Who is Irene Maria Chelaru?

My journey into the unknown, as my father used to say, started on November 13, 2004. At the age of four, I decided to become an architect, and this aspiration has stuck with me ever since. Upon returning home from the playground, I would grab my magnetic drawing board, even before taking off my jacket and hat. My first impulse was to draw the impressions that I brought with me from the outside world. By eight, I designed my first house in Google SketchUp.

I took my first job assisting my mom’s creativity workshops for kids aged 5 to 10 years old, guiding them through the creative process, encouraging them, and ensuring a positive atmosphere in the classroom. I also got involved in other projects of her company, contributing innovative design ideas for children’s spaces, collaborating on concepts for event setups, and managing the company’s social media. These roles have enabled me to cultivate a diverse skill set, including the capacity to inspire and lead, address challenges, make informed decisions, adeptly manage my time, and prioritize tasks. This is what led me to take on multiple leadership roles in the years to come.

For instance, in high school, I was actively involved in the student council and was elected president in my final year. I was also part of the Governing Board and achieved the honor of graduating as Valedictorian. Moreover, I was awarded the MP Bursary for Excellence in Implication and Leadership by Peter Schiefke and received the Lieutenant Governor’s Youth Medal, handed out by J. Michel Doyon, the Lieutenant Governor of Quebec.

During my time at Cegep, I enrolled in the Arts and Science program at John Abbott College. This enriched curriculum, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of Mathematics, Sciences, Social Sciences, and Visual Arts, allowed me to acquire versatile knowledge, shaping me into a well-rounded, adaptable individual. Motivated by compassion and a desire to make a positive difference in the lives of those facing cancer, I became the president of JAC Coda, a club that collaborates with the Canadian Cancer Society to focus on fundraising and raising awareness for cancer research. For my involvement in this initiative, as well as my participation in numerous other leadership roles throughout my Cegep journey, I received the Outstanding Service & Leadership Award.

My life is a constant balance between academic rigor and creative expression, with academics always remaining my top priority. This commitment is evident in my record, as I graduated with the Highest Academic Achievement Award. I embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and view setbacks as stepping stones to success. I possess a keen eye for detail, a calm, rational attitude, and a strategic blend of creativity and resourcefulness.

Committed to pursuing architecture studies at McGill University in 2024, my goal is to incorporate new technologies and innovative materials into my projects, contributing to a new era in architecture that is in harmony with nature and making a meaningful impact on the world.

Below, you can find the link to a presentation video filmed during my second year of Cegep (2023).

Montreal, OC
Canada

Tel:. 514 770-6089