Interview with Lily Reid ‘21
What are you currently doing?
I am a student in the Master of Management program at the University of British Columbia Sauder Business School in Vancouver.
What school/program did you attend after Grammar?
I went to the University of British Columbia for a Bachelor of Design in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Urbanism.
What is the most exciting part of your first year of university?
The most exciting part was meeting new friends and exploring a brand-new city. Vancouver is a great city for fun, outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and more!
What were some of the job opportunities you have had after graduating?
I knew I wanted to do this master’s program when I was in my fourth and final year of undergrad, so I wasn’t searching for any jobs after graduation.
How did Grammar impact or inspire you? Was there a specific teacher or individual who inspired you?
The IB program at Grammar really helped me feel prepared for university. I did HL Math, Chemistry, English and SL Physics, History, French and Visual Arts (overload). I feel like I already had good time management going into university. The IB transfer credits also helped my degree.
Grammar also helped me become well-rounded. At one point, I was part of several school sports teams, part of two bands, part of JA, and part of the student council. There are many teachers who inspired me in specific ways throughout my 13 years at Grammar, whether it was through their passionate teaching of their particular subject, or just through casual conversation or stories outside of class time.
Did you continue a sport in university?
I joined the novice women’s rowing team at UBC as a coxswain in my first year, and then joined the varsity team for the remaining 3 years of my undergraduate. I had only learned to row at North Star Rowing Club in Dartmouth, NS, during the summer before my first year because I knew I wanted to try out as a coxswain for the novice team. It has honestly been one of the best experiences of my undergrad. I made so many friends through the sport, got to compete and travel to international regattas, and developed many useful skills.
What are your future goals?
To be healthy, happy, and have a successful career doing interesting work that makes a difference.
Do you have any advice for students?
Just try out different things, and if you don’t like it, then try something else. It’s a cliche, but it works. I chose architecture because I thought it was a good intersection between art and science. Turns out I’m not quite sure if I want to do it as my career anymore, so that is why I am currently pivoting towards business. I’m hoping that the combination of design and business will lead me to opportunities to do something creative.
What is something you have learned about yourself along the way?
I have learned that if I really want to do something, then I can make it happen. I wanted to do a study abroad in Sydney, Australia – it was not an easy process, but I made it happen. I wanted to make the varsity rowing team at UBC – I worked hard and made it happen. I had to reach a challenging minimum score on the GRE to apply to my current master’s program - I had to refresh myself on a lot of mathematics and expand my vocabulary, but I was eventually successful. I learned that hard work, discipline and focus will help me get where I want to go.
