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Corie - PETNA Scholarship Recipient
- Corie Bain
- Feb 6
- 3 min read
Start Year
2014
Graduation Date
2019
Degree
Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.)
Program
Honours Computer Science (Co-op)
Current Occupation
I am currently employed at Exact Technology, where I am the software lead of one of our primary products called xCure. The xCure product controls the curing process of concrete. My role involves guiding the software development process of features from this product from conception to deployment, ensuring alignment with both technical specifications and user needs.
Experience at McMaster
My time at McMaster University was transformative, deeply enriching, and laid the essential foundation for my career in software engineering.
The diverse and vibrant campus community offered many opportunities for both academic and personal growth, allowing me to engage with students from various cultural and academic backgrounds. Many of the people I met during this time have become close friends, and I am grateful to still have them in my life today.
Being in a different country, so far from home, challenged me to break out of my shell and face new adversities, which ultimately shaped me into a more resilient and adaptable individual. The curriculum challenged me and molded me to develop resilience and solidify my belief in never giving up.
Beyond academics, participating in extracurricular activities and student organizations was also very impactful. I developed leadership, communication, and time-management skills through my involvement in activities such as volunteer initiatives and hackathons. Community involvement was one of the reasons I received the scholarship in the first place, so it was refreshing to be able to continue participating in that aspect. The resources that were available were also amazing, I have many memories of being flabbergasted on math assignments but being able to get quality help from master degree holders and math professors in Hamilton Hall.
The friendships and professional networks I built during my time at McMaster continue to influence my career trajectory and personal growth. The confidence and curiosity I gained from my experiences at McMaster continue to drive me in both my career and personal life, inspiring me to embrace new challenges and continue to strive for growth.
The importance of the financial support you received from The PETNA Foundation
Receiving the PETNA Foundation scholarship was a pivotal, life-changing moment that profoundly impacted both my academic journey and personal development. Growing up on the small island of Grenada, which has a population of around 120,000 people, opportunities for higher education abroad were limited and often financially out of reach for families like mine. This scholarship provided me with the invaluable opportunity to pursue my academic dreams in Canada, an aspiration that would have remained unattainable without such generous support. I have continuously ruminated on how fortunate I am to have been given an opportunity like this, it is unreal.
The scholarship not only alleviated the significant financial burdens associated with international education which included tuition, living expenses, and study materials but also allowed me to focus entirely on my studies without the constant stress and distraction of financial worries.
Beyond academics, the PETNA Foundation’s support has had a far-reaching impact on my life trajectory. Since my graduation from McMaster University in 2019, I have secured Canadian permanent residency and am now on the path to applying for Canadian citizenship. My career has flourished, and I am now a Software Lead at Exact Technology, where I oversee significant projects, mentor emerging talent, and contribute to innovative solutions that have a tangible impact.
The PETNA Foundation’s support has not only improved the quality and trajectory of my life but has also inspired me to give back to my community. It has instilled in me a deep sense of gratitude and a commitment to helping others achieve their goals, just as I was helped. The scholarship has been more than just financial assistance; it has been a catalyst for growth, opportunity, and lasting change in my life.
For that, I will always be profoundly thankful and dedicated to carrying forward the Foundation’s spirit of generosity and empowerment.
