Convocation countdown with…Nabil Rajput

Program: Honours Life Science

Hometown: Richmond Hill, ON

Favourite course:

My favourite course was HTHSCI 3S03 with Dr. Kristina Trim. Through simulated patient scenarios, group projects, and class discussions, I developed communication skills that I continue to use every day. I genuinely enjoyed the course because it focused on practical skills that extend far beyond the classroom. What stood out most was Dr. Trim’s teaching style. She consistently challenged us to improve and provided thoughtful, constructive feedback that pushed us to become better communicators.Whether in healthcare, business, education, leadership, or simply everyday conversations, the ability to listen, build trust, and communicate effectively is essential. It is one of the few courses whose lessons I know I will carry with me throughout my career and life.

Person you’re most thankful to have met at Mac:

There are so many people who shaped my journey at McMaster that it would be impossible to credit just one. Along the way, I was fortunate to learn from professors, mentors, and supervisors who challenged me to grow and trusted me with opportunities that many students do not often receive. Their confidence in me pushed me beyond my comfort zone and played a significant role in my personal and professional development. Most importantly, however, were the friends I met during Welcome Week in my first year of residence. We went from figuring out university together in first year to sharing a student house in second year and supporting each other through the years that followed. They were the people I could always count on, whether it was for advice, a late-night conversation, help through a stressful week, or simply a reason to take a break and enjoy the moment. When I think about my time at McMaster, many of my favourite memories involve the people who started as strangers during Welcome Week and became some of my closest friends.

Best Mac moment:

I think the hardest thing I did, and the accomplishment I am most proud of, was leading McMaster’s Move-In operation for the first time in 2023. What most people experienced as two busy days on campus was the result of months of planning throughout the summer. I led the logistics behind welcoming more than 4,000 students to campus, coordinating over 1,700 representatives and staff, and working with numerous campus partners to deliver one of the university’s largest annual operations. The scale of the responsibility challenged me to grow as a leader in ways I never expected. The experience opened countless doors for me in the years that followed. Leading one of McMaster’s largest operational initiatives, alongside an incredible team, gave me the confidence to pursue new opportunities and remains one of the most rewarding and defining experiences of my time at McMaster.

Person you’re most proud to show your degree to:

While I am proud to share this milestone with my entire family, the person I am most excited to show my degree to is my mom. When I was young, she made the difficult decision to immigrate to Canada so that my brother and I could have access to greater opportunities and a strong education. Building a life in a new country while raising two children was not easy, but she took on every challenge with strength, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to our future. She has been my biggest supporter throughout every stage of my life. Whether I was deciding which opportunities to pursue, navigating challenges at university, or questioning my next steps, she was always there with encouragement, guidance, and confidence in my abilities. She motivated me to work hard, believe in myself, and keep moving forward even when things felt difficult.

Best advice / insider tip for Mac students starting in September:

My biggest piece of advice is to give yourself permission to be a beginner.

When I arrived at McMaster, I was surrounded by people who seemed to have everything figured out. Some were already involved in research, others held leadership positions, and many appeared to have a clear vision for their future. It was easy to feel overwhelmed, but I quickly learned that university is not a race and that everyone progresses at their own pace.

Do not be afraid to try new things and take risks. Join a club, attend an event, apply for a position, or explore an opportunity that interests you, even if you are not sure you are qualified. Some of the most rewarding experiences of my undergraduate degree came from stepping outside my comfort zone and saying yes to opportunities I never expected to pursue.

My insider tip is to make the most of Welcome Week and your first year. Many of my closest friendships began during those first few days, and those friendships became one of the most meaningful parts of my university experience. Most importantly, take advantage of the support systems around you. Whether through residence, student services, professors, teaching assistants, or the many resources available across campus, there are countless people who genuinely want to help you succeed. Many of them have been in your shoes before, understand the challenges that come with starting university, and want to see you thrive. You do not have to navigate university on your own, and asking for help is often one of the best decisions you can make.