Natania Blair BSc’23
As an international student, Natania Blair expected her environment to change when she arrived in Halifax from rural Jamaica, but she couldn’t have known then exactly how much it would change. Natania and her cohort worked towards their degrees through the COVID-19 pandemic, transitioning to online learning with many unable to return home. Natania was also a residence assistant, dedicated to helping students through this difficult time.
An impressive list of extracurricular activities and volunteer work never stopped her from excelling at her studies, she worked hard until the last term—taking six classes in her final two terms during the 2022-23 academic year, an impressive feat.
Natania is proud to have family attending convocation, including her younger sister, a Saint Mary’s student taking biology in her big sister’s footsteps. She is currently working in Halifax and is planning to pursue permanent residency and medical school.
Q&A with Natania Blair
Where is your hometown?: My hometown is in rural Jamaica. A vibrant community, rich in culture, called May Pen, in the parish of Clarendon.
What’s your major?: I’m graduating with a Bachelor of Science with a major in Biology.
What was your favourite class?: Global Change with Professor John Calder. It was a very eye-opening course. I also enjoyed GEOL 1203 Earth History: Atlantic Canada Perspective with Professor Randolph Corney.
Is there an instructor who had a big impact on you?: So many professors had positive impacts on me. Some are Dr. Andrew Hare, Professor Caitlin Cunningham and Dr. Anne Dalziel. They were excellent motivators and role models.
Why did you choose Saint Mary’s University? An international recruiter named Lauren Cullen met with me in Jamaica and told me all about SMU. She got me so excited to be a Husky SMUdent!
What activities were you involved with at Saint Mary’s?: My most impactful activity would be my role as a Residence Assistant. Thanks to Kati Kilfoil and her team, I garnered important life skills and valuable experiences throughout my three years of being an RA. I was also part of the Executive Team as the Public Relations Officer of the Caribbean Society in my fourth year.
What was your favourite space on campus?: My favourite space on campus is the SMU Gym. I was on the Cheerleading team in my first year, and we would practice in the SMU gym. Since then, I’ve made going to the gym a priority.
Do you currently volunteer with any organizations?: I was previously a SAGA Volunteer (Students Acting for Global Awareness). I took on the role of mentor and welcomed students who were new to the SMU family.
Did you receive any awards or recognition from the university or other organizations during your time as a student here?: I received an award for showing resilience as a Residence Assistant during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as an award for Outstanding Programming as an RA. I made the Dean’s List, which I am very proud of. Being Valedictorian for the Faculty of Science at this 2023 convocation is such an honour in itself.
What advice would you give your younger self who was just starting university?: You are smarter than you think. Keep being that happy, positive, and optimistic girl despite any challenges you may face along the way. Don’t let anyone dim your light—if you are too bright for them, offer them some shades. And remember you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.
What are your goals for the future?: I hope to continue my studies of the Sciences in pursuing my dream of becoming a Medical Doctor.
Spring Convocation takes place May 17-19, 2023. Watch the ceremonies live at smu.ca/graduation or on our Facebook page.