AUC Students Beyond the Boundaries

Going beyond the boundaries of cultures and walls, our AUC student Samaa Hossam had made it to the McCall MacBain Scholarship at McGill in Canada. The scholarship is a comprehensive, leadership‑driven opportunity. It recognizes students with outstanding character, leadership potential and a commitment to community impact. More than financial support, the scholarship cultivates a close‑knit, diverse cohort of scholars who are prepared to lead with purpose in a complex world. McCall MacBain Scholars are selected for their academic excellence, entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to serving others with integrity, humility, and a lifelong commitment to learning.

Hossam explains her journey to the scholarship starting from the Career Center until landing the opportunity. She first came across the opportunity through one of their announcements, which immediately caught her attention. As a first step, she booked a one-to-one session to think more clearly and confidently about her career path. She highlighted, "even though pursuing an MA in political science was always my ultimate goal as a step toward advancing research in women and gender studies, I learned to stay open, reflect, and make decisions with both confidence and awareness."

Furthermore, the journey of applying for the McCall MacBain Scholarship was a deeply thoughtful and human process. Hossam approached it with authenticity and openness, choosing to present herself fully rather than over-curating only the professional aspects of her story. She shared not just her experience, but also who she was as a person, her commitment to giving back to the community and her desire to create meaningful impact so people do not face the same struggles she witnessed.

Additionally, she added, "what I valued most was the journey itself. I met finalists from Canada and all over the world and we ended up sharing not only interviews and selection stages, but also meaningful conversations, perspectives and friendships that extended far beyond the process. It has never been a competition. It was a global exchange of ideas and lived experiences."