Program: Biochemistry Co-op
Hometown: Mississauga, ON
HLTHAGE 2L03: Drugs, Sex and Alcohol: Society and its Addictions. A very flashy course title but it equipped me to have so much compassion and empathy for folks experiencing addiction. The course exposed me to some of the reasons why people engage in substance use, and inspired me to see the humanity in people over the labels society gives them.
Kate Marchetti, a group fitness instructor at the Pulse. When I first came to Mac, I had no idea how to navigate the gym or what to do. I went into Kate’s group fitness class in my 2nd year, and she immediately made me feel comfortable as a beginner. She taught me how to use weights and always has the best music and class plans! Not only has she increased my confidence at the gym and helped me take care of my health, but her incredible mindset has definitely rubbed off on me over the years.
One of my favourite sayings of hers is, “don’t think, just do” when she makes us plank for a long time — advice I take into my coursework when I’m procrastinating. She encourages us to live in the moment, have compassion for ourselves, and be grateful that we can move our bodies. Kate has been such a positive influence on my life in more ways than one, and I’m so grateful I met her!
The best moment of my undergrad was helping my lab reach our goal of attaining 100 blood samples for a pregnancy study. So much work went into it, from training in phlebotomy, to speaking to 100s of potential participants (most of whom didn’t want to participate). At times, it was discouraging because we felt our efforts weren’t paying off. However, the experience itself taught me that persistent effort leads to long-term success, even when difficult to see progress in the short-term.
Because we stuck with it, we’re closer to developing tools to for the early-detection of pregnancy complications. Beyond the research, the struggle brought my lab mates and I closer together; navigating those difficulties together and being there for each other helped us get so become much better friends! Even though it was hard in the moment, I’m so glad we pushed through it and saw such huge gains 🙂
My mom. She worked for years after high school to fund her own degree. When she was finally able to start, she was still working full-time, attending night classes, and starting a family at the same time. This warrior even wrote exams while 8-months pregnant. She worked incredibly hard to provide me with the privileges I’ve had to excel in my degree today.
Beyond her past sacrifices, the poor thing had to deal with me at my most stressed, upset, and overly joyful throughout my degree. Without the confidence she instilled in me and the support she provided, I never would have made it this far. This degree represents her hard work as much as mine and I hope I have made her proud.
Don’t be afraid to do things alone. I started university with a large friend group, so I was often reluctant to do things without them. In my second year, I really wanted to try a group fitness strength class, but my friend wasn’t feeling well. I built up the courage to go by myself, and three years later, I still attend that same class every Tuesday! University is full of awesome people and unique activities just waiting for you. Although it is scary, meeting new people and trying new things is how you truly learn who you are and what you want out of life as an individual. Take that first step!
Convocation, Students