Life Changing Experience at GoNorth’17

I have goosebumps. After Go North 2017, I don’t think I will ever be the same.

I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to attend the Go North 2017 conference this year with www.theksociety.com. I got to take over Google Canada’s twitter account for a day with the sweetheart Maria Cortellucci.

I was one of the only high school students in a room full of huge AI tech leaders, people who are dominating the AI industry, changing the world every day. My age didn’t matter, we all connected with our passion in AI. I casually met Shivon Zilis in the bathroom, took a picture with Eric Schmidt and saw our very own prime minister, Justin Trudeau as he talked about AI on a global scale of innovation.

AI advancement is inevitable, many experts say it will be the next industrial revolution for our species. We can either prolong our future or embrace it, I chose to embrace it. One thing I noticed is that AI can be implemented in every possible industry, even art! I had my portrait done by an AI machine from IOIO Plotter that was controlled easily from a phone with the help of Oscar Prom. Many people don’t even realize how exponential the growth of AI even is and I want to play my part in this change.

I also chatted up with the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, Navdeep Bains. I met the “Godfather” of deep learning, Geoffrey Hinton. I love Wattpad and during the conference, I met the co-founder, Eva Lau, another amazing entrepreneur. I realized everyone I met is just another normal human being who is more educated than the average person because they have the passion to work for what they love.

The whole day was filled with new experiences and immersing myself with professionals in the AI industry. My key takeaways were:

1. Don’t be afraid to approach people and be mindful of the first impression you leave on people.
2. If you put in the work, results will follow suit.
3. Age is not a number, I can start investing in AI now and have the ability to start my own startup.
4. Always have a good research on the topic you will be conversing with at a conference.
5. Ask relevant and impactful questions.

This was my first conference and I can’t wait for my next one. I have gotten a taste of the industry I want to pursue and I don’t want to stop now. I have made connections and friendships with people who I never thought I could even talk to, (shoutout to Salim Naran). I learned great advice from Maryam Sadeghi, be prepared, be the best in what you want to do and don’t get discouraged. Thank you to Sabrina Geremia for the great event she hosted, it was truly an eye-opening experience for me.