Making the most of McGill

As I look back on my first year at McGill Engineering, I can't help but feel a mix of emotions. I was ecstatic when I first learned that I had been accepted into the program. The opportunity to study at one of the top engineering schools in the world was a dream come true. But as the pandemic hit, and we were forced to adapt to lockdowns and virtual classes, the excitement was tempered with disappointment. I never got to experience living in a dorm, which I had heard so much about from upperclassmen. And with a 10-hour time difference between Montreal and my home in Bangladesh, my schedule was constantly out of whack. Despite the past year's challenges, I promised myself that I would make the most of this incredible opportunity. I knew that to truly take advantage of what McGill had to offer, I needed to get involved and gain hands-on experience. So, I started working across different departments on campus. I've held positions as a Student Marketing Project Assistant with the McGill Libraries Dean's Office, as a Communications Assistant for the Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, as a Research Facilitator for Pain Education in Physiotherapy, and even as a Telemarketer for University Advancements. Not only did these jobs help me cover my living expenses, but they also helped me develop a wide range of skills and gain valuable insights into my own strengths and weaknesses. In addition to my work experiences, I've been actively involved in campus and student life. As the VP of External Affairs for the Electrical, Computer, and Software Engineering Student Society at McGill, I've had the opportunity to serve as an advocate for over 1200 students, organizing 8 events per year to connect tech companies and students and managing large budgets and timelines. As I start taking more advanced courses, I plan to TA for freshman classes, and in the meantime, I am currently working as a TEAM Mentor for FACC 100, Introduction to the Engineering Profession. My goal is to create an inclusive learning environment, help students understand course material, and build their problem-solving skills. This semester, I also started working as a software developer for Recycling Pioneers, collaborating with a team of 6 to develop software for McGill Sustainability-funded smart bins to improve waste management through maintaining and sharing sensory data with the maintenance staff. And although I have yet to be able to contribute as much time as I'd like to these two, I am also General Manager at the ECSESS Factory and a PCB Subsystems Designer for McGill Formula Electric. The point of this blog post isn't to boast or brag about my accomplishments but to reflect on how much I've achieved over the year. As I look back on the past year, I am proud of all I have accomplished and how I have grown. While it may not have been the experience I initially imagined, I have made the most of this opportunity and continue to push myself to do more. It is important to remember that while striving for success, we must also be mindful of our limitations and not overwork ourselves.