Work began this week on the construction of temporary stadium seating in preparation for the CFL Touchdown Atlantic game that will be held on campus on July 29, 2023.
This work is expected to run from May 10 until May 24. During this time, there may be some noise and activity associated with the construction. Additionally, the Homburg members’ parking lot (see 9 on Campus Map below) will be closed to vehicle and foot traffic while construction is completed.
Thank you for your understanding and support as we prepare for this very exciting event at Saint Mary’s. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Greg Knight, Assistant Director, Athletics & Recreation (greg.knight@smu.ca) or Janelle McNulty, Director, Quality Initiatives & Transformation (janelle.mcnulty@smu.ca).
Meet your Valedictorian: Flynn Walthour BA'23
Flynn Walthour BA’23
Four years ago when she was getting ready to graduate from high school in Oregon, Flynn Walthour didn’t have a clear plan for her next steps. She knew where she was heading, though—across the continent to Halifax, and Saint Mary’s University.
Flynn was intrigued with the possibilities of exploring the opposite coast, living in a new country and creating new experiences for herself. Along with her studies, she gained valuable leadership skills as co-president of the SMU History Society. Now the Dean’s List student is graduating magna cum laude and heading back home with plenty of memories and lifelong friendships formed here.
Q&A with Flynn Walthour
Where is your hometown? I was born in Carmel, California and was raised there until I was 14. I then moved to Portland, Oregon where my family still lives.
Why did you choose Saint Mary’s? I chose Saint Mary’s due to its small class sizes and international student population. I wanted to come to the East Coast of Canada and SMU offered me everything I wanted from a school.
What programs did you study? I majored in History with a minor in Geography. They are interconnected in so many ways and I find a knowledge of both to be necessary. I love human geography, and learning how humans affect the environment and how the environment affects us culturally and historically. I have always been drawn to history ever since California history in elementary school. I love learning about the past and how it affects us today.
Which instructor had the biggest impact on you? Although I have loved many professors here at SMU, I constantly chose courses with Dr. Heather Green. Her classes are always interactive and captivating. I appreciate all I have learned from her.
What can you say about the value of studying arts and humanities? We need writers, historians and philosophers just as much as we need doctors and engineers. The arts teach critical thinking, empathy and understanding. They ask us to dig deeper and find out the true story. They teach us how to better understand the world we live in and how to make it better.
Were you involved in any campus activities? I got involved with the SMU History Society. My friend Lydia signed on for the executive team and needed another person to help restart the society, which had been absent since 2018. It required a lot of work but we wanted an outlet on campus where history lovers could meet other like-minded individuals. Although we restarted it late into our education and didn’t get to hold many events, I’m happy that we were able to bring the society back for future students.
What’s your favorite space on campus? The third floor of the library. I have spent many days up there working and reading. I love the bright windows and the quiet atmosphere. Other than my room, I doubt I have spent more time anywhere else.
What was it like to live in residence? I lived in residence for all of my in-person years at SMU and I feel as though it was the best fit for me. As an international student, entering a lease seemed difficult, given the fact that I do not live here year-round. My roommate Ashlyn and I found fun and a sense of home in Rice, and I appreciated the stability of having a home in residence.
Can you share any thoughts on our student supports and services? The support systems at SMU are better than anybody could imagine. I received nothing but support and help from residence staff, the Financial Aid office and the Student Health Clinic.
What are your goals for the future? I would like to become a high school history teacher. Saint Mary’s has set me on that path through the education I have received. I am confident in my ability to pass on my knowledge to the next generation.
What advice do you have for new students? My advice for new students is to get involved. Life is what you make it so put yourself out there, make friends, join societies and make your experience at SMU one you can look back on with pride.
Spring Convocation for the Faculty of Arts takes place on May 19, 2023. Watch the ceremonies live at smu.ca/graduation or on our Facebook page.
Survivor Love Letters: A show of support in honour of Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Sexual Violence Prevention Initiative team (Left to right, top to bottom): Dee Dooley, Sally Oppong, Jordyn Monaghan, Krystal Lowe, Olivia Landy
April was Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), a time for communities to come together to talk openly about sexual assault, increase knowledge and awareness, and help to make survivors feel acknowledged and supported.
As part of the annual awareness campaign, the Saint Mary’s Sexual Violence Prevention Initiative (SVPI) participated in a movement called “Survivor Love Letters”.
The initiative was started by artist and survivor, Tani Ikeda, who has become a well-known spokesperson for the survivor community. In 2012, Ikeda penned a letter to her younger self that closed with the words, “This is my survivor love letter.” From there, a letter-writing campaign rippled through survivor and ally communities.
This year, the SVPI encouraged members of the SMU community to pen similar letters to survivors sharing their heartfelt messages of support and validation. Faculty, staff and students submitted anonymous messages which were then posted around campus to demonstrate support and help start open conversations.
“We wanted to engage in the Survivor Love Letters movement at SMU to foster a sense of community while letting survivors know that they are not alone and that they are believed,” explains Krystal Lowe, Coordinator, Sexual Violence Prevention Initiative. “By sharing these letters and talking openly about sexual violence, we help create survivor-centered resources and reinforce messages of resilience, resistance and hope that can be accessed all throughout the year”
The Sexual Violence Prevention Initiative, under the Sexual Violence Support Centre (SVSC) is a team of students who are passionate about the education and prevention of sexual violence at Saint Mary’s and beyond. “Creating awareness at an institutional level is crucial,” explains Dee Dooley, Sexual Violence Advisor, SVSC. “Campaigns like Sexual Assault Awareness Month and support initiatives like Survivor Love Letters help bring these issues to light and improve perceptions that can lead to a shift in cultural attitudes towards sexual violence.”
