Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship

Back to School 2024

Rotman Commerce

St. Michael's College

Subheadline

“That's the great thing about being an international student in Canada ... Everyone is friendly. You can just reach out to anyone for help”

Unlike many first-year international students at the University of Toronto, Ngọc Anh Thư (Tina) Huỳnh already has plenty of experience living and studying in Canada – and the inevitable cultural shock that can come along with it.

She even wrote a book on it.

A Vietnamese student who has been attending school in Ontario since Grade 8, Huỳnh has cultivated the cultural fluency, study habits and – it must be said – winter survival tactics needed to thrive in Canadian classrooms.

After writing a guide for other Vietnamese students, she’s been helping her fellow Lester B. Pearson International Scholars adjust to life in Canada by sharing tips in a group chat on everything from what to pack to navigating the airport.

“It kind of reminds me of when I first came to Canada, because I had the same feeling – I was really nervous,” says Huỳnh, who is studying at Rotman Commerce in the Faculty of Arts & Science as a member of St. Michael’s College.

Born and raised in Ho Chi Minh City, Huỳnh moved to Canada at age 13, starting her studies in Windsor, Ont. with a Vietnamese host family and later continuing her education at a school in nearby London, where she lived in residence.

Far away from her family and the familiarity of home, Huỳnh says she had to learn how to be independent. But she soon discovered that connecting with others eased the transition.

“What I found helpful was to find a community,” she says. “It could be a group of friends – maybe from your old country, or just someone you meet [here] ... You need someone by your side.”

She also discovered that Canadians were eager to make newcomers feel at home.

“That's the great thing about being an international student in Canada,” says Huỳnh. “Everyone is friendly. You can just reach out to anyone for help.”

A polyglot with fluency in Mandarin, Korean, Spanish and French in addition to Vietnamese and English, Huỳnh says she is quick to pick up new languages, but it still took her a while to get the hang of Canadian slang. For example, she recalls scratching her head when a Tim Hortons cashier threw around strange words like “loonie” and “toonie.”

“I was actually really confident with my English. But then it was destroyed because … communication styles were so different,” she says, encouraging international students to not be deterred by initial language barriers.

When the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe, Huỳnh responded by building international connections through business. She founded an online venture to retail Korean merchandise to customers in the United States and Canada, which later expanded to serve more than 10 countries globally.

“It was really hard to purchase face masks or any medical supplies, so I thought of starting my business as a way to earn profits to support people during that time.”

The experience, while challenging, proved rewarding, with Huỳnh eventually donating a portion of her earnings to those in need.

In addition to her entrepreneurial ventures, Huỳnh began to consider how her journey could benefit others. With a deep love for writing, she drew on her notebooks to organize her thoughts on navigating culture shock, adapting to new learning environments and finding community.

Huỳnh’s insights formed the basis of her published book: Cẩm Nang Du Học Canada (A Complete Guide to Studying in Canada).

“I figured it may be a good idea to share all of my knowledge and understanding from my experience with high school students and their parents who are looking for this information.”

Huỳnh founded an online venture to sell Korean merchandise to customers in the U.S. and Canada, which later expanded to serve more than 10 countries (supplied image)

As a Pearson Scholar, Huỳnh is now hoping to build more connections and share her experiences as part of a global community of future leaders.

“I've already connected with a lot of amazing people – a lot of amazing students, alumni, even professors,” Huỳnh says. “The Pearson community is so supportive.”

Here are some of Huỳnh’s tips for international students arriving in Canada:

Stay connected to home: “Stay connected with your family and friends, because maybe you don't notice how much you miss them when they're right next to you. But when you're away from them – especially like for me, half the Earth away – it's really nice to talk to your parents, talk to your siblings, your friends, and just share your life.”
Find comfort in food: “For homesickness, one of the most healing ways, at least for me, is through food. And I think for Toronto, at least, I don't think people have to worry too much about having difficulties finding restaurants for their own culture.”
Dress smart for winter: “My advice would be to stick to thermal clothing – those are just very thin and cling close to your body. When I tell people about that, they’re surprised because thermal clothes are so thin compared to puffy layers of jackets. But trust me, they’ll keep you warmer."\
Take notes in class: “I know that in a lot of countries, especially Asian countries, people are probably used to teachers outlining everything. But it’s different in Canada … Professors can go really fast in lectures, so scribbling some notes – even if you have ugly handwriting – is a great way to learn and revise for exams.”
Embrace Canadian culture: “If you’re walking on the street, and a stranger says, ‘Hi’ – don’t freak out. They’re just being nice!”

Building a better world: Three Pearson Scholars – and soon-to-be grads – reflect on their U of T experience

rahul.kalvapalle — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 20:13:25 +0000

Building a better world: Three Pearson Scholars – and soon-to-be grads – reflect on their U of T experience

rahul.kalvapalle Mon, 06/03/2024 - 16:13

Cutline

Left to right: Niha Burugapalli, Daniel Corredor Llorente and Ana Laura Noda González (supplied images)

Rahul Kalvapalle

Topic

Our Community

Convocation 2024

Electrical & Computer Engineering

Subheadline

“An unsurpassable opportunity to study at one of the world's leading institutions, on a full ride, while joining a cohort of bright, passionate and driven changemakers”

An aspiring clinician-scientist who is reducing food waste across Toronto. A global health student who launched an NGO that connects students with seniors through art. And an international relations specialist who worked on an array of human rights projects.

Ana Laura Noda González, Niha Burugapalli and Daniel Corredor Llorente came to the University of Toronto from different regions of the world, with unique career aspirations and a wide assortment of volunteering causes.

