AHMED AL-ARNAWOOT
Hobbies/Fun Fact/ Extra-curricular: I love soccer. I love it so much that I decided to coach it to 3 year olds.
Greatest Struggle in first year: Time management, that was my greatest challenge. Overcoming it was made easy for me through my inquiry class. My facilitator helped work through different ways of managing time, which eventually helped me overcome that challenge.
BRAMPTON
BATES
GLOBAL HEALTH
VARUN BHARDWAJ
Hobbies/Fun Fact/ Extra-curricular: I like to
bleed blue during the day and maroon at
night . I also enjoy cooking then eating what I
made. I like to play all sorts of sports, go hiking
camping and basically anything outdoors.
Other than that I'm a part of various clubs on
campus and volunteer at the McMaster
children's hospital. I am always trying to learn
something new and love to meet new people
so pls talk to me first years be my friend :D
Greatest Struggle in first year: My biggest
challenge first year was trying to find a
balance between everything. I was really
disorganized and had a hard time figuring out
how to prioritize things and stay on top of my
stuff. First I tried making a schedule for every hour of my day but that obviously didn't work because I got too overwhelmed. What worked though, was setting small goals for myself every morning and making sure I accomplished them before I went to bed everyday. You must set goals to score goals lolz bad joke :D
.
NIKESH PANDEY
Hobbies/Fun Fact/ Extra-curricular: I like to fill my extra time with exciting and adventurous activities that keep me engaged. Anytime there is an event like a pickup hockey game or a social event, I will do my best to show up. But it is also essential for me to chill when I can. I love to play guitar, go for a work out, or just simply lie down and listen to music. Sometimes I will just scroll through my Facebook newsfeed, not even paying attention to the posts. In university it's so important to recognize what you like or need to do on you free time and do it. Everything is in your grasp, and it is up to you to reach out.
COMMUTER
HAMILTON
WILDTYPE
TORONTO
BATES
WILDTYPE
ASHLEY EOM
Hobbies/Fun Fact/ Extra-curricular: My favourite sport is Netflix marathon and I am currently running through Breaking Bad. Actual running and playing badminton are tied for my second favourite sports. I love playing the ukulele, although the songs I can play are limited to the five chords that I know. I really enjoyed being a part of Smiling Over Sickness, McMaster Arts for Children, BHSS First Year Council, and BHSc Charity Fashion Show. I am a rare breed of university students that doesn’t drink coffee. It is both fortunate and unfortunate that an unhealthy amount of my income is spent on trying out restaurants in Hamilton. The first time I went to downtown Toronto, a herd of completely naked cyclists passed by. Since this scarring encounter, I’ve been slowly trying to warm
.
MARY KEYES
WILDTYPE
BURLINGTON
up to the city so feel free to recommend places I should try out while running through the 6ix with my woes.
Greatest Struggle in first year: Aside from the very-real-not-an-urban-myth freshman 15, the greatest challenge in first year was house hunting for my second year housing. I found it difficult to find a good quality house that would satisfy the priorities of my housemates, parents, and myself in regards to factors such as cost, proximity to campus, room sizes, and credibility of landlords. Overall, the off-campus housing resources available at McMaster were extremely helpful. I would highly recommend getting a group of friends together with similar standards and priorities early on and acting quickly when you find the right house. A touch of luck plays a role in this too. But don’t stress too much. Everyone ends up with a house…but not everyone ends up with a good house. Living off campus is another enriching experience in itself so definitely look forward to it!
.
Greatest Struggle in first year:
Coming into frosh week, barely knowing anyone, I felt this pressure to instantly make new friends. Every time I met someone, I felt like I was supposed to be best friends with them for the next four years. The reality is: a relationship that lasted years in high school is radically different than a relationship that has lasted 30 seconds. You cannot expect to replace your high school friend group a few days into university. Friendships take time to build. Just know that if you give everyone you meet your utmost respect and compassion, you will end up being friends with those you are meant to be friends with. It will not happen after a few weeks, maybe not even after a term. But it will happen.
The second year Pathogens have shared a bit about themselves - including the city they're from, the residence they lived in first year, and their specialization. Click on their picture to return to the previous page.
