Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award Recipient, Carmene from Rwanda, Shares Her Journey of Pursuing Data Science at the University of British Columbia, Canada

My name is Carmene, and I am from Rwanda, the country of a thousand hills. I grew up with a strong family and community support, which motivated me to pursue a path not just for myself but also as a reflection of what is possible for young girls from my community.

My first language is Kinyarwanda, which is my mother tongue. However, much of my formal education was conducted in English, which is how I learned to read, write, and communicate academically.

My interests changed frequently while growing up. I was very curious and exploring different career paths. One field that consistently fascinated me and still does now is aviation. Towards the end of high school, my father introduced me to Data Science, which was not widely known at the time but clearly had a promising future. The more I learnt about the field, the more I became interested. The world is moving toward AI-driven decision-making, so I know the importance of understanding data, like how to interpret it and apply it in our everyday lives.

This is what made me pursue Data Science with the dream of bridging the gap between technology, data, and aviation.

Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award Details

I have the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award at the University of British Columbia. It is awarded to international undergraduate students and recognizes their academic excellence, leadership,  extracurricular involvement, and community engagement

The award provides renewable funding for up to three years, offering financial stability and the opportunity to focus fully on academics.

Educational Background

I have maintained a strong academic record throughout my education. I was recognized as one of the top performers when I completed Grade 6, which motivated me personally to continue excelling. This recognition early on encouraged my discipline, and I worked hard to keep that and even improve.

During the first half of high school, I once again ranked among the top-performing students nationally, which reinforced my belief in perseverance.

I would say that my academic background prepared me well for competitive university applications, but there are many other factors, which is why it is good to balance academics with social activities.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of British Columbia?

One thing I think actually helped me a lot is that I approached my applications as a project rather than a small thing. I knew it was gonna require so much energy, so I got myself mentally ready.

After high school, I decided to take a gap year. I used to have weekly goals and set aside an application time. I was also very intentional about the institutions I applied to. I wanted universities that valued leadership and community impact.

How Did You Find Information About the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award and the University of British Columbia?

I had limited guidance available, so I relied heavily on self-research. I used the internet as my primary resource and gathered as much information as possible about institutions, their requirements, and scholarships. I created an Excel file titled It Is Now or Never, to remind myself that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

I collected all required documents and made sure I tracked deadlines, and later on in the process, consulted some of my peers who were already studying at some of the Universities I was applying to.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

Yes, I was also previously part of an American Embassy academic program, through which I took the SAT.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award?

I made sure I met every requirement to begin and kept myself organized throughout the process. Most importantly, I stayed authentic. I focused on telling my real story clearly and confidently.

Believing in my journey made the process easier and more meaningful. I used to also track deadlines carefully and review my essays multiple times

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application stood out because I had a clear sense of purpose, I understood my story and communicated it confidently, and demonstrated long-term commitment to leadership and community impact.

Many of the extracurricular activities and projects I worked on in high school, out of passion and interest, often without knowing their future value, became strong application highlights.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

Academically, I would not change much. Personally, I would have prepared more for the transition and adjustment to a new country and environment, as adapting can take time. However, this growth was part of the learning experience.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

My advice for future applicants is simple: Go for it!  I would say apply for sure, do not be discouraged by small obstacles. Another important one is to start early and track deadlines carefully. Last but not least, do not compare your journey to others; you never know what is possible unless you try, and I am a witness to this!