Coming to the University of Rochester is an important step in the lives of most U of R students, who choose to embrace it for various reasons. Conversations I have had with friends, about what they like about the U of R, in the hallways, lounges, dining halls, academic and residential quads have yielded responses along the lines of: a flexible and robust curriculum, a diverse student body, unique research programs, a friendly and welcoming environment.
Among many things, including what my friends have said, I think it’s the River Campus. I fell in love with the River Campus as a “pre-frosh” (slang for a prospective student visiting the University for the first time). Let me give you a perspective. The River Campus is neither too big nor too small—it’s just about the right size for me to walk to all my classes from the residential quad. This is cool. Even more so, is its proximity to Canada. 
Speaking of which, I was in Toronto, Canada, in the last weeks of my summer. By the way, I promise to not write about the summer after this blog—it is fall and barely warm these days. And it’s not yet winter—just saying.
While there, I was involved in a youth think tank program with the MasterCard Foundation. The MasterCard Foundation has over $3 billion in assets and is investing in micro finance and youth learning worldwide, with a particular focus on Africa. The aim of the think tank was to give feedback on the foundation’s overall strategy. As you can see, there was a lot to learn from the insights and perspectives of the great and creative minds there. It was, indeed, a great experience.
When it was all over, we went on a cruise viewing the city of Toronto from a distance. I must say that city of Toronto is beautiful. Oh, and to add a random fact, I hear Canada is home to most of the world’s maple trees. And that’s why there is a maple leaf on the Canadian flag. I loved every bit of the ride—not to mention the cute young lady who guided the tour. You know what I mean, don’t you?
Thanks for reading.
