 My name is Rida Khan and I am a fourth-year Public Affairs and Policy Management student specializing in Economic Policy and Administration with a minor in French. I am both thrilled and very proud to be recognized on the Dean's Honours List for Academic Excellence consecutively for the past four years. However, it certainly has not been an easy journey. I still remember the nerves I felt when beginning my Bepapam studies and university, I was incredibly intimidated by the academic pressure and the transition from high school to university. However, I soon realized just how approachable and welcoming the Carleton community truly is. They also provided me with writing guides which were incredibly useful as I outlined how to write and communicate effectively and to successfully manage the transition from high school to university. But I also took advantage of the resources and tools offered on campus such as the past learning sessions, the CSAS workshops, the one-on-one writing sessions. I also got involved on campus by joining an extracurricular club right away to meet new people and to truly get out of my comfort zone. That was instrumental and truly shaped my journey. And later in my first year, I had applied for the Alternative Spring Break program and was chosen to go on a one-week experiential learning trip. All of these opportunities combined really shaped my journey and had a tremendous positive impact on my studies.