‘Ninety-nine per cent of the journey is who you share it with’: Honouring the Pearson Scholars Class of 2026

The Pearson Scholars Class of 2026 with university representatives. 

The University of Toronto hosted a reception in June to honour the graduating class of Lester B. Pearson International Scholars. During the afternoon event, senior U of T representatives congratulated the 36 graduates on their achievements, applauded the close-knit relationships they have built as a special group and welcomed them as new members of U of T’s worldwide alumni community. 

Sarah Oberto Monasterios, a Rotman Commerce graduate from Venezuela, told the gathering of scholars, family, friends and other members of the U of T community that the most meaningful takeaways aren’t always found on a transcript. “Ninety-nine per cent of the journey is who you share it with – not the accomplishments, not the titles – the people,” she said.  

The remarks by Oberto Monasterios reinforced a core message of the event – while Pearson Scholars are selected for academic excellence and leadership potential, their relationships and resilience are equally important aspects of their experience and success. 

“You had to move to a new country, for many of you this was the first time you were not living with your parents,” said Mariana Mota Prado, associate vice-president and vice-provost, international student experience. “You had to learn how to manage your life, how to engage with a new culture, how to cope with winter. This takes a lot of courage.” 

Bringing the world to U of T

Prado also emphasized the impact scholars have had on the university, noting that their ideas, experiences and cross-cultural insights have helped shape classrooms and campus life in meaningful ways. “Every single one of you has brought the world to U of T,” she said. 

Established in 2017, the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is the university’s most prestigious undergraduate award, covering tuition, books, incidental fees and residence for four years. Each year, it brings approximately three dozen exceptional international students to study at one of the world’s most highly respected and diverse universities. 

In addition to congratulating scholars on their achievements, speakers also encouraged the group of driven, goal-oriented scholars to savour their journey. “I hope you make some time to reflect on your accomplishments – so often we look ahead to what is next, but here, today, let’s celebrate how much you’ve already achieved,” said Sandy Welsh, vice-provost, students. “You have learned in so many different ways – overcome more hurdles than you might even realize, studying and connecting through uncertain times.” 

Now, the graduates look ahead to careers, further study and new ventures in cities and disciplines as diverse as they are. Oberto Monasterios, for example, is joining Boston Consulting Group in Chicago as an associate, focusing on public sector, climate, and social impact work. India’s Paramvir Singh, a commerce graduate specializing in accounting, is staying in Toronto as part of KPMG Canada's Asset Management Tax team. Maansi Suri, who came to U of T via the United Arab Emirates, is also staying in Canada to apply her education at Jacobs Canada, which designs, builds and maintains major infrastructure systems. 

Joining the alumni community

As they commence these and other new chapters, the scholars also assume a new mantle: U of T alumni. Barbara Dick, assistant vice-president, alumni relations, formally welcomed the cohort into a family of 736,000 graduates across 190 countries. “It is a community that spans professions, industries, disciplines and countries. And today, it becomes your community too,” said Dick, who also emphasized the benefits of staying engaged with U of T, both for the scholars themselves and those following in their footsteps.

“The opportunities available to students today are made possible, in large part, by alumni who choose to stay connected. Alumni who mentor students. Alumni who share their expertise. Alumni who open doors, create opportunities, and help others succeed,” she said. “In time, you will have opportunities to do the same.” 

In her comments, Oberto Monasterios also touched on the theme of helping others and the importance of maintaining kindness as a core aspect of leadership. “In a world with so much noise, so much conflict, so much hate, I want to be kind,” Oberto Monasterios said. “Changing the world doesn’t always start with policy or innovation – sometimes it starts with how you treat the person standing right next to you.”