Basvy Soni
First-Generation Student Spotlight
Program
MS in Project Management ’26 · Toronto
Connect with Basvy
What led you to Northeastern?
The experiential learning program was one of the selling points for me.
What did your family understand, and not understand?
They didn’t understand why I chose Northeastern in Toronto over other prestigious universities where I had already been admitted, like U of T, Queen’s, and York. But in the first quarter, all their questions were answered. I told them I wasn’t looking for a fancy certificate or a campus experience. As an adult, I was looking for professional experience while studying.
Was there a moment you felt you didn’t belong?
During my co-op search. After applying for 30 to 40 jobs without a single interview, it was demotivating, and at one point I stopped applying. But my co-op advisor had a very clear picture of what I wanted from our scheduled conversations, and he kept pushing opportunities that fit my criteria. All he asked was that I keep going. Here I am, in my dream co-op in public service.
All he asked me to do was keep going and keep applying, and here I am with my dream co-op.
Basvy Soni
Who made the biggest difference?
Every person I met at Northeastern: my admissions advisor; Karishma and Tinu, my academic advisors; my co-op team, Mike Sun, Himadri Dave, Ting Pan, and Jean, who gave me the best wedding present ever, my dream co-op; our student services team, Stephanie, Andra, Ryan, Sam Clarke, Malcolm, Jullia, and the whole team; and professors Ammar, Adel, Alexis, Sanaz, and Kerri.
What would you tell a first-gen student just starting out?
It is tiring, and it is a lot at once. Map out a plan before you even start your academics, then target the right networking events, student interest groups, and courses.
Write your own first chapter.
Being the first in your family to earn a degree takes courage, and you don’t have to do it alone. Explore flexible CPS programs built around your life, your work, and your goals.
