field and position which led me to work in six different countries by the time I was 25. I could adapt to different cultures but continue to perform at a reasonably high level. In short, I was not afraid to push my boundaries, mentally and quite literally geographically. The result was that, despite growing up in the Caribbean, I ended up working across Europe, now covering Iberia,the Benelux and helping to cover the UK for my team. McGill gave me the foundation of soft skills and experience I need to adapt and succeed when facing different cultures and work dynamics.
McGill was more than a school for me. It contributed so much to my growth and development beyond academia. It introduced me to an exceptional global community with strong traditions around social connections.
People from McGill stand out in a room. That spirit was something I wished to remain a part of and help support. As president of the McGill Alumni Association of the UK, I wanted to continue supporting that community and its traditions.