YEAR II
MATTHEWS
GLOBAL HEALTH
TORONTO
LES PRINCE
WILDTYPE
TORONTO
SATYAM CHOUDHURI
Hobbies/Fun Fact/ Extra-curricular: In my spare time I enjoy doing manly things such as chopping down wood, hunting, fishing, and lifting things up and putting them down. I without a doubt do NOT know the song Fergalicious by heart, nor do I jam out to it on a regular basis. My hips do lie, and I have never been compared to Shakira when it comes to my hip shaking abilities.
.
MOBEEN MUBASHER
Hobbies/Fun Fact/ Extra-curricular: Fun fact- I like to have fun. Some of my hobbies include eating, sleeping, squash, table tennis, cricket, weightlifting or any other type of physical activity. I am interested in hearing what you have to say and learning more about you. If you would like to join me in any sort of activity or teach me something new (or old) that would be swell. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with myself or anybody else in the program, I promise we are cool people (every. single. person.)
Please remember to laugh because, "A day without laughter is a day wasted" -Charlie Chaplin.
.
Greatest Struggle in first year: As said by Aristotle, “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom”. It can be challenging trying to understand oneself amidst a barrage of events/opportunities and a body of very diverse & talented people. As a first year, I found it difficult figuring out how I functioned: what sort of sleeping, eating or fitness schedule I needed, how I studied, how I presented myself and what kind of people I wanted to befriend. The aforementioned obstacles can be tackled in various ways depending from person to person and require conscious effort. My advice would be to explore yourself & your surroundings, communicate with friends/upper years and do not hesitate to use any of the resources available at Mac! I encourage you to put yourself out there and get to know those amazing people you will call friends. I also encourage you to get to know me, someone you'll call Mobeen :D
.
Greatest Struggle in first year:
Being the brilliant students that you guys are,
I’m sure most of you have been at the top of
your grade in numerous things for most of
your life (i.e. academics, athletics, etc.). I was in a very similar situation coming into Mac, however, during first year I found that there was always someone smarter than me, more athletic than me, doing more extra-curriculars than me, etc. etc. I started to play the very dangerous ‘compare game’, thus, during first year I spent a lot of time dealing with anxiety and belittling all my achievements in comparison to others in the program. After going to the Wellness Centre, and reminding myself to always find happiness in my own achievements, I slowly overcame this challenge. After going through this, I really learned to abide by my favorite slogan here at Mac, “You do you”. Love yourselves froshies… you guys are amazing!
.
RICHMOND HILL
WILDTYPE
YUNG LEE
Hobbies/Fun Fact/ Extra-curricular: I love developing new recipes and cooking for people that I love, exploring downtown to try new food places, taking pictures of everything (yungleephotography.com), performing magic tricks, having late night Facebook group chats, playing cello, reading scientific research papers, and attending random conferences and seminars.
Greatest Struggle in first year: Some might
say that their greatest challenge during first year was spending their surplus meal card money during the last week of school. However, being a true gourmand, I discovered the beauty of custom-made pasta from
HEDDEN
juicy General Tao Chicken from Bistro, and late night pitas from Mini Mac. Once I had my epicurean epiphany, the surplus meal money was the least of my worries. However, after first semester, I remember being surprised at my balance after swiping my card to purchase the most delicious bacon grilled cheese from William’s during my Cell Bio break. My world came crashing down on me as I realized that I had to survive the rest of the year with an inadequate meal card balance and an unsatisfied stomach. I was able to overcome my struggle by cooking my own meals and carefully budgeting.Hence, friends, be wary and eat healthy. Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.
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YOSEF ELLENBOGEN
Hobbies/Fun Fact/ Extra-curricular: I love to play guitar. Join SWHAT!. Fun way to make new friends: next time you're in a public washroom and you're washing your hands with someone next to you, cup your hands under the water, look at the person beside you and dramatically say "this is getting out of hand.
Greatest Struggle in first year: My greatest challenge was adjusting to so much 'free time'. I definitely recommend making a weekly schedule, that helped me a ton!
.
VAUGHEN
BATES
BIOMED
ESAI BISHOP
Hobbies/Fun Fact/ Extra-curricular: Hey! I'm Esai. During the school year you can find me studying in HSL, rehearsing for HSM, or riding the HSR. I play guitar and piano (mostly at late, inappropriate hours waking up housemates and family woops). I like walking around Hamilton late at night and meeting cool people on the bus (shout out to Lamar from Burlington). Talk to me about the Blue Jays (bird or sports team) or The Office and we'll be best friends. :)
Greatest Struggle in first year: I've worked at the McDonalds closest to campus for about two and a half years now, and near the
ALESSANDRA CECCACCI
Hobbies/Fun Fact/ Extra-curricular: A fun fact about me is that I could probably tell you anything you wanted to know about DisneyWorld! That is by far my favourite place to visit. I’ve learned the many ins and outs of visiting the parks during the times when I was there…. Which rides to go on and which order you should go on them in order to save time, where the characters are in the park, where to eat… Having grown up watching almost every Disney movie, my favourite being Lilo and Stitch, DisneyWorld was always on the top of my list of places to visit.