But the three Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship recipients all share one trait: a commitment to making a difference. And all three are graduating from their respective programs this June.

Here's how they plan to use their U of T educations to help make the world a better place:

Ana Laura Noda González

(photo supplied)

González, who is graduating with an honours bachelor of science in psychology with minors in immunology and Buddhist psychology and mental health in the Faculty of Arts & Science, says Canada wasn’t on her list of destinations for post-secondary studies – until she heard about the Pearson Scholarship.

“I ran into my school principal’s office and told her that she had to nominate me,” says González, who was born in Cuba and grew up in Mexico.

Upon arriving in Toronto, González says she was taken aback by rampant food waste – particularly given her family’s origins in Cuba, a country with widespread food insecurity. So she co-founded MealCare Toronto, a student-run non-profit that diverts surplus food from cafeterias and restaurants to shelters and food banks.

The Woodsworth College student says her academic interests evolved considerably while at U of T, and that she now plans to pursue graduate and doctoral research in psychiatry and mental health. “Psychiatry is a relatively new field of medicine – there are a lot of unknowns so I’d like to do something in that,” says González, who is currently working as a research assistant at SickKids Hospital.

Looking back on her time at U of T, González says she was pleasantly surprised by the ease at which she was able to forge connections.

“Even during the COVID times, I was able to find a community online … and I still have some of my best friends now from that time,” she says. “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have done my undergrad here.”

Niha Burugapalli

(photo supplied)

Burugapalli, who was born in India and raised in Connecticut, is graduating with a bachelor of science in global health and peace, conflict and justice studies.

While at U of T, the Victoria College student engaged in diverse experiential learning opportunities that ranged from working on the UN Sustainable Development Goals with the Reach Alliance to conducting neuroscience research in Sweden as part of a summer exchange program and spending a semester abroad in Granada, Spain.

Burugapalli is a co-founder of the EmpowART Foundation, an NGO that gives undergraduate students the opportunity to lead art workshops in nursing homes and hospitals – promoting healing through art while encouraging intergenerational connections.

“The goal was to empower the seniors as they engage in a new skill … while bridging the gap between students searching for opportunities to make an impact and the isolation experienced by many seniors,” she says.

Burugapalli says she’s grateful for the sense of community that U of T had to offer. “The college system and being part of Vic was really nice to be able to make great friends easily and find a community and support in such a large student body,” she says.

“Overall, I have really enjoyed my time at U of T and have been enriched by all the amazing opportunities like research and studying abroad and all the inspiring people I have had the privilege of meeting along the way.”

Daniel Corredor Llorente

(photo supplied)

Corredor Llorente, who is originally from Colombia, says he didn’t think twice about accepting U of T’s offer.

“No other university I applied to offered anything as promising – much less so in a country as welcoming as Canada and a cosmopolitan city like Toronto,” says Corredor Llorente, who is both a Pearson Scholar and Laidlaw Scholar at Trinity College, and is graduating with an international relations specialist with minors in economics and political science.

“My academic experience at U of T was timely and top-tier, though not without its challenges considering the extremely complex – and often painful – issues of the day,” Corredor says, noting his undergraduate years coincided with global challenges from the pandemic to armed conflict and growing human rights concerns around the world.

Corredor Llorente credits his U of T professors, coursework and research opportunities with helping him access hands-on experience in the field – including internships with the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights for internally displaced persons, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and the Compaz Foundation, an NGO founded by former Colombian president and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Juan Manuel Santos.

Corredor Llorente, who is currently working to advance human rights in the Americas via an Orlando Sierra Fellowship in Washington, D.C., says he’s grateful to the Pearson Scholars program for providing “an unsurpassable opportunity to study at one of the world's leading institutions, on a full ride, while joining a cohort of bright, passionate and driven changemakers committed to tackling society's polycrisis.”

Making waves: U of T entrepreneur uses quantum chemistry, AI to purify drinking water

rahul.kalvapalle — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 19:51:46 +0000

Making waves: U of T entrepreneur uses quantum chemistry, AI to purify drinking water

rahul.kalvapalle Tue, 04/23/2024 - 15:51

Cutline

U of T's Diana Virgovicova, the founder and CEO of XAtoms, is using quantum computing and AI to discover water-purifying molecules in a bid to improve access to clean drinking water around the globe (photo courtesy of Diana Virgovicova)

Rahul Kalvapalle

Topic

Our Community

Entrepreneurship Week

U of T Entrepreneurship

Artificial Intelligence

Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering

Quantum Computing

Startups

Subheadline

At age 17, Diana Virgovicova discovered a molecule that can eliminate pollutants from water when exposed to sunlight

It’s not a bullet point that appears many resumes, let alone one belonging to a teenager: “Utilized quantum computing to discover a molecule that could revolutionize water treatment.”

But that’s exactly what Diana Virgovicova accomplished at age 17 when she modelled a molecule that can eliminate pollutants from water when exposed to sunlight.

Originally from Slovakia, Virgovicova later made her way to the University of Toronto to study computer engineering on a Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship and founded Xatoms, a startup using quantum computing and AI to discover water-purifying molecules in an effort to solve a long-standing global health problem.

“We want to be the leading water purification company in the world, offering affordable and efficient solutions and reaching some of the most vulnerable communities in the world,” says Virgovicova.

The young company is already making waves.

In March, Xatoms took home the top prizes for early-stage startups at the Desjardins Startup Prize and Pitch With a Twist competitions at U of T’s annual Entrepreneurship Week. A few days later, it was selected for the inaugural Compute for Climate Fellowship awarded by the International Research Centre on Artificial Intelligence, an organization backed by Amazon Web Services and UNESCO.

