This post is by UBC MasterCard Foundation Scholar and Engineering student, Brian Mukeswe. You can read Brian’s full bio as well as the bios of all the UBC MCF Scholars online.
The MasterCard foundation scholars council was founded in 2013 to foster productive communication and community building among scholars in different partner institutions. It was also established as a vessel to spark motivation and strengthen the scholar’s commitment to giving back to their home community.
I had the honor of serving on the inaugural council as the UBC representative for 2013-2014. This was a very rewarding experience because it broadly expanded my network, and it also challenged me as an individual to re-evaluate my team work, communication, and problem solving skills. The role involved testing bold ideas in different contexts, and establishing effective communication with fellow peers around the world. In addition, being a representative strengthened my connection to fellow UBC scholars by opening me up to their diverse perspectives and backgrounds.
As a council member, I was involved in the Trans-formative Leadership program by the Dalai Lama Center of Ethics and Trans-formative values. This program gave me the opportunity to work closely with amazing people like The Venerable Tenzin Priyadarshi and Scott Kennedy from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. I gained a deep insight into the power of reflection and self awareness that will always influence my life decisions.
I also got the chance to travel to Michigan State University and to the University of California in Berkeley during my time as a council member. This was a great chance for me to further extend my network of friends which I have found to be truly rewarding.
Considering the achievements and shortcomings of the inaugural council, the MasterCard foundation has redesigned the scholars council. We look forward to electing the new council, and this is an amazing opportunity that I recommend to any scholar.
Best wishes,
Brian.
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