Tiffany L. Wong considers her McGill days “the best time of my life.” As an undergrad she volunteered at CKUT Radio, became fluent in French, and spent a semester in Paris.
“McGill was always my dream school, and I grew up a lot during those years,” says Wong. “Living away from home, learning the French language and culture, and studying abroad was a dream come true.”
Wong majored in English Cultural Studies, worked in journalism after graduation, and went on to law school at York University in Toronto. She’s now a legal and privacy expert working in Canada’s financial services industry, and she still carries the values she developed at McGill.
“Things such as questioning the status quo, thinking outside the box, and adopting a global mindset helped me in intangible ways. McGill gave me the confidence to think differently, ethically and equitably by asking what is good for humanity.”
Those questions were top of mind for Wong during the COVID-19 pandemic. Like everyone else in lockdown, “I had a lot of time to reflect on the meaning of life and where our world is heading. My parents are getting older and I’m approaching the milestone age of 40. These factors led me to think about writing my will and what I want to leave behind.”
I’m always looking ahead to the future.”
As a result, Wong prepared a holograph will: a handwritten will valid in certain jurisdictions.* She included a bequest to McGill, which will fund a bursary for students in financial need.
“I would like to impact future McGill students, especially those in systemically underserved populations. A legacy gift is a way to reach out to other deserving communities and afford them the same privileges you have been fortunate to experience.”
Wong can still recall her part-time job in McGill’s M.H. Wong Building, named in honour of the late McGill graduate and donor Jimmy Man-Hung Wong. “I used to joke that one day I would open an Arts building next door called the T.L. Wong Building. I don’t have enough funds for that initiative, but you’re never too young to think about how you can make a positive impact.”
Wong is aware that she’s done her estate planning at an unusually young age, but “I’m always looking ahead to the future – perhaps much farther into the future than most individuals my age. I’ve been told I am an old soul at heart – now here is further proof!”
Tiffany’s foresight means that she’ll pass on the same educational opportunities she had to others. “I definitely benefited from the freedom to explore different areas of study and extracurricular activities. They were a key part of my development, and I like knowing that future students will benefit as well.”
* Please check provincial/state regulations before initiating a holograph will.