Virgovicova’s growing list of accolades also includes being selected for the NEXT 36 entrepreneurship program, the 776 Climate Fellowship (backed by Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian) and a Stockholm Junior Water Prize, which she received from Sweden’s Crown Princess Victoria.

She says she first recognized the urgency of the global water crisis when she was 14. She and her mother travelled to India, where she was confronted with a heavily polluted beach in Mumbai. “It really made me think about how we can solve this problem,” she says. “I decided to make cleaning polluted water my life’s mission.”

Upon returning home, Virgovicova contacted the University of Slovakia to enquire about water treatment research. A professor told her how quantum chemistry could be used to identify photocatalysts – materials that use sunlight to kickstart a chemical reaction that degrades pollutants.

Virgovicova says she began teaching herself to use quantum chemistry software and, within three years, used it to model a novel photocatalytic molecule.

How does it work? Most existing photocatalytic substances required ultraviolet (UV) radiation, but the structure that Virgovicova modelled works when exposed to simple visible light. “What I did was to remove this necessity of having an expensive UV reactor by modelling structures which would work when exposed to radiation from the sun,” she says.

The next step was to explore creating a company based around the discovery, which Virgovicova says influenced her decision to come to U of T. “I knew I wanted to build a company in the water space, so I chose U of T because it’s one of the best research-based universities in the world when it comes to entrepreneurship,” she says.

Xatoms, which was part of The Bridge accelerator program at U of T Scarborough, builds on Virgovicova’s photocatalyst discovery by incorporating AI to discover more – and more efficient – materials and molecules. “It’s now much more advanced and it’s not just about one material – it’s about multiple [materials] because different types of environments will need different types of materials to clean the water,” she says.

Xatoms now comprises a three-person team that includes co-founder and chief technology officer Kerem Topal Ismail Oglou, a computer engineering student at U of T, and chief operations officer Shirley Zhong, a Western University student.

The goal is to create two product lines: an industrial water-treatment powder that can eliminate viruses, pesticides and bacteria, and a portable water filter for consumer use. To that end, the company is collaborating with Alexandra Tavasoli, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at the University of British Columbia, to synthesize photocatalytic molecules in the lab – a process that Virgovicova estimates will take several months.

Xatoms is also pursuing partnerships with water treatment organizations in South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria and India, and working with foundations in the U.K. and the Netherlands.

Virgovicova says access to safe drinking water isn't just a health issue but one of gender equality since women and girls often shoulder the burden of securing water for their households in many parts of the world.

“We want to see the number of people who lack access to clean drinking water to be reduced, and to see fewer women and girls investing their time – up to eight hours [a day] in some cases – to bring home a single container of water,” Virgovicova says. “Our goal is to have a big impact and introduce more and more solutions to reach as many people as possible.”

Global view: Students from around the world on what they give to – and gain from – U of T

Christopher.Sorensen — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 16:13:41 +0000

Global view: Students from around the world on what they give to – and gain from – U of T

Christopher.Sorensen Tue, 03/12/2024 - 12:13

Cutline

From left to right: Sapolnach Prompiengchai, Laura Ramos Barbosa, Mahmoud Rashid and Juliana Rivas Torrente (photo of Mahmoud Rashid by Safa Jinje, others supplied)

Adina Bresge

Topic

Centre for International Experience

Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work

Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering

Rhodes Scholars

U of T Scarborough

Subheadline

With the relaunch of the $3-million International Student Experience Fund, international students to enjoy expanded supports across the university's three campuses

Applying for a study permit. Finding one’s place in a learning environment far away from home. Getting a handle on intercultural workplace etiquette.

International students come to the University of Toronto from all over the world, but share similar experiences adjusting to a new school, culture and country, says Juliana Rivas Torrente, a third-year student from Colombia who is majoring in economics and public policy in the Faculty of Arts & Science.

Thankfully, she says, U of T offers services and resources to help international students navigate these transitions at every step of their academic journey.

Juliana Rivas Torrente (supplied image)

“I've had a support for everything that has come up in my time at U of T,” Rivas Torrente says.

Rivas Torrente is one of two student members of a committee that adjudicates proposals submitted by faculty and staff to the International Student Experience Fund (ISEF), which was launched in 2018 to help foster a supportive environment on U of T’s three campuses by supporting initiatives that enhance the experience of the university’s international students and set them up for success.

To date, ISEF has funded 33 projects that range from initiatives that promote health and physical activity to translating the stories of multi-language learners into comics that promote intercultural understanding.

Now, U of T is building on the fund’s success by relaunching it with the approval of three new projects: the development of a digital tool that will help international students stay up to date on their immigration documents, a program to prepare graduate students for professional life across cultures and a project to enhance supports for undergraduate students in the Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education throughout their U of T journey.

Rivas Torrente says the ISEF’s relaunch underscores U of T’s ongoing commitment to supporting international students on campus and beyond.

“There is truly a want on their part to have us here because of what we can bring to the table,” she says. “It also serves as reassurance that there are funds being allocated to creating programs that are specifically tailored to international students.”

As a member of the Centre for International Experience’s International Student Experience Student Advisory Committee, Rivas Torrente has helped shape the many supports available to international students across the university – both through targeted programs and campus-wide initiatives that have integrated the needs of international students into their services.

“U of T has done a great job setting up an institution where people are going to thrive and learn and explore,” she says, noting that international students bring with them different experiences and perspectives that contribute to U of T’s growing reputation as a global learning institution.

“But what really ends up having that differential, beyond any other university, it's really getting to meet people that challenge your worldviews – your perceptions – that make you kind of shift your attention towards completely different concerns.”