ERIC MAUTI
Hobbies/Fun Fact/ Extra-curricular: Avid paddler, canoeing and kayaking instructor in the summer. Looking to get back to playing sports after a knee injury.Proud supporter of all the Toronto sports teams, no matter how much they suck....And that's really it. I'm to the point, pragmatic, and I'm not afraid of talking about things honestly. Ask me anything– you'll get a true answer.Fun fact? I can play the accordion...slightly.
Greatest Struggle in first year: The greatest challenge was feeling that I didn't belong in the program, let alone university. That notion prevented me from doing what I wanted to do in
GIAN AGTARAP
Hobbies/Fun Fact/ Extra-curricular:
Ball is life
.
Greatest Struggle in first year:
Since I didn't have a meal plan and couldn't cook, my greatest challenge in first year was finding food to eat. However, I managed to live off Kraft Dinner and Fortino's chicken. Yum <3
.
JERMIN SHINUDA
Hobbies/Fun Fact/ Extra-curricular: A few
facts: I love meeting new people and
conversing; I'm a fraternal twin; I speak
French.Some things I enjoy: Ed Sheeran, John
Mayer, reading, photography, Instagram, Slam
Poetry events, watching plays and/or musicals,
French, sightseeing, adventures, bleeding blue
and first years! (In the most non-creepy way
possible) :)
Greatest Struggle in first year: The greatest
challenge I faced in first year was definitely
Cell Bio. The profs are great in that they
successfully introduce teaching methods that
I was never exposed to throughout my highschool education. They force you to critically think and to really use your creativity. Due to this unique learning environment, I had a hard time adjusting and found myself wishing I could just memorize information as that came easier to me. I got through it by NOT focussing on marks and by realizing that this class is actually teaching me to think rather than to regurgitate. Cell Bio was definitely one of the most memorable classes for a plethora of reasons!
.
KEVIN KARIVELIL
Hobbies/Fun Fact/ Extra-curricular: I've been doing karate in my hometown for several years, so it was really cool for me to join McMaster's dojo and keep training. For anyone interested in joining or continuing martial arts, feel free to shoot me a message sometime if you have any questions!
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HAMILTON
COMMUTER
WILDTYPE
beginning of first year I was promoted to a manager there. That meant extra responsibility and extra hours working for me. So I spent about 30 hours a week at work during the school year, which made maintaining school work and extra-curriculars, while effectively managing my time really difficult for me. Thankfully, I got a lot of help from supportive upper years, group members, and TAs, who helped me balance my time and get my work done. I really came to appreciate the encouraging and helpful nature of Health Sci during my busy first year, and I love contributing to that atmosphere in some small way. :)
.
WINDSOR
MARY KEYES
WILDTYPE
TORONTO
BRANDON
WILDTYPE
BRAMPTON
COMMUTER
DEEP RIVER
MATTHEWS
WILDTYPE
WILDTYPE
Greatest Struggle in first year: One of the biggest challenges for me at the beginning of first year was being away from my close friends and family at home. A four hour train ride away from home did not make it realistic to visit my loved ones as often as I wanted. When I first got to McMaster, I was really homesick. The way I overcame this homesickness was that I started making a greater effort to leave my room in residence. I got closer with my roommates by staying in our common room more. I also made of friends in residence by staying in the "study" rooms and common rooms on different floors. Through this, I met people from all kinds of programs that I wouldn't have met otherwise. These people, who became my family throughout the year, truly made my residence feel like a home.
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first year, and sucked out the confidence from all my work. But trust me, if I could pull it off, then you'll be just fine. There are so many resources available, from your peers, to the BHSc office, and all of the upper years. Just please take that initiative to ask for help. I didn't, and it almost cost me the entire year.
.
