Life Sciences student ready to “shoot for the stars” with McMaster Science Society presidency

Visali Manimaran has ended every year at McMaster wanting more.

At the end of her first year, she wanted to get more involved in student life beyond the classroom. Visali had served on student government all throughout high school but arrived at McMaster thinking she needed to focus exclusively on academics. “I wound up  feeling really disconnected. I realized after my first year that if I was going to excel academically, I needed to enjoy the entire university experience.”

She’d been following the McMaster Science Society’s Instagram account and decided to become a second-year representative. The society’s run by students for students and offers a host of year-round services, programs and events. There’s a lot to do – with 8,266 undergrads, Science is the largest Faculty at McMaster. As a rep, Visali’s job was to advocate for fellow second-year students and make sure the society stayed responsive to what they wanted and needed. Shoring up time management skills, along with learning how to learn at university and balance school, work and life topped the students’ wish list.

At the end of her second year, Visali wanted to take on more responsibilities. So she put her name forward as a candidate for Vice President Internal on the McMaster Science Society (MSS) executive and got elected. She spent the year leading a team of six officers with responsibilities for the society’s policies, elections, sustainability and equity, diversity, inclusion and Indigeneity practices.

And at the end of her third year, Visali ran for the top job and got elected president. She’s excited to lead the society but hoping her friends will eventually get tired of saluting her every time she walks into a room. It’s both funny and really awkward, says Visali.

She’s looking forward to the year ahead. Pretty much the entire executive team is returning which means no transitions or learning curves. “We can shoot for the stars and really challenge ourselves. Our team knows exactly what to fix, what to grow and what to launch.”

A priority for the society is connecting with as many first-year science students as possible during Welcome Week. Visali recognizes it can be an overwhelming week for incoming students with lots competing for their time and attention. “We want students to know the MSS is here to help them be successful and make the most of their time at Mac.”

Serving on the McMaster Science Society is a volunteer role so Visali will be juggling the presidency with a full course load as a fourth-year Life Sciences student. She’s also a member of the McMaster Vietnamese Students’ Association and the undergraduate student member on the Board-Senate Research Misconduct Hearings Panel. After going on a three-week family vacation to Sri Lanka, Visali will spend her summer working as a research assistant at the Centre of Metabolism, Obesity and Diabetes Research this summer.

Visali practices what the society teaches students when it comes to mental health and well-being. She unwinds with Bharathanatyam – an Indian classical dance form that originated in Tamil Nadu and expresses South Indian religious themes and spiritual ideas. She’s been dancing since she was six years old. At McMaster, she joined a Tamil dance team and has added hip-hop and Western-style dancing to her repertoire. “I use dance as self-care. When I’m dancing, I feel free and relaxed.”

Visali says getting involved with the McMaster Science Society back in her second year was the best decision she’s made as a student. She’s looking to persuade other students to also get involved – it’s never too early or too late. “Don’t be afraid to join new things at McMaster and pursue your passion. That pursuit is what makes university life so meaningful.”

And for students who decide to join the McMaster Science Society, Visali promises not to salute when they walk into a room.