As U of T prepares to welcome some of the world’s top students for fall 2024, U of T News spoke to three other international students about how their experiences, backgrounds and ideas converged to invigorate U of T’s global community.

Mahmoud Rashid

(photo by Safa Jinje)

Though he wasn’t able to fly home to Tanzania during winter break, Mahmoud Rashid says staff at the University of Toronto’s Chestnut Residence made sure he wasn’t feeling left out or alone.

Wellness co-ordinators organized activities including cookie decoration, postcard writing, reflection time and a communal dinner, says Rashid, a second-year student in materials science and engineering in the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering.

It’s just one of the myriad ways U of T supports international students at every step of their journey across the globe.

“There are so many resources that it can sometimes be overwhelming – academic and professional development, student life and mental health,” Rashid says.

He adds that he received an enthusiastic welcome to U of T moments after stepping off the plane at Toronto Pearson International Airport, where volunteer students at the U of T Airport Welcome Booth offered directions to campus and tips about Toronto.

As he settled in, Rashid says the Centre for International Experience smoothed his transition with resources about immigration, health care and life in Canada (including how to dress for the winter), while the First Year Office at U of T Engineering offered academic advising to set him up for success.

A Lester B. Pearson International Scholar, Rashid says the program, part of U of T’s growing menu of entrance scholarships for high-achieving international students, goes far beyond providing financial support for his four years of undergraduate studies.

It prepares Pearson scholars to not only excel academically, but give back to the community, says Rashid, providing resources ranging from workshops about time management to meet-and-greets with influential leaders.

“What’s a better way to learn about leadership than being with actual leaders and students who have similar dreams as yours?” he says. “They provide that platform where we get to learn from each other and make long-lasting connections.”

Whenever he feels homesick, Rashid says he turns to the African International Support Group for social support and a sense of community among students of several cultural backgrounds in Africa.

“Whatever place in the world you’re coming from, at U of T, you just know there’s a group or a club of people that have experienced something similar to you,” he says.

“There are so many supports that are there for you so that you can belong.”

Sapolnach Prompiengchai

(supplied image)

Sapolnach Prompiengchai, a fourth-year neuroscience student at U of T Scarborough, credits the university’s international community for informing his research on mental health.

He says the diverse perspectives reflected in his work likely resonated with the committee who selected him for a prestigious Rhodes Scholarship, making him the first student from Thailand to be selected through the Global Rhodes program.

“In mental health, to create culturally competent care, you need to understand that you need to incorporate diverse perspectives, and that was ingrained in me at the University of Toronto,” says Prompiengchai, who attended high school in Bangalore, India before coming to U of T Scarborough.

“By understanding such diverse perspectives, I was able to truly appreciate the importance of reconciling differences to solve issues. And I think, in a way, that aligns with Rhodes’ mission of fostering a dynamic global community.”

Prompiengchai is among five U of T students and learners who are headed to the University of Oxford as part of the latest cohort of exceptional young people from around the world to receive the coveted scholarship.

He says U of T – a large and globally top-ranked research university with expertise across a broad range of fields – equipped him with a multidisciplinary outlook that will set him up to succeed among the world-renowned ranks of the Rhodes community. That includes learning how neuroscience intersects with global issues such as mental health and climate change.

Moreover, Prompiengchai says he gained a range of perspectives from the U of T community, by making friends at the International Students Centre and learning from global leaders as a Pearson Scholar.

And he has contributed his own perspective in turn.

“Regardless of what you’re interested in, you're going to get an extensive, long-term network of exceptional students and faculty from around the world,” he says of the university.

“Within this diverse set of networks, you also shape the place and make the place even more diverse. It’s a really good cycle of learning.”

Laura Ramos Barbosa

(supplied image)

When she arrived at U of T in 2019, Laura Ramos Barbosa remembers going to the Centre for International Experience (CIE) with questions about everything from getting a Social Insurance Number to navigating the St. George campus.

Now, with a bachelor’s degree under her belt, Ramos Barbosa is the one doling out answers as a University Health Plan co-ordinator at CIE as she pursues a master’s in social work.

She’s among a number of international students who have gone on to work at CIE as part of a knowledge exchange that spans graduating classes and continents.

“When you get to speak to other international students, you get to build more of that community, interact with people from other places and find people with common backgrounds.”

Originally from Brazil, Ramos Barbosa lived in a number of different places before landing in Toronto. She says she’s brought these experiences to bear in the classroom, particularly during her undergraduate studies in women and gender studies and anthropology, giving peers a perspective into parts of the world with which they might not be familiar.

“I was always trying to connect my experiences and identity with my education,” she says. “I was able to bring those experiences to the table for other people to learn about and, on the other hand, I got to learn from other people's experiences.”

Art, math and knowing yourself: Paris Ouma reflects on her journey from Kenya to U of T

mattimar — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 14:54:36 +0000

Art, math and knowing yourself: Paris Ouma reflects on her journey from Kenya to U of T

mattimar Wed, 09/20/2023 - 10:54

Cutline

Paris Ouma, pictured here with her artwork, is beginning her studies at U of T Mississauga this fall with the support of the university’s Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (all images courtesy of Paris Ouma)

Topic

Math

Mathematics

Paris Ouma says she always feels hesitant before she begins to paint, questioning herself and her artistic abilities.

But her confidence inevitably returns with each brushstroke.

“What I love about art is how much it encapsulates so much of myself in every way,” she says. “Painting to me is a physical manifestation of how I re-learn over and over again to trust the process and myself.”

Ouma, who lived hours away from her family at age 12 while attending boarding school in Kenya, will once again be looking within herself as she prepares to embark on her next big chapter: moving to Canada to attend the University of Toronto as a Lester B. Pearson scholar.

