Childhood travels inspired a diplomacy career for Adwet Sharma, U of T Mississauga's valedictorian

Adwet Sharma (BA 2021 UTM) will be honoured as this year’s valedictorian at the UTM Class of 2021 virtual celebration on June 24, 2021. Photo by Nick Iwanyshyn

Adwet Sharma (BA 2021 UTM) has lived in many different countries. But UTM – his home for the past four years – will always have a place in his heart.

It’s where he grew as a leader and learned to persevere in the face of adversity. And on June 24, it’s also where he will be honoured as this year’s valedictorian for the UTM students’ Class of 2021 virtual celebration.

“It’s certainly a pleasure,” says Sharma, who will be graduating this year with an honours bachelor of arts, specializing in international affairs and majoring in economics. “I remember telling my family (I would be valedictorian), and they were blown away.”

Throughout his time at UTM, Sharma says he faced financial struggles. As he attended class and got involved on campus, he was also in talks with finance advisors to figure out how to stay enrolled in those very classes.

“I never thought that I would make it to this stage,” he says, adding that he comes from a humble family in India who worked hard to make sure he could earn his degree.

While his family is originally from India, Sharma also grew up in Germany and the United Kingdom. His family moved around so his father could pursue his education, and also, for his career as an engineer.

As a child, he admired diplomats.

“I saw them as people who prevented wars, and the ones who brokered peace deals,” he says, adding that he has since learned that it’s a far more complex job than that – but one that can have lasting impacts.

Sharma also developed a passion for economics because it impacts people’s day-to-day lives, as well as an interest in international security.

“I wanted to pursue a combination of diplomacy and economics. I wanted to better understand how things really work,” Sharma explains.

He chose to study at UTM because of its unique international relations and economics program – and because of the University of Toronto’s world-renowned reputation.

When he arrived as an international student, Sharma adjusted to university life by joining campus clubs. These experiences taught him the value of honesty and forging meaningful relationships.

Over the past four years, Sharma has contributed to UTM through his roles as Intercultural Team Leader at the International Education Centre and co-president of UTM’S Hindu Student Council. Since he did not live in India for long, he says these roles helped him learn a lot about his culture.

He was also elected as the Academic Affairs Representative at the UTM’s Office of the Governing Council, where he worked to address students’ concerns. He was also awarded a University of Toronto Student Leadership Award for his work across campus.

After graduation, Sharma will be continuing his work as a policy advisor at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, and research analyst and ambassador co-ordinator for the NATO Association of Canada.

On June 24, 2021 at 12 p.m. EDT, U of T Mississauga will host an online event for the graduating class of 2021 on YouTube and MyMedia. Learn more about UTM's virtual graduation event and join the celebration.