Greatest Struggle in first year: My greatest
challenge in first year was allowing myself
more time for sleep and having fun. It's easy to
get caught up in homework or project work,
especially considering that you want to do
really well, but it's also important to balance
out your time for other things! I overcame this challenge by writing out a daily schedule of tasks, and jotting down how much time I thought each task would take, so I could have a better sense of how much free time I'd have each day.
.
MISSISSAUGA
MATTHEWS
WILDTYPE
OAKVILLE
COMMUTER
MAINSTREAM
MERNA ZAKY
Hobbies/Fun Fact/ Extra-curricular:
Chocolate is one of the bestest things in the
world :)
Fun Fact: If you love Ice Capps, go to Williams
and try the blended Ice Capp - its actually
amazing (in my opinion)!
Greatest Struggle in first year: One of my
greatest challenges in first year was simply
learning to believe in myself more. In first term,
I would doubt myself and my capabilities. I
realized that I was holding myself back from
different things because I thought that I wasn't
competent enough. But ever since I
recognized this about myself, I put in effort to
change throughout the remainder of first year.
I learned that if I don't believe in myself, who will? I had to change the way I look at myself and to not let anything bring me down, but rather motivate me to do better. No matter the obstacle I face, I should never give up on myself! Sometimes changing your perspective on things can make all the difference :)
GUELPH
HEDDEN
WILDTYPE
KELLY DONG
Hobbies/Fun Fact/ Extra-curricular: Corny
food puns are my favs :)...And I guess art, piano
and Misfits are pretty alright too..
Greatest Struggle in first year: The sheer
number of people. WW is kinda a blur of new
people you meet - people are super open but
also just ask the basic questions like program,
city, etc. It's easy to lose track of the people,
which is totally fine, but it also makes it hard
to find people you think you would make
good friends with. The key for me was to
continue talking to fun people and hang out,
but to also be continuously open to meeting
new people!
.
TORONTO
MATTHEWS
BIOMED
ELYSIA GROSE
Hobbies/Fun Fact/ Extra-curricular: I like to
laugh at my own jokes ALOT and i love
helping other people learn :)
Greatest Struggle in first year:
Greatest challenge would have to be
managing my time and coping with stress. A
special course (that you will take) helped me
a lot with putting things in perspective and
learning to organize myself.
.
RICHMOND (BC)
LES PRINCE
WILDTYPE
MATTHEW BORODITSKY
Hobbies/Fun Fact/ Extra-curricular:
Ceramics, Sailing, collecting shot glasses from
around the world, EFRT, hockey, lifeguarding
Greatest Struggle in first year: One of my
greatest challenges was definitely trying to
get involved and being overwhelmed with the
many clubs/extra-curriculars at Mac in first
year. To overcome the challenge, I just signed
up for a few clubs that I thought I might enjoy
and went from there. I found first year
involved trying things out and finding what
you like to do.
TORONTO
WHIDDEN
WILDTYPE
DION DIEP
Hobbies/Fun Fact/ Extra-curricular::
Hobbies: sports, gains, anime, eating, smash
bros melee (1v1 me bro)
Involvements: I am predominantly involved in
leadership and sports oriented organizations/
activites.
Fun fact: i listen to sad music when I exercise
Greatest Struggle in first year: It's 1 am. My
midterm is in 8 hours and I am starving. Centro
closes at midnight and I seem to be all out of
options.
But my friends... have no fear because
Bassilique is here. Just give them a call and order a chicken shawarma to rid yourself of your hunger. The midterm on the other hand...
.
TORONTO
EDWARDS
MAINSTREAM
MICHELLE YEUNG
Hobbies/Fun Fact/ Extra-curricular: I am an
avid dog lover, ice cream eater, and plant
nurturer. In my spare time, I am also a
dedicated cappuccino drinker, fashion
admirer, and sports player (holla at ur girl for a
game of volleyball, soccer, field hockey,
ultimate frisbee...you name it!). Writing has
always been a passion of mine, which lead to
my involvement in The Silhouette, McMaster's
student-run newspaper. Something else I
enjoyed being a part of this year was
performing on the cast of McMaster Make
Believe's hospital musical group. Aside from
enjoying chill tunes and poppin' bangers from
the comfort of my own room, sharing music
with others is just as fulfilling. Some fun facts: I enjoy cooking and could survive on a diet consisting of only avocado, cheese, and coffee. I was in love with Rostam from Vampire Weekend for the entirety of my adolescence. I watch a lot of movies. My favourite colour in the rainbow is black. I own a cactus named Olive, who I love very much.