“Don’t get me wrong, I’m still going to cry a lot,” says Ouma, who is enrolled in a social sciences program at U of T Mississauga. “But I’m ready for change more often than not.”

Named after Lester B. Pearson, a U of T alumnus, former prime minister and Nobel Prize recipient, the Pearson scholarship was created by U of T to bring exceptional students from around the world to study at the university. Awarded to those who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and are recognized as leaders within their high school, the scholarship covers four years of study for first-entry students in undergraduate programs, including tuition, books, incidental fees and residence support.

Ouma says creating art teaches her how to trust herself and the artistic process

Ouma, one of 38 students to be awarded the scholarship this year, says attending boarding school in Molo, Kenya at such a young age taught her discipline, independence and, above all, the importance of speaking up for herself.

The self-confidence she gained through the experience made it easier to trust her instincts and follow her interests, even when they pointed in seemingly different directions.

That’s how she ended up becoming an artist with a passion for solving math problems, which she describes as “a thrill.”

“I used to be really bad at math, so my grandma tutored me. I got my first A in year eight and that’s when I started liking it,” says Ouma, who studied art, math and history in high school.

“It’s so satisfying when you get it.”

While math and art may seem worlds apart, they share a range of creative and cognitive skills that are increasingly valued in a wide range of fields, from medicine to business.

At U of T Mississauga, Ouma plans to pursue a degree that will lead to a career in wealth management or private equity – with a minor in art, of course.

She is also keen to help others discover themselves.

At her boarding school, she mentored younger students, empowering them to take pride in their native language and lending a helping hand in their exam preparations.

“I like listening and sitting down and being in people’s presence,” she says. “There’s so much people can offer you and you can offer them.”

Upon arriving in Canada, Ouma plans to explore the outdoors, including the natural beauty that surrounds the U of T Mississauga campus along the serene banks of Credit River. She has already made connections with fellow Pearson scholars through a group chat and says she’s excited to meet her soon to be roommate Natran Ambaye Tewoldemedhin, who is coming to U of T Mississauga from Ethiopia.

As she was preparing for her flight, Ouma packed her life into three suitcases – bringing with her essential hair products, two puffer jackets to combat the Toronto winter and a secret ingredient to make every meal special.

“It’s a seasoning blend called Royco – it’s Kenyan and I put it on everything.”

'U of T’s greatest strength is its people': International student Aamyneh Mecklai on the thrill of being on campus

rahul.kalvapalle — Thu, 06 Oct 2022 19:37:17 +0000

'U of T’s greatest strength is its people': International student Aamyneh Mecklai on the thrill of being on campus

rahul.kalvapalle Thu, 10/06/2022 - 15:37

Cutline

An international student in her third year at Rotman Commerce, Aamyneh Mecklai was deeply involved in extra-curricular activities during her first two years at U of T – even while studying remotely (photo courtesy of Aamyneh Mecklai)

Rahul Kalvapalle

Topic

Rotman Commerce

Students

Trinity College

Undergraduate Students

Aamyneh Mecklai’s transition to student life at the University of Toronto was anything but straightforward, but she says she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Originally from Mumbai, India, Mecklai was accepted to U of T in 2020 with a Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship. But the elation of receiving the university’s most competitive full-ride scholarship for international students soon gave way to the reality that she wouldn’t be able to move to Toronto due to the pandemic – and would have to complete her first semester remotely from halfway around the world.

Mecklai finally arrived in Toronto in time for the winter 2021 term – on a freezing January day, no less. She then headed straight to two weeks of quarantine and a delayed return to in-person classes, as the university responded to the Omicron variant.

Now in her third year at Rotman Commerce – at a time when U of T’s three campuses are once again brimming with activity and excitement – Mecklai says the journey has made her all the more appreciative of the joys of campus life and better equipped to tackle its challenges.

“When I finally came to U of T, I felt like I was much stronger and much more independent,” she says. “I had so much to look forward to, there were so many people to meet and so many things I could now do in-person.

“It was definitely a little challenging at times, but I’m in love with U of T and Toronto. Looking back, I don’t think I would have it any other way.”

Aamyneh Mecklai kayaking in Toronto's harbour (photo courtesy of Aamyneh Mecklai)

Mecklai was one of thousands of students around the world who couldn’t begin their post-secondary experience in person due to the pandemic. Her best friend, who was accepted into a college in New York, was also affected – so the duo decided to make the most of their shared predicament by moving into a Mumbai apartment together.

“We had a pseudo-college experience and learned to live alone, cook, take care of our apartment and each other, and balance academics alongside,” Mecklai says. “It was a really interesting experience and, in retrospect, a beautiful transition to college.”

In addition to getting a taste of independent living, Mecklai also wasted no time getting involved in an array of extra-curricular activities at U of T. She joined an online dance organization, wrote for the Varsity and the Trinity Times, and participated in several clubs and leadership platforms that catered to her interests in activism, education access and girls’ rights – including Trinity Women in Leadership and the U of T chapter of Girl Up, a leadership development initiative launched by the United Nations Foundation.

“Although I was studying remotely, I had access to incredible resources at U of T and was able to express myself, albeit online,” says Mecklai, an aspiring social entrepreneur and lawyer.

Trinity College, in particular, served as a rich network for Mecklai to find likeminded people.

Through the college, Mecklai connected with student-activists and twin sisters Maryam and Nivaal Rehman, who run the non-profit MNR Foundation. Mecklai helped them launch a student-led digital advocacy tool called Feminae Carta, which provides resources to young and inspiring advocates, and is backed by organizations including the UN Girls’ Education Initiative (UNGEI), Malala Fund and Disney. She has since been interviewed by UNGEI about Feminae Carta, and launched a podcast with the Rehman sisters.

