When I thought about what I wanted out of university, there were certain things that came to mind. I wanted to study outside of Vancouver and experience the independence that comes with college life: making my way in a bigger city, trying new things, meeting different people. The big-name universities across Canada appealed to me, but there was an intrigue in the European flair of Quebec that had drawn me to McGill. It just seemed to tick all the boxes.
Looking back, I really had an incredible time at McGill. From Frosh week, to sitting on friends’ stoops in the McGill Ghetto, to the hustle and bustle of the city of Montreal, I managed to have a small-town college experience in the heart of a large urban setting. And there was nothing like walking off Sherbrooke Street and through the Roddick Gates – seeing the lush, green campus, Frisbees flying around, people reading on the lawn – and feeling like you were entering a sanctuary of your own.
Upon reflection, McGill created a yearning of more. The entire experience produced such an appreciation for what you had, while also a desire for more, the next step. In appreciating how my eyes had been opened, in how much I was learning, I was inspired to continue. Let's move abroad. Let's put ourselves further out of our comfort zone. Let's expose ourselves to new and different challenges and experiences. The positive experience I had at McGill led to a move to the UK, multiple years in law school, and then a career in investment banking.
To those who are students now, or who have recently graduated: follow your passion, work hard, and be patient. It’s not always clear at a young age what your passion may be; sometimes it can only crystalize later in life. So follow things that inspire you, try them out, and put in the good work. That clarity will come with time; the world has a way of revealing things to you. The more committed you remain to yourself, the more opportunities will open themselves up to you. And the more you'll be able to define what that passion is to pursue.
And remember, obstacles and challenges make you stronger, smarter, and more insightful. There's always meaningful learning that comes out of those experiences. It can be incredibly difficult to be introspective in the moment, but when you look back at those losses, they are far more valuable than any of the wins. Squeeze every bit of value out of those experiences when you can. Any student graduating today is going to be well equipped to deal with challenges and the world head on. There is so much opportunity yet to come.