Greatest Struggle in first year: It's tough to just discuss a singular, "greatest" challenge; first year was comprised of both amazing experiences and tough hurdles. One challenge that encompasses many others, though, would be learning how to balance everything – which includes time management, learning how to prioritize, and coping with stress.
Being thrown into a new environment that is rife with new opportunities is overwhelming. Initially, I wanted to do everything; I signed up for all the clubs I was even remotely interested in, aimed to maintain a high GPA, and went to many social gatherings to make friends. Wanting to do everything – and everything well – is often a co-morbidity of excessive ambition, something that many university students suffer from. I learned that this was also a sure-fire way of spreading yourself too thin. It's important to recognize that you simply cannot do everything; to alleviate how overwhelmed I felt, I chose a few things that really enticed me versus dabbling in many. I also realized that, while working hard is important, I also needed to take time to myself and just relax.
It's tough to master the art of balancing, but realizing its importance is already a big step. I'm still learning. .
RICHMOND HILL
BRANDON
BIOMED
ALEX FLORESCU
Hobbies/Fun Fact/ Extra-curricular: I am a
huge fan of travelling and nature, and lucky
for me, Hamilton has both of those things. I
love discovering small nooks of the city, so if
you are looking for a chill place to study or a
waterfall to hike to, hit me up :). For those who
are English nerds, I completely feel you.
Whenever I travel, I always pack my books
first (lol oops) and love writing. In my first year
I wrote for the school newspaper, the
Silhouette, for the Arts and Entertainment
Section, and I'll be going back this coming
year as News Reporter. Aside from that, I play
basketball and run, although it's probably
more the beautiful trials and less of my
athletic ability that keep me going. I love
keeping busy, but when I'm not, you'll probably find me on a picnic blanket with a thermos of coffee and some Tallest Man on Earth playing in the background. Fun fact - I wasn't actually born in Canada, but in Romania, but I haven't been back since I was 8.
Greatest Struggle in first year: Looking back, first year was probably one of the best years of my life. I loved the independence and was blessed with so many opportunities. However, it was not always this way. I struggled a lot the first month with making friends. I am generally an outgoing person, but meeting so many new faces during Welcome Week can be incredibly intimidating. It helped to have high school friends nearby, but eventually I fell into a routine and made amazing friends both within the faculty of Health Science and outside of it. Ultimately, I just kept putting myself out there and eventually met people who let me pay them to pretend to be my friends. But in all seriousness, there are so many people at university that there will always be someone that you connect with - you just have to have the patience to find them.
.
WATERLOO
EDWARDS
GLOBAL HEALTH
JEAN WANG
Hobbies/Fun Fact/ Extra-curricular:
1. I like dancing in the rain, and the smell of
the earth after thunderstorms.
2. The most common question I get asked at
Engineers without Borders meetings is, "... but
you're not an engineer?"
3. I am passionate about photography,
making people happy, and music.
4. People call me Jeanie, Jean Bean, Jean
Machine, Hygiene...
5. I used to play rugby and running a
marathon is on my bucket list.
6. I like to pretend I'm a pop singer in the
shower.
7. I love meeting new people, and talking to
random strangers about random things.
Greatest Struggle in first year: Let me begin with a story. There once was a rabbit, who lived happily in Carrotland. However, one day, the winds of change swept by, taking away rabbit’s favourite toys, and transporting rabbit to an area outside of its comfort zone. Some people told rabbit to get a research position. Others told rabbit that it needed certain elective courses. Rabbit felt lost in this new land. However, rabbit realized that it was a unique rabbit, who was in charge of its own story. It decided to pursue its own passions.
During first year, I struggled with figuring out who I was. I kept trying to fit in, until I realized that I didn’t need to. While university isn’t quite like Carrotland, I believe that every single person holds the pen to their own story. While it might be overwhelming to be surrounded by so many amazing people, always remember that you are a unique individual with your own passions and dreams.
.