Nivaal (L) and Maryam Rehman run the non-profit MNR Foundation (photo courtesy of McKinley Tretler for Malala Fund)

“What was so incredible is that I had access to all of this before I even physically arrived in Toronto,” Mecklai says. “U of T’s greatest strength is its people – you just need to reach for it.”

Of course, connecting with people exclusively over Zoom and phone calls wasn’t always smooth sailing. “Initially, it was a bit jarring because you don’t know how connected you’ll feel to other people and there can be some awkward moments, but it was just about persisting through it – and knowing that when you come to U of T, there will be so many opportunities to meet and connect with people. So, there was always so much to look forward to.”

Mecklai finally arrived in Toronto in January 2021 – “I certainly didn’t know what -18 C felt like,” she recalls – and completed two weeks of quarantine at the CampusOne residence building before moving into her current digs at Trinity College.

Aamyneh Mecklai with her friend Tazriaan Islam outside Trinity College in winter (photo courtesy of Aamyneh Mecklai)

While the large class sizes and sheer numbers of people on campus may have seemed daunting at first, Mecklai says she’s come to see it as one of U of T’s best attributes.

“That’s the beauty of U of T … it gives you so much choice and diversity in being able to pick and gravitate towards your people,” she says. “You’re always going to be spoiled for choice, whether it’s extra-curricularly, academically or professors you want to engage with.”

Mecklai emphasizes the extra-curricular aspect, which she says is her favourite part of the university experience.

“To be very honest, academics for me is something I do like to work on, but I think I’m really driven by things I do outside the classroom and side projects,” she says.

To that end, Mecklai has worked to create links between her schoolwork and outside interests. She's currently involved in a research project with Professor Karen Mundy of the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education that explores India's Right to Education Act in the context of rural communities – specifically, how skills like communication and expression can be better incorporated into education. It’s a subject that’s directly inspired by Mecklai’s efforts as the founder of Speak to Lead, a non-profit that teaches conversational English and public speaking skills to over 1500 students across rural and urban India, with plans to scale to Pakistan and Kenya.

For Mecklai, the Pearson Scholarship has been a crucial source of both financial support and community. “The Pearson Scholarship is one of the greatest gifts I think I'll ever receive," she said. "Of course, it has some incredible financial benefits and covers tuition, residence, etc. for all four years – but what stands out to me are the cohorts of students that hail from different parts of the world, study different disciplines and still feel fiercely united ... we are all in pursuit of a better tomorrow."

Mecklai says she hopes to contribute to that better tomorrow via a career path that involves combining a private-sector efficiency with a public sector-driven vision, specifically in the context of access to education. “As a Rotman Commerce student, I’m still equipping myself with the toolkit I need in order to create and understand private-public partnerships, to further scale an initiative like Speak to Lead – and, importantly, to not be afraid to try new things.

"I do think grad school’s on the cards. However, at this point, I’m very open to new experiences and I think it’s becoming clearer with every year that I want my work to be impact-driven.”

Aamyneh Mecklai says good-bye to her mother, left, and other members of her family in India (photo courtesy of Aamyneh Mecklai)

For the time being, though, she's squarely focused on savoring the second half of her undergraduate experience – and spending as much time as possible at her most beloved St. George campus locations. “My favourite spot on campus is St. Hilda’s College Rigby Room [in Trinity College]. You’ll find me trying to sight-read music by the piano. It’s one of the most beautiful rooms I’ve seen and sitting by the piano makes me feel at home,” she says.

“Something else I’m really looking forward to is running to The Buttery with my friends to grab a coffee in between classes. The Buttery is one spot where we’ll attempt to study, hang out and eat food all at once. Sitting there with my friends makes me feel most like an undergraduate student, a feeling that I’m learning to truly relish and be grateful for.”

U of T welcomes 37 undergraduate students from 25 countries through Pearson Scholarship program

mattimar — Wed, 28 Sep 2022 15:02:27 +0000

U of T welcomes 37 undergraduate students from 25 countries through Pearson Scholarship program

mattimar Wed, 09/28/2022 - 11:02

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Omina Nematova, who is originally from Uzbekistan and completed high school in the U.S., is one of 37 Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship recipients who was welcomed to U of T at a recent event held at Hart House (photo by Lisa Lightbourn)

Mariam Matti

Topic

Innis College

Joseph Wong

Rotman Commerce

Trinity College

Undergraduate Students

Victoria College

Candace Sara Ciju couldn’t believe it when she received an email saying she had received the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, which covers four years of study at the University of Toronto for international undergraduate students.

“I think I read it about 20 to 30 times just to check,” said Ciju, who is from India and lived in the United Arab Emirates.

She remembers calling her mom over to double check the email.

“It was a very happy moment. We were just jumping around the house,” said the Trinity College student who is studying humanities in the Faculty of Arts & Science. “I’m just so grateful to have this experience and to be part of this esteemed scholarship.”

At this year’s welcoming ceremony for the Pearson Scholars, Ciju was selected to address the audience in the debate room at Hart House. She encouraged the other 36 newly arrived international students – representing 25 countries from around the world – to seize the opportunity and make the most of what U of T has to offer.

U of T President Meric Gertler, Vice-President, International Joseph Wong and Vice-Provost, Students Sandy Welsh attended the event and welcomed the 2022 cohort of Pearson Scholars to the university.

“On behalf of the entire University of Toronto, I would like to offer an official welcome to our newest cohort of Lester B. Pearson International Scholars,” President Gertler told the students.

