Introduction
Growing up, I was always interested in learning about different cultures and exploring new places. As a child, I loved travelling with my family and experiencing diverse communities. These early exposures shaped my curiosity about the world and influenced me to pursue studies with an international focus. In this essay, I will reflect on my background and upbringing, discuss the experiences that have defined me, and outline my career goals and aspirations for the future.
Family and Early Life
I was born in New Delhi, India in 1995 to parents who valued education highly. My father worked as an accountant and my mother was a homemaker. We lived in a small apartment in central Delhi along with my maternal grandparents. Growing up in a traditional Indian household, family was always the top priority. We celebrated all festivals and events as a close-knit unit.
Both of my parents had only received high school educations but strongly believed that higher learning would open new opportunities. They worked hard to ensure I had access to the best schools in the city. From a young age, I attended an English medium school and excelled academically. Aside from my studies, I enjoyed participating in dance performances, elocution contests and sports events in school. Being involved in extracurricular activities helped me develop skills like leadership, teamwork and public speaking.
When I was 10 years old, my family experienced a big change when we immigrated to Canada. My parents wanted to provide myself and my younger sister with more choices and prospects. Adjusting to life in Vancouver was difficult at first due to the significant cultural differences. I was determined to adapt quickly and make the most of all the resources available. I worked diligently to learn English and integrate into my new community. With time and sustained effort, I settled well into the Canadian education system and way of living.
Formative Experiences
During my high school years, I began to discover my interests and passions. In grade 11, I took an international relations class that sparked my interest in world politics and global affairs. I enjoyed learning about different political systems, foreign policies and international organizations. To further explore this field, I joined my school’s model UN club and Model NATO group. Participating in simulations and conferences exposed me to diverse perspectives on current issues. It also helped improve my public speaking, research and negotiating abilities.
In grade 12, I had the opportunity to travel to Japan for a student exchange program. Living with a host family gave me first-hand experience of Japanese culture and way of life. I was fascinated by the traditions, etiquette, food, festivals and natural beauty of the country. Being fully immersed in another culture and language built my confidence to adapt to new environments easily. It also cemented my interest in international education and cross-cultural exchange. After returning home, I volunteered as a translation assistant for international students in my school. Helping newcomers from all over adjust to life in Canada was highly rewarding.
Through these meaningful high school activities, I learned the value of being globally aware and open-minded. I also discovered strengths like intellectual curiosity, strong work ethic, and ability to thrive in challenging situations. Going forward, I was determined to pursue opportunities to continue expanding my global perspective.
University Education and Activities
For university, I enrolled at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and majored in International Relations and Modern History. The diverse, research-intensive environment at UBC equipped me with in-depth knowledge and analytical skills related to world affairs. Coursework covered topics like international law, comparative politics, security studies, development issues, cultural diplomacy and more. To complement my classroom learning, I pursued independent study projects, attended conferences and completed university research internships.
One highlight was my internship at the UBC Public Policy Research Center, where I assisted with research on advancing women’s issues internationally. It exposed me to real-world policymaking processes and collaboration across sectors. During my studies, I was also a teaching assistant for a few history and political science courses. This experience helped develop my communication and problem-solving abilities. In my senior year, I conducted independent research on the role of women in conflict mediation and published the paper in an academic journal.
Beyond academics, I was actively involved in various organizations on campus. As the General Secretary of UBC Model UN Club, I helped organize conferences that brought together over 300 students. I also served on the executive board of UBC International and represented the university at conferences abroad. Being part of these communities enriched my university experience immensely while building leadership, teamwork and project management skills. Engaging in meaningful extracurricular activities complemented my classroom learning and prepared me well for future challenges.
Post-Graduation Plans and Aspirations
I graduated from UBC with Honours in 2021, achieving a cumulative GPA of 3.89. Upon graduation, I intend to gain work experience in international development, diplomacy or global governance fields through entry-level positions. In the next 2-3 years, I aim to work for international organizations like the United Nations, World Bank or regional development banks. This will provide invaluable on-the-job exposure to development challenges and multilateral cooperation.
While gaining professional experience, I also plan to save funds to pursue graduate studies part-time. My long term goal is to earn a Master’s degree in Public Policy or International Relations from an Top-ranked institution like Columbia, Harvard or Sciences Po. An advanced degree from a renowned program will help me qualify for mid-to-senior level roles with international agencies or NGOs in the future.
Beyond working for established multilateral platforms, I also aspire to someday establish my own non-profit focused on women’s empowerment or environmental sustainability globally. With experience gained over years of international service and education, I hope to be equipped to launch impactful social initiatives of my own design. Ultimately, I wish to dedicate my career to addressing global challenges through collaborative, equitable and sustainable solutions
Conclusion
I believe my diverse experiences in studies, cultures and community involvement have prepared me well to pursue a fulfilling career in international fields. My academic training, leadership abilities, cultural adaptability, work ethics along with passion for global issues will continue serving me in all my future endeavors. I look forward to continually expanding my expertise and contributing value through meaningful roles with international organizations or initiatives. It is my dream to become a skilled global development professional and help create positive change on a wider scale.
Andrew Stroud