Cong Xie (Vicky), CIC ’19 alumna who recently completed a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree with a double major in Immunology and Physiology at the University of Toronto, has received offers from prestigious institutions:
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Harvard University (MSc in Epidemiology)
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Johns Hopkins University (MSc in Epidemiology)
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Imperial College (PhD in Immunology)
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University of Toronto (PhD in Immunology)
Vicky acknowledges that the Elite Pathway Partnership Program (EPP), a unique collaboration between CIC and the University of Toronto, had a significant impact on her educational growth and personal development.
She will begin her PhD. Studentship in Immunology at the University of Toronto this September. Congratulations on this new chapter of her life!
Vicky:
I still remember when I first joined CIC, I was an uncertain and nervous girl, feeling confused about my own future. However, one year later, I had the opportunity to join the EPP program. This two-year program provided me with invaluable experiences.
I had the privilege to debate at the United Nations headquarters in New York City as a Model United Nations (MUN) member, volunteer in Ecuador, acquire excellent business manners, develop new hobbies. My hard work in the EPP program led to receiving the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Gold Award in 2019.
Most importantly, my self-confidence has grown significantly. My interest in infectious disease epidemiology began when I volunteered as a member of the EPP team, living closely with a remote tribe near the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest. Despite living in peace and being connected to nature, the village suffered from high mortality rates due to infectious diseases. To assist them, we provided support through various social services.
I was deeply touched by the smiles and positive attitudes of the villagers, which made me appreciate my own life even more. It also fueled my desire to help people like them in any way I can.