“All of you have already demonstrated exceptional academic ability and leadership qualities, and you were chosen for this scholarship because of your tremendous potential to contribute to the global community.”

He encouraged the scholars to make the most out of the learning opportunities U of T has to offer both inside and outside the classroom.

U of T President Meric Gertler, centre, takes a photo with the 2022 cohort of Pearson Scholars. Vice-President, International Joseph Wong stands to his left. Vice-Provost, Students Sandy Welsh is on his right (photo by Lisa Lightbourn

Welsh similarly said the scholars should connect with as many classmates, mentors, professors and U of T staff as they can and to take advantage of the extra-curricular activities available on campus.

Wong, meanwhile, reminded the scholars that there will be difficult times, but that there is a large community of support around them.

Named after Lester B. Pearson, a U of T alumnus, former prime minister and Nobel Prize recipient, the scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, creativity and leadership – and a commitment to making an impact in their communities.

The scholarship covers four years of study at U of T for first-entry international students in undergraduate programs, including tuition, books, incidental fees and residence support. This year’s students were selected from 1,892 nominations submitted by high schools worldwide.

At the reception, U of T News spoke to five of this year’s Pearson Scholars about what brought them to U of T and what they hope to accomplish in the future.

Lizramona Lugano Mwakitwange

From Tanzania, lived in Kenya

Studying life sciences in the Faculty of Arts & Science, Trinity College

(Photo by Lisa Lightbourn)

Lizramona Lugano Mwakitwange wants to empower women across Africa and around the world to get involved in STEM subjects.

“A big part of my work was trying to raise awareness about African women in science who are paving the way for girls like me to succeed,” she said.

In high school, Mwakitwange worked with platforms such as Girls in Science 4SDGs and the New York Academy of Sciences to build her leadership and scientific skills. She said a personal highlight was addressing the United Nations General Assembly last year on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

“I got to represent Tanzania and have an opportunity to create a different perception of who Tanzania women – and who African women – can be.”

Mwakitwange said when people think of a scientist, they often think about someone who exists only in a lab or in an office. Joining U of T will give her an opportunity to change that perception, too.

“A scientist can also be a musician, an artist,” she said. “My goal is to try and encourage girls and boys alike all over the world that they can be a multipotent individual, that they can make change within our world through different passions and try create something innovative and fruitful.”

She said it not only felt surreal being selected as a Pearson Scholar, “It shows people in my community that they can do it. It’s not outside their reach.”

Mariya Grynevych

From Ukraine, lived in the United Kingdom

Studying social sciences in the Faculty of Arts & Science, Trinity College

(Photo by Lisa Lightbourn)

Mariya Grynevych lived in Liv, Ukraine, for 17 years before she received a scholarship to attend a boarding school in the United Kingdom.

In her home country, she volunteered for many initiatives and founded a non-profit organization. Her main objective? Provide accessible education to students in small villages in Ukraine.

At age 13, Grynevych travelled across Europe as a volunteer with a delegation from Children for Peace All Over the World to raise humanitarian aid funding for children affected by the war in the east of Ukraine. The young group of volunteers even addressed the Pope in the Vatican.

“That’s when my interest in politics, international relations and education began,” she said.

At U of T, Grynevych wants to make as many connections as possible and is looking forward to her academic experience.

“I just want to make the most out of this opportunity,” she said. “Every time I go to a new country, I gain so much knowledge and so much more perspective. I can see [an issue] from so many different sides.”

She hopes to return home to Ukraine after she graduates to help rebuild the country, which was invaded by Russia earlier this year.

Muhammad Masood

From Pakistan

U of T Mississauga, studying commerce

(Photo by Lisa Lightbourn)

When Muhammad Masood landed in Toronto in last month, it was the first time he had been outside Lahore, Pakistan.

It’s been a culture shock, but Masood said he’s making the adjustment.

“I’m getting used to it – meeting new people, getting to know them and their experiences and cultures,” he said. “There are people from around the world here – that’s one of the reasons I chose to apply to U of T.”

Growing up, Masood helped his father’s business by entering purchases and sales, developing an interest in accounting and finance in the process. He went on to complete accounting internships with NGOs and other organizations.

He said he feels lucky to have received the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship and hopes to meet as many people as he can, build a good community and graduate with good grades.

“I want to get into the Rotman School of Management after I graduate,” he said. “That’s kind of a dream – just like the Pearson Scholarship.”

Khaled Samir Mohamed El Telbany

From Egypt, lived in the United Arab Emirates

Studying at Rotman Commerce, Victoria College

(Photo by Lisa Lightbourn)

At the age of 12, Khaled Samir Mohamed El Telbany knew he wanted to be an entrepreneur.

“I used to buy a pack of a hundred marbles from my local grocery store for around a dollar and I would resell 10 marbles for $3,” he said.

In high school, he founded several clubs and was the captain of the soccer team. He was always keen to explore new business ideas.

Moving to Toronto has been a big transition. He was born and raised in Alain, UAE, a relatively small city.

“Toronto is 43 times bigger than Alain,” he said. “It’s been a pretty cool transition. The scholarship is probably the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

He’s very excited to explore the opportunities at U of T and consider his future paths.

“I’d love to launch my own company or work at a finance company. I know that I want to continue my path in business.”

Candace Sara Ciju

From India, lived in the United Arab Emirates

Studying humanities in the Faculty of Arts & Science, Trinity College

(Photo by Lisa Lightbourn)

At U of T, Candace Sara Ciju hopes to continue pursuing her passions in leadership, international relations and sustainability.

