McCall MacBain Scholars
Short Essays
Please write your short essays separately, and copy/paste them here.
Note: Line breaks will be removed automatically.
1a. Tell us how your community or communities have influenced you, and, if relevant, how they
have shaped the choices you have made so far in your postsecondary path*.
Growing up in the rural area, where basic healthcare was a distant dream due to the absence of
facilities and medical professionals, profoundly shaped my postsecondary path and aspirations.
I was born and raised in an underprivileged area, where a small, rudimentary health center lacked
essential resources, I was driven by the stark reality around me to make a difference. This
environment ignited within me a deep-seated commitment, determination to bridge the gap in
healthcare accessibility. Therefore, I embarked on a journey in mechanical engineering, fueled
by the ambition to design compact and affordable mechanical systems that could revolutionize
healthcare system of underprivileged regions. My mission was to ensure that no patient's life
would be lost due to the lack of basic medical equipment. In the final year project of mechanical
engineering, I transformed my vision into reality by developing a portable, cost-effective lifesaving ventilator. This innovation has the potential to transform healthcare outcomes in rural
areas, by providing timely and crucial support to patients in need. It's a testament to my
unwavering dedication to making a tangible impact on human lives. Moreover, my passion for
saving lives led me to collaborate with Hayatian's Blood Society. Within this community, I
found kindred spirits who share my values of compassion, determination, and unity. Our shared
mission is to ensure that patients in critical need have access to life-saving blood donations. The
profound experiences of my rural upbringing have become my driving force.
250 words.
1b. Describe why you’ve chosen the specific McGill program(s) listed in the "Interests" section
and how you hope the program(s) will lay the foundation for your long-term goals and aspirations.
McGill University's Master's in Mechanical Engineering program is poised to lay a strong
foundation for my long-term goals of establishing a research lab in renewable energy or
aerospace. The program's tailored research opportunities align perfectly with my aspirations.
Engaging in cutting-edge projects focused on these fields will provide invaluable hands-on
experience and insights under the mentorship of accomplished faculty members. This exposure
to impactful research will equip me with the skills and knowledge essential for leading a
successful research lab. Collaborating with peers from diverse backgrounds will broaden my
perspective and enhance my problem-solving skills. This interdisciplinary approach aligns well
with the multifaceted nature of renewable energy and aerospace research, enabling me to
develop comprehensive solutions that address complex challenges. Access to state-of-the-art
resources and facilities is a hallmark of McGill's Mechanical Engineering program. These
resources will facilitate hands-on experimentation and advanced simulations, enabling me to
refine my technical skills and test innovative concepts. McGill's Mechanical Engineering
program offers a comprehensive and dynamic educational experience that is uniquely suited to
my long-term goals. Through research opportunities, interdisciplinary collaboration, advanced
resources, and industry engagement, this program will provide the knowledge and skills
Sahil Orangzeb – Khwaja Fared University of Engineering and Information Technology.
McCall MacBain Scholars
necessary for me to create and lead a research lab that contributes meaningfully to the fields of
renewable energy or aerospace.
250 words.
2. Briefly describe your role and that of your team members. What were the team's goals and how
did you manage the team to meet them? What was the result? What did you learn? What, if
anything, would you do differently?
Leading my final year project titled “Design and Fabrication of Portable Emergency Ventilator,”
our objective was to create a low-cost, portable ventilator to address the critical shortage of
ventilators in Pakistan while promoting local development and innovation. My responsibilities
included coordinating the team's efforts, managing timelines, and ensuring effective
communication. I also took charge of designing the driving mechanism and overseeing the thesis
write-up. I have also prepared defense presentations and funding proposal to ensure IGNITE
National Technology Fund for the project. I established contact with a research professor from
the Massachusetts Institute of Technology who provided invaluable guidance and essential
project components. My teammates’ roles encompassed electrical design, component
procurement, and fabrication. Our primary goal was to complete the project within the allocated
timeframe while adhering to a meticulous project breakdown structure. By pooling our diverse
skills and shared passion, we successfully completed the project in time. The ventilator
prototype underwent rigorous testing, including trials on lamb's lungs, resulting in highly
satisfactory outcomes. Our accomplishment reinforced my belief in the power of teamwork and
collaboration. Throughout this experience, I gained a profound appreciation for unity and
collective effort. The project's success underscored the potential of a cohesive team working
towards a common goal. I learned that effective leadership involves not only guiding tasks but
also fostering an environment of trust and shared responsibility. I realized the importance of
seeking external expertise to enhance project outcomes. Reflecting on this journey, if I were to
approach a similar project in the future, I would place an even stronger emphasis on consistent
communication and transparency among team members.
300 words.
3. Briefly describe the purpose of the activity/organization and your contribution. Who or what
prompted you to get involved? Why was it important to you and to others? How has your
involvement impacted you and others?
Engaging in volunteer activities during the impactful floods of 2022 in Pakistan was a defining
experience that showcased the strength of community and the significance of lending a helping
hand in times of adversity. During the destructive floods, my purpose was to provide immediate
relief and support to the affected individuals and families. As part of my contribution, I
orchestrated the arrangement and distribution of essential supplies including food, clean
drinking water, and tents. Witnessing the expressions of gratitude and hope from those we aided
reinforced the vital role of our efforts. A shipment was prepared that comprised medicines for
urgent medical needs, clothes for comfort and dignity, and tents to provide shelter to those who
had lost their homes. I also took on the responsibility of fundraising for the flood victims. This
effort involved leveraging personal networks and communities, spreading awareness about the
situation, and rallying individuals to contribute to the cause. Participating in this volunteer
activity not only offered immediate relief to those in dire circumstances but also deepened my
understanding of resilience and unity in the face of hardship. My involvement in the 2022 flood
Sahil Orangzeb – Khwaja Fared University of Engineering and Information Technology.
McCall MacBain Scholars
relief efforts exemplified the essence of communal solidarity and the potency of empathy in
action. Through hands-on relief efforts, fundraising endeavors, and witnessing the
transformative outcomes, I have grown as an individual and fortified my dedication to making
a meaningful impact during times of distress.
300 words.
4. Tell us about a significant “course correction” you have made in your life. For example, this
could be a change in your academic path, in how you approach challenging situations, or in how
you work with or motivate others.
A transformative course correction in my journey emerged when I switched academic paths,
underscoring the vital connection between personal passion and academic pursuits. My initial
choice to pursue BS Physics was met with enthusiasm, yet after just one semester, it was evident
that physics did not ignite my true interest. Lackluster grades mirrored this misalignment,
prompting me to reconsider my academic trajectory. With determination, I veered from my
initial path and secured admission in BS Mechanical Engineering. This choice resonated deeply
with my values and aspirations, specifically my passion for designing compact and innovative
machines. I saw this field as a platform to manifest practical solutions to vast kind of problems.
The transition brought renewed enthusiasm. The alignment between my values and coursework
fueled my dedication, resulting in more than just academic success. My devotion led to a
research publication, a prestigious achievement that underscored the transformative impact of
my course correction. The shift from BS Physics to BS Mechanical Engineering encapsulates
the pivotal lesson of aligning academic pursuits with genuine passion. Beyond academia, this
experience highlighted the value of authenticity and the power of embracing change. My
resilience in steering my own course exemplifies the capacity to adapt and thrive.
300 words.
Sahil Orangzeb – Khwaja Fared University of Engineering and Information Technology.