From the time I was 14, I wanted to study biochemistry at one of the best universities. With its excellent reputation and easy accessibility to the US, McGill was at the top of my list.
During my first year at McGill, some of my classes were huge. Despite the number of students, I always found that I could approach the professors, who were very helpful. Having attended a UN school and received an international baccalaureate diploma, I was able to skip some of the preliminary courses and fit what would have been four years at an American college into three years.
After obtaining my undergraduate and graduate degrees from McGill, I completed my PhD at NYU. Early on in my career, people would ask me about my academic background. Our discussion always focused more on McGill than on NYU. My McGill degrees gave me credibility.
The prevailing view was that if you had a degree from McGill, you must be able to do anything. Having been accustomed to McGill’s heavy academic workload, I did not shy away from taking on a full-time job while working on my PhD. McGill instilled a strong work ethic and drive in me. Working hard was part of what I did.
Throughout my professional life, I have enjoyed working with fellow staff members and guiding their development. This interest ultimately prompted me to switch to a different career. I pivoted into coaching – something that had nothing to do with biochemistry. My chosen profession found me, and it found me ready for it.
If I could give today’s students any advice it would be to explore things outside of their studies. While major and honors programs at McGill are often very directed, there may be other things that they may want to explore. One never knows where this may lead. When I was at McGill, I was able to select two courses outside of my program. I chose one aligned with my studies, and the other was a language that I wanted to explore.
I encourage students to venture outside their comfort zone. Try something different, something that tests you. You may discover that there's something else that interests you. And you never know where this may lead. I also encourage students to reach out to faculty for help and guidance.
Seize the opportunities that come your way. My opportunity to study at McGill worked out really well.