In high school, she served on the student council for four years, moving up the ranks to become president. She also led several clubs, served as the editor-in-chief of the school’s newsletter and was one of the UAE’s sustainability ambassadors with Masdar, a government-owned renewable energy company.

She launched a Reuse of Books campaign, an initiative to collect used books and resell them at a cheaper price.

“We’re promoting the reading habit among children and being eco-friendly by reducing the reprinting of books,” she said. “All the profits go to charity.”

After graduation, Ciju hopes to work for the United Nations.

“I’m very passionate about international relations and diplomacy. I have a few big dreams and I hope I will be able to achieve them.”

See the complete list of the 2022 scholarship recipients

With Helsinki as his first stop, U of T grad charts a career path in sustainability

geoff.vendeville — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 15:50:05 +0000

With Helsinki as his first stop, U of T grad charts a career path in sustainability

geoff.vendeville Mon, 06/13/2022 - 11:50

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Andi Darell Alhakim, a Pearson Scholar from Indonesia, credits extracurricular activities, including an internship with the President's Committee on Environment, Climate Change and Sustainability, for helping him find his purpose (photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

Topic

Sustainability

Andi Darell Alhakim came a long way to study at the University of Toronto Mississauga, travelling from his home in Indonesia. Soon, he'll be headed in another direction: to the capital of Finland to help the Helsinki Regional Council showcase the progress it's made toward achieving sustainable development goals.

“They have done a lot, and want to demonstrate that to an international audience. I’m excited to be a part of that,” Alhakim says .

The bachelor of arts student in political science came to U of T in 2018 as a Lester B. Pearson Scholar, the university's most competitive scholarship for outstanding international students. When he arrived, he aspired to make a positive difference in the world and perhaps one day become Indonesia's ambassador to the UN. But he had yet to discover his true calling.

For Alhakim, co-curricular activities were the key to learning more about his interests and finding his purpose. “Clubs, committees, organizations really set the tone for university life,” he says. “You make good friends from it, and it's nice to have people on the same journey as you.”

One of those organizations is the International Education Centre (IEC), where Alhakim worked for two years.

“It was so exciting to make sure that students get to express their cultural affiliations, and at the same time bridge divides between cultures,” he says.

“People from many backgrounds participate in these programs, and the IEC really trusted students to run their programming. We facilitated discussions about food, dances, and different customs. These are important to building and starting conversations. As an international student, I really appreciated how U of T did not expect me to fit a pre-existing mould. There was a lot of emphasis on chasing your own path, and I was not really sure what that would be when I arrived.”

He also got involved with Hart House Debate and Dialogue, and was able to align that involvement with a burgeoning interest in sustainability. For the past two years, he’s been a researcher and intern for the President's Committee on Environment, Climate Change, and Sustainability.

Like other students, Alhakim had to cope with the challenges associated with the move to remote learning during the pandemic. But for him, there was an extra layer of difficulty. He went back to Indonesia in the early days of the pandemic so he had to keep nocturnal hours to attend class.

“The folks in the GTA were very understanding of the 12-hour time difference, and the organizations I participated in often scheduled evening meetings so I could participate. That was very nice, but the hours were grueling – I was working from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m.,” he says.

“By the end of one semester, I decided I needed to return, so I could have a healthier schedule.”

He credits his time at U of T for paving the way for a career in sustainability after convocation. Already, he had lined up a job for after his summer in Finland as the sustainability lead at the Canada Summer Games in Niagara region. Organizers are looking to minimize greenhouse gas emissions related to venue construction, and to use the Games as an opportunity to spread awareness about social and economic sustainability.

“It was daunting to come to an institution with a reputation like U of T’s,” he recalls. “You think everyone else has everything figured out – but that's not the case. Everyone is trying to find what they are most passionate about. You need to take the time to explore.”

U of T Mississauga valedictorian tells CBC Metro Morning the honour feels ‘surreal’

Christopher.Sorensen — Wed, 01 Jun 2022 14:53:53 +0000

U of T Mississauga valedictorian tells CBC Metro Morning the honour feels ‘surreal’

Christopher.Sorensen Wed, 06/01/2022 - 10:53

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(Photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

Topic

Our Community

Convocation 2022

As the University of Toronto gears up for 2022’s spring convocation, U of T Mississauga valedictorian Aishwarya Nair says she’s honoured to represent her fellow graduating students.

“It’s still extremely surreal,” Nair, an international student, told Ismaila Alfa on CBC’s Metro Morning. “I would have never imagined coming all this way that I would have been given such an honour – and given the chance to represent a class of such brilliant students and brilliant innovators that are entering the world now.”

A Lester B. Pearson International Scholar, Nair came to U of T from India with a dream to study neuroscience. After graduating from U of T Mississauga with an honours bachelor of science degree specializing in neuroscience, she’ll address the Class of 2022 at the campus graduation reception.

Nair says her message to students will take into account the extraordinary circumstances brought about by the pandemic. “It’s been difficult and we have persevered and we’ve been resilient. So I want to recognize how much we have been through,” she told CBC. “I want us to recognize that and really give ourselves the credit where it’s due.”

Listen to the segment on CBC Metro Morning

Aishwarya Nair, U of T Mississauga's valedictorian, seeks to better understand the complexities of the brain

Christopher.Sorensen — Tue, 24 May 2022 16:50:17 +0000

Aishwarya Nair, U of T Mississauga's valedictorian, seeks to better understand the complexities of the brain

Christopher.Sorensen Tue, 05/24/2022 - 12:50

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Aishwarya Nair, a Lester B. Pearson International Scholar from India, is graduating with an honours bachelor of science degree in neuroscience and has been recognized for her volunteer work with the U of T Mississauga community (photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

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