Afghanistan. India. Nigeria. Thailand. Venezuela. Hands shot up around the room as 28 countries were called out during a recent reception for this year's recipients of the University of Toronto's prestigious Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarships.
The 37 members of the 2025 cohort were recently invited to come together at Hart House to mark the beginning of their educational journeys across the university's three campuses.
Named after Lester B. Pearson, a U of T alumnus, former prime minister and Nobel Prize recipient, the scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, creativity and leadership - and a commitment to making an impact in their communities. It covers four years of study at U of T for first-entry international students in undergraduate programs, including tuition, books, incidental fees and residence support.
"These scholarships have come to embody the distinctive strengths and values of the University of Toronto: academic excellence, the international orientation you all represent and your commitment to leadership in the world around us," said U of T President Melanie Woodin.
"These are the ideals that unite the University of Toronto community across an incredibly wide array of backgrounds, perspectives and disciplines. These ideals also enable us to make an impact for the better in a way that only a few select institutions on the planet can do."
Sandy Welsh, U of T's vice-provost, students, and Mariana Prado, associate vice-president and vice-provost, were also on hand to welcome students at the event.
In her address to her fellow Pearson Scholars, Andrea Sara Flores Salguero of Mexico marvelled at the diversity of countries, cultures and personal journeys represented in the room.
"As we begin this new chapter, I hope we remember that our presence here is not merely the result of individual potential, but a reflection of every person, every place, every challenging and beautiful step that shaped us," said Flores Salguero, a Rotman Commerce student and a member of Woodsworth College.
"These stories deserve to be honoured in what we do next - as not just scholars, but echoes of entire communities."
Meet four of this year's Pearson Scholars
Juliette Anne Kaur Bhogal
From Australia, lived in Malaysia
Studying music education in the Faculty of Music
A violinist since childhood, Juliette Bhogal has led ensembles and orchestras, played jazz, sung and acted in musicals - and even performed in a string ensemble for Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia.
Her passion led her to U of T's Faculty of Music, where she's proud to add some artistic flair to the Pearson community. But she's quick to note she's not the only scholar with an ear for music.
"So many Pearson Scholars are supportive of greater things, as well as being artistic themselves," Bhogal said. "I feel like both of those elements have really helped me - the network and support, as well as their creativity."
Outside the concert hall, Bhogal is a certified rescue diver who has worked on reef restoration projects in Indonesia. The experience deepened her interest in sustainability, which she hopes to pursue at U of T - even though the local waters are far from tropical.
"I'm not too sure how much scuba diving I can do in Lake Ontario, but I'm more than happy to bring that enthusiasm for the water and for marine life in general."
Abdul Rauf Hasanyar
From Afghanistan
Studying co-op computer science at U of T Scarborough
For Abdul Rauf Hasanyar, education isn't just a path to success - it's a force for change.
Growing up in Afghanistan, he saw how tenuous access to learning can be. A member of the minority Hazara community, Hasanyar endured persecution and violence, including a bombing of his school that killed classmates and friends.
"It was very saddening," he said. "But I kept up because I believe that education has the power to change and transform people's lives. I continued studying. I didn't lose hope."
That determination led Hasanyar to the Pearson scholarship, where he became the first student from his school to be nominated and selected. "I jumped for joy when I heard the news," he said.
Now beginning his studies in co-op computer science at U of T Scarborough, Hasanyar hopes his journey will inspire other Afghan students to seek out similar opportunities.
"Before this, getting a quality education was like a dream for me," he said. "This scholarship made it possible."
Alan Jacob
From India
Studying computer science in the Faculty of Arts & Science, Victoria College
Alan Jacob has been fascinated by artificial intelligence since high school, when he designed and patented an AI-based imaging device to support early disease detection in rural areas. But the experience also left him questioning the limits of existing models.
That curiosity led him to propose what he calls "quantum intelligence" - a new framework for thinking about machine cognition inspired by quantum mechanics. "You can actually create unique thought, which is not possible with current artificial intelligence paradigms," Jacob said.
He has since authored a paper on the concept, founded the International Committee for Quantum Intelligence Research and earned national and international awards in physics, math and innovation.
Now studying computer science in the Faculty of Arts & Science, the Victoria College student said the Pearson scholarship gives him the freedom to pursue bold ideas without financial pressure.
"The Pearson community is quite exciting, because there are people from all over the world," said Jacob. "Everyone has different cultures, different experiences, and it's fun talking to them - making new friends."
Nandin-Erdene Sukhchuluun
From Mongolia
Studying international affairs with a minor in environmental law and policy at U of T Mississauga
Nandin-Erdene Sukhchuluun's sense of purpose took a while to arrive - but when it finally struck, it changed everything.
She recalls returning to visit her hometown in Mongolia after four years in Australia. The river where she once played with her cousins had shrunk, darkened by coal dust, and the nearby mountains were scarred by mining.
"I felt hurt inside," she said. "I know how the place was so beautiful when I was a kid, but would my future kid feel the same way?"
She decided to act, launching a board game called Gobi EcoConnect that's designed to teach children and families about ecosystems and conservation. She also volunteered through an Interact Club and started her own environmental group.
It was never about building a resume, she said. It was about making change. She only set her sights on studying abroad when she was in Grade 11, when she felt she was falling behind peers who seemed years ahead in their planning.
Now at U of T Mississauga, Sukhchuluun wants future applicants to know that you don't have to have it all figured out to be a Pearson Scholar.
"Be yourself, and most importantly, show that you're trying to do something you're passionate about."
The 2025 cohort of Pearson Scholars (photo by Johnny Guatto)
