International students celebrate convocation

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Lee_Suyeon.jpg” caption=”First place writing contest winner Suyeon Lee presents her essay on the struggles she faced coming to school in Canada. Photo credit: Brad Coburn”]Convocation day is a momentous occasion for any student. After years of studying, researching papers and writing exams, the hard work finally pays off when a student can designate him or herself as a Bachelor of the Arts, an Engineer or a Master of Science. The journey for an international student is even more arduous. International students come to McMaster from places all over the world, ranging from China to Dubai to Mexico and have gone through tremendous struggles while accomplishing seemingly impossible feats.

The Office of International Student Services held its annual graduation reception for international students on June 1, which was considered by attendees to be a “marvelous success”. The dinner brought together PhD, graduate and undergraduate students from across all faculties for an event where they shared their McMaster experiences and celebrated their achievements. Music student Christine Han performed classical music on the piano throughout the evening, to the delight of the crowd.

As the evening came to a close, the organizer of the essay contest and program coordinator for International Student Services, Theresa Bae, presented two awards for the International Student's Writing contest.

Suyeon Lee placed first for her piece about the need to survive through the toughest of circumstances including leaving her family and a familiar culture to study abroad. Nael El Shawwa received second place for his poem reminiscing about the many activities, events, and memories that he experienced while studying at McMaster.

The Office of International Student Services would like to thank all reception attendees and to wish the graduating class the best of luck in all their future endeavors.