The Journey Here: Yusuf Mohmand

Computer Science: 50
Accounting: 50
English: 51
Advanced Functions: 71

These were my second-semester Grade 11 marks. Looking at them now, it might seem improbable that I would eventually receive an Ivey AEO offer. But my journey to Ivey was shaped by much more than just numbers.

From a young age, math was the lens through which I saw the world. By the age of three, I was already learning multiplication tables with my parents at the dining room table. What started as a basic exercise quickly grew into a fascination with numbers—one that evolved into a love for problem-solving, logic, and patterns. This natural interest led me to finance. By the time I was ten, I was watching videos about the stock market, captivated by how numbers could drive entire economies and shape global outcomes.

As I moved through high school, my career path seemed to come into focus. Medicine didn’t hold my attention, engineering required spatial skills I lacked, and while law intrigued me, it didn’t ignite the same passion as finance. Business, with its perfect blend of structure and quantitative challenges, brought together everything I loved about numbers and problem-solving. It was clear this was the direction I wanted to pursue.

However, by Grade 11, that sense of clarity began to fade. I became overwhelmed, and the academic focus that once guided me seemed to slip away. School became background noise, and by the second semester, my grades had plummeted. I questioned whether I would even graduate. This was a wake-up call: something had to change.

Determined to take control of my future, I refocused on my strengths—business and problem-solving. I committed to pushing myself harder than ever. I arrived at school early to meet with teachers and stayed late for extra help with assignments. It was a long and challenging process, but by Grade 12, I had turned things around. My grades improved dramatically, and I regained my confidence.

Beyond academics, I was determined to make an impact. I founded Diversity, a non-profit organization providing free, anonymous, 24/7 mental health support. Over two years, we grew to 500 active users, working closely with professionals to ensure high-quality care. Leading the organization was not just about managing operations; it taught me to navigate human challenges. I realized that success—like people—can’t be reduced to a single metric. It’s complex and multifaceted.

When university application season approached, I knew I wanted to attend a school that embraced this same understanding of people and potential. That’s when I discovered Ivey Business School. Ivey’s holistic approach to admissions immediately resonated with me. Their belief—that applicants are more than just their GPAs—was exactly what I had been looking for. Ivey sought individuals with diverse experiences and the ability to bring unique perspectives to the table. It felt like the perfect fit.

Receiving my Ivey AEO offer was a moment of profound validation. It wasn’t just an acceptance—it was recognition of my journey, my challenges, and my growth. After balancing academics, business ventures, and social impact work, I knew I had found my path. Ivey wasn’t just another institution—it was a place where I could combine my passion for finance with my desire to create meaningful change. Ivey felt like home.