I visited McGill during my senior year of high school on a whim and toured the campus on a particularly gloomy, rainy November day.

I fell in love with the downtown campus's moody atmosphere and its very 'Collegiate Gothic' appearance.

At the same time, it stood out to me that people were playing on Lower Field and strolling along the Y.

It was exciting.

I was drawn to how McGill, with its renowned reputation, attracted some of the brightest minds while also nurturing a healthy work-life balance.

The students here truly embody the 'work hard, play hard' mentality.

It's hard to pick just a few highlights, but some memorable moments include watching the solar eclipse on Lower Field with some of my closest friends, sunbathing at OAP, watching obscure movies at Peel Street Cinema, hosting the International Development Policy Case Competition, getting A&W on Parc after long nights at Schulich, and getting all dressed up for gala season (departmental awards, Grad Ball, you name it)!Upon graduation, I will be starting a full-time role with the Government of Canada to continue working as a policy/program analyst, as I have for the past few years.

After gaining experience, I hope to pursue a master’s degree and find my way into academia, where my heart lies.

Before McGill, I was very nervous and suffered a great deal from 'imposter syndrome,' battling feelings of inadequacy and insecurity.

It would have been easy to feel intimidated by the caliber of the people who come to study at McGill.

However, I quickly learned from my friends, peers, and professors that we help each other grow.

I carry that mentality into my work.

My time at McGill taught me to trust in others, in my work, and in myself.

I believe genuine, hard work will always be rewarded, and I now know to just trust the process.

I’m going to miss being in a walkable community where all my friends live less than 10 minutes away.

I am so grateful for the many life-long friendships I have made at McGill.

I will also miss the faculty, who have been incredibly supportive and have gone above and beyond as mentors.

The faculty members are so inspiring.

I will miss the enthusiasm and excitement they brought to class.

I will also miss the uniqueness of the courses offered, from 'Black Aesthetics' to 'Melancholic Migrants.

' McGill deserves credit for creating a space for critical engagement and celebrating the diversity of learning.

Go to office hours; professors don’t bite.

Don’t be shy in conferences, especially in Arts classes, because those participation grades will count.

Get involved on campus and join extracurricular activities.

Remember not to get caught up in the rush of it all and go at your own pace.

Sometimes it seems as if everything is going at lightning speed, but remember: your journey is your own.

Above all (and forgive me for the cliché), cherish your time here.

Have a blast.

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