My time at McGill was a very valuable experience. I earned an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Political Science. I was always attracted to McGill’s advantage in attracting an international student body. I wanted to be around people who had different perspectives than my own, had grown up in a different country, spoke a different language, and had a different world view.
I also went through the French immersion program in Vancouver and it was important for me to continue that learning in university, whether on or off campus such as the cinema or grocery store; those little things mattered to me. The beauty of McGill, its international community, and being in a province that is French were all the reasons I was excited to attend.
No matter how busy I am, I always remember how fortunate I am to do the work that I do. I once cut through the Arctic in an icebreaker on my birthday as part of a story.”
I made friends with many students and professors, some of whom I still stay in touch with. They brought value to my life and pushed the limit of my thought process just by virtue of having lived or grown up in a different city or country.
In school, although I was a shy kid, I always loved researching and debating various topics with my classmates in French and English. And I also loved public speaking in both languages. Those early experiences were foundational to what would ultimately be my chosen profession. No matter how busy I am, I always remember how fortunate I am to do the work that I do. I once cut through the Arctic in an icebreaker on my birthday as part of a story. This is one of the most remote corners of the world and it was a special opportunity that I’m very grateful for.
I have also had many mentorship opportunities in my career, and I believe that mentorship is valuable to both mentors and mentees. Every conversation and interaction I have teaches me something. I think that each interaction is an opportunity to mentor and be mentored.
My biggest advice for students is to first ask the question “Why”. In that spirit of trying to understand yourself and the world better, it’s also important to read, and listen, whether it’s podcasts or newscasts, fictional books, or The Economist. But also, never underestimate the value of fiction and art because they transport us to different worlds and places that speak to the heart. That human connection provides richness and fullness in our lives.
Work hard, be the best you can, and eventually your time will come, and you will rise. Don’t be afraid of failure. It’s important to fail, trip, get hurt, and even more important to get back up. Success in life is about getting back up, putting on a smile, learning from that trip and pushing forward. And in times of upheaval and turmoil, try and adapt as best you can. Do things that feed your soul and take care of your mental, physical, and emotional health and well-being.
McGill reinforced my upbringing of thinking globally and knowing that the world we live in is interconnected. Humanity is bound by the collective and we are walking through this world together. At McGill, I was learning from those around me and realizing that we were a lot more alike than different. This gave me big picture thinking and really enhanced and emphasized my appreciation for the world around me. Always remember to take a beat, reflect, listen, and appreciate all these important lessons that are around you.
Photo: Omar Sachedina reporting on the George River in Nunavik (Northern Quebec) for a story about Her Excellency Mary Simon shortly before she was installed as Canada’s first Indigenous Governor General.