BRANTFORD
BATES
GLOBAL HEALTH
NEHA MALHOTRA
Hobbies/Fun Fact/ Extra-curricular:
Hobbies:
1. Impulsive online shopping
2. Obsessively reading books until I finish them
3. Binge watching t.v. shows (Suits fans know)
(clearly have some self control issues)
Extra-curriculars:
1. Engineers without Borders (I am not a traitor)
2.I like experimenting (I mean cooking)
3. Being happy
Fun Facts:
1. '97 baby homies
Greatest Struggle in first year: I have had a lot of trouble having faith in my abilities. It was hard coming from high school, where academics often defined who I was, to an environment where I felt like there wasn't anything special about me anymore. Everyone was intelligent and incredibly hard working. I thought I didn't belong or deserve to be in this amazing program, and started to doubt myself alot. Dealing with self-esteem issues is tough because there's only so much those around you can do to help, and then the rest is up to you. Although this is still something I'm working on, I found keeping a diary really helps me sort through my thoughts. While this was my struggle, know that you will have your own and it's okay to not have all the answers right away - you just need to be patient with yourself.
And on that note, I leave you with a quote a dear friend of mine once shared with me: "Most lives are not distinguished by great achievements. They are measured by an infinite number of small ones. Each time you do a kindness for someone or bring a smile to their face, it gives your life meaning. Never doubt your value, little friend. The world would be a dismal place without you in it"
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TORONTO
BATES
CHILD HEALTH
NOA LASHEVSKY
Hobbies/Fun Fact/ Extra-curricular: Hey
froshies! Here’s a bit bout me: I’m quite an
artsy person; I've been dancing for 10 years,
and am always down for music jams. I love
watching movies and musicals with friends.
That is why this year I joined Mac One Act,
which is a performance of a series of short,
student-directed plays. I absolutely enjoy
sports: played 4 years on high school
basketball team, volleyball and tennis…
That isn’t to say I don’t like desserts… a.k.a
Yogurty’s dates are the bomb. And last, but
certainly not least, if you know me, you know
that I have an obsession with the Little Prince.
So if you've read it, hit me up ;) Can't wait to
meet you all soon!
Greatest Struggle in first year: I came from an arts high school, which allowed me to balance the sciences with my passion for the arts. Moving to a university where performance and dance was no longer part of my daily schedule was a huge challenge. You'll find that it takes time to adjust to the new environment. That's why part way through the year I had to pick back up my hobbies and fit them into my schedule. At days end, these hobbies are what brought me back to my norm, acted as stress-relievers, and made my transition easier as well more fulfilling. Holla at me if you ever need advice!
MARKHAM
BRANDON
GLOBAL HEALTH
LUCSHMAN RAVEENDRAN
Hobbies/Fun Fact/ Extra-curricular: Cool
fact: I was once the youngest person in the
world.
Greatest Struggle in first year: Organisation.
In high school I never used an agenda
because I thought I was baller keeping track
of everything in my head and hey it worked
but in university this will get you rekt.
University has sooooo many more moving
parts than high school! You have tutorials,
labs, online assignments, RAPSEs, reflections,
group meetings etc.. It kinda gets
overwhelming. Finally using an agenda made
me realize that in Uni it really helps to
visualize your schedule which makes it easier
to efficiently allocate time to things + it serves as backup inquiry evidence.
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TORONTO
MCKAY
WILDTYPE
ARSHIA JAVIDAN
Hobbies/Fun Fact/ Extra-curricular: Love
going to gym, chilling w/ friends, and
Netflixing. Preferred
TV Shows atm: Hannibal, Game of Thrones,
Grey's Anatomy.
Greatest Struggle in first year: My greatest
challenge was dealing with the anxiety
induced from not having enough time to
manage all of my commitments. Personally,
the academic workload for first year was less
than it was during high school. But combined
with everything else, like group meetings,
extracurriculars, making sure you have time
for family and friends, etc. it was pretty hard to
manage everything. What really worked for
me was using a schedule to plan my day out pretty much hour by hour. Doing so led me to using my time that much more efficiently.
RICHMOND HILL
MARY KEYES
WILDTYPE
MATT YAU
Hobbies/Fun Fact/ Extra-curricular: Fun
fact: I hate chocolate. As a kid, my brother was
lactose intolerant. My mom, being the
progressive hipster she is, decided in her
infinite wisdom to ban dairy for the whole
household - "shared pain is lessened"...or
something like that. So I ended up trying
chocolate for the first time when I was around
8ish. It tasted like shit. Every now and again I
sample a piece to see if I can finally revel in
the gluttony everyone raves about -- and it
still always tastes like shit. It's so cloyingly
bitter (I know it doesn't make sense), and
when it melts in your mouth oh god i'm not
down. If you put me on an island with no food
except for chocolate I'd rather starve. That may be a slight exaggeration. In all seriousness, if I was decently hungry and I had chocolate I probably wouldn't eat it.
Greatest Struggle in first year: My greatest challenge in first year was home sickness. I missed my home, my family, my friends, all that sappy stuff. I had grown up in the same town for my entire life, so the shift to Mac was meh. I'm not sure if I've totally overcome it even now; I'll always miss home whenever I leave. But it's definitely easier now as I've made friends and become more used to the environment.
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ANCASTER
COMMUTER
BIOMED
ANDREW LAGROTTERIA
Hobbies/Fun Fact/ Extra-curricular: I run
marathons, Netfilx marathons. I enjoy long
walks on the beach, with the intention of
building up an appetite for Italian cuisine.
Aside from leading a life of inquiry, I play
soccer, hockey, and the sax. Avid Montreal
Canadiens Fan. Car Enthusiast. Involvements?
Well, I'll save those for when we meet in
person ;)
Greatest Struggle in first year: My greatest
challenge in first year was returning to school
from an illness that lasted about 2 weeks. I
was very behind in all my work, and the catch
up process was strenuous. I had deferred
exams, missed labs, and hours and hours of
podcasts to listen to. With the help of a collaborative and supportive circle of friends, I was able to bounce back. The office staff were also very supportive, and whatever your issue may be, you will soon find that out! "What defines us is how high we rise after falling." Always strive to keep a healthy, mind, body, and soul! Take care, and de-stress!
.
STONEY CREEK
COMMUTER
WILDTYPE
AVERY CLAVIO
Hobbies/Fun Fact/ Extra-curricular: Love to
play frisbee, lacrosse, and football. A fun fact
about me is that I am the older sibling of a set
of twins by only 5 minutes!
Greatest Struggle in first year: I would have
to say the greatest challenge I had to face in
first year was trying to adjust to the teaching
style of university and more specifically in the
Health Sciences program. There is really no
other way to overcome this challenge other
than by going through the process, learning
from your experiences, and adjusting
accordingly. Everyone may have a different
first year experience but know that all first
years are in the same boat together. Never
think you are alone.
.
WATERLOO
LES PRINCE
WILDTYPE
PAUL LEE
Hobbies/Fun Fact/ Extra-curricular: My
dream job is to be a professional dabbler, so I
can do a lot of different things but never grow
tired of them.
Greatest Struggle in first year: A challenge I
faced in first year was fulfilling the criteria of
being "outgoing", which I thought was an
obligation. Fortunately for me, being social
became a lot easier when it was less of a
requirement, and more like a by-product of
me pursuing my interests. I became more
talkative once I had thoughts and stories to
share, especially with my Cell Bio and Inquiry
group members.
TORONTO
WOODSTOCK
WILDTYPE
DAVID LEE
Hobbies/Fun Fact/ Extra-curricular: My
hobbies are sleeping in, hanging out with
friends, and watching TV shows - very
talented oriented hobbies. I was involved in
McMaster's First Year Council so if you have
any questions about the McMaster Student
Union, which is like the McMaster's student
government, or how to get involved I'd be
happy to answer them. I grew up in the
Philippines so I'm fluent in Tagalog (Filipino)
and Hokkien (Chinese). I am also an avid
coffee drinker and twitter enthusiast.
Greatest Struggle in first year: : Greatest
challenge was definitely time management.
I'm the type of person to procrastinate and go
on Facebook and Insta-G before I start doing any work. I learnt that I could not get away with putting everything last minute in university as I was getting overwhelmed. I learnt the best way of approaching this is having a daily schedule and knowing what has to be accomplished that day, that way you have a goal to set your mind to (Ie. Today I'm going to finish two seasons of Friends).
.
NEWMARKET
BRANDON
WILDTYPE
MICHAEL PARVIZIAN
Hobbies/Fun Fact/ Extra-curricular:
Fun facts: My favorite flavour of pie is
pumpkin!
Hobby: One thing I am really into is music
(playing) as well as various fitness-y things
(swimming, running,etc)
Favorite Television show: Game of thrones!
Favorite Musicians: Grieves and Macklemore
Favorite Food: Sushi (all kinds!)
Greatest Struggle in first year: I didn't find
first year too ridiculously challenging because
Health sci gives you every opportunity to
succeed! Just make sure that if you're like me
and have trouble getting up in the morning
you somehow figure out how to make it to
class on time!