The SVPI received overwhelming support in the Survivor Love Letters movement. “The community engagement throughout this initiative has highlighted how much power there is in our collective voice,” states Lowe. “It honours survivors in the community and emphasizes the importance of sharing experiences in a way that lets survivors empathize with one another and realize that they are not alone.”
The letters resounded with expressions of affirmation that survivors are valid, loved, worthy and believed. “Regardless of what happened, your experience, emotions, and trauma are valid,” shares one anonymous author. “Our experiences do not define us,” writes another author. “Our voices matter.” The letters will be made available for viewing through the Sexual Violence Support Centre.
The Sexual Violence Support Centre at Saint Mary’s provides support, learning resources and events for students.
Saint Mary’s African Student Society brings back African Night
Amid COVID-19 and a virtual university experience, the Saint Mary’s African Student Society (SMASS) noted that African-descended students, like so many, were feeling lonely and disconnected. As Saint Mary’s returned to an in-person environment, the African Student Society wanted to bring back the experience of African Night.
“Having this event back at Saint Mary’s was so meaningful for us,” shares Holly Kanyamunyu, Creative Director/Social Media Executive, Saint Mary’s African Student Society (SMASS). “It evoked such a sense of nostalgia for home and reminded everyone of the good times and great sense of community we can have here.”
African Night was a collaboration between SMASS and the Dalhousie African Student Association (DASA) that had many supporters across Saint Mary’s to help bring the event back to life. Notable contributors included the International Student Centre and Residence Life from Student Affairs and Services (SAAS), the Department of Social Justice and Community Studies, the Sobey School of Business, the Saint Mary’s Students Association (SMUSA) and SMU Alumni.
“It is so important that Saint Mary’s continues to support events like these,” explains Ysaac Rodriguez, Manager, International Student Centre, SAAS. “It helps students feel connected and at home here while sharing and celebrating where they come from.”
The event focused on creating an opportunity for African and African-descended students to connect in the diaspora and share their cultures together. “This year, our goal was to reestablish an interconnected community for our students,” explains Aba Owusu-Biney, Vice-President, SMASS. Starting with a vibrant red-carpet welcome, guests made their entrance in a colourful array of traditional and African-inspired attire. “Fashion is a big part of how we express ourselves,” describes Owusu-Biney. “It represents many different traditions and cultures, so having the event centered around fashion really set the stage for the entire night.”
The more than 250 attendees were fully immersed into a Sub-Saharan African experience with cultural performances in song, dance, poetry, Nigerian inspired cuisine and a show-stopping fashion show, all incorporating local, Black-owned businesses from Halifax.
“African Night is not just an event for Africans but an event for everyone,” says Sally Oppong, 4th year student and former SMASS president. “Having such a diverse group of people come together to celebrate, share and learn felt like bringing a piece of home to the new community I’ve found myself in--merging my identities of an African woman, a SMU student and a temporary Canadian resident.”
Saint Mary’s is a dynamic campus with roughly 30% of students coming from outside of Canada. “Cultural events and initiatives like these are important in fostering social connections and engagement, which enhance the student experience and academic success,” states Lynn Cashen Basso, Assistant Director, Student Culture and Experience, SAAS. “African Night gave students an incredibly valuable opportunity to feel a stronger sense of community here at SMU and to extend their network of support with folks from Dalhousie and across Halifax.”
SMASS wishes to thank their co-hosts, DASA, along with the sponsors, vendors and performers for their respective contributions towards African Night. “We are thrilled to have restored African Night after several years on hiatus,” shares Owusu-Biney. “We wanted to establish a new legacy for African students to support their well-being and success through connectedness. We look forward to seeing future SMASS executives carry on the revived tradition.”
For more information on SMASS, African descended/Black student events and supports, visit the African Descended/Black Student supports page.
Meet your Valedictorian: Karla Kenny BA'23
Karla Kenny BA’23
Time is never wasted when you’re chasing your dreams, says Karla Kenny, who knows from experience that dreams change and grow along the way.
Karla began university 20 years ago to obtain her first Bachelor of Arts degree in her home province of Newfoundland and Labrador. She has since built a meaningful career in the human services industry, working with non-profit organizations supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as at-risk youth and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Now a mother of three sons and a small business owner in Halifax with her wife Erin, Karla returned to school to enhance her commitment to working toward a more equitable and inclusive society. She looks forward to representing the Class of 2023 and she’s no stranger to public speaking. At the recent Science Atlantic Psychology Conference, she won the Science Communication Award for her presentation titled, "Oh, that's so cringy! Exploring the Evolutionary Roots of Embarrassment".
Q&A with Karla Kenny
Where is your hometown? Cape Broyle, Newfoundland, though Nova Scotia has been home for the past decade.
What’s your major? Honours Psychology. I have a degree in gender studies from Memorial University and a photojournalism diploma from Loyalist College. The honours program here allowed me to gain valuable research experience that will help pave the way for me to pursue graduate studies.
What was it like to be a more non-traditional student here at SMU? For me, the experience was wonderful because I never felt like I was out of place. I had a lot of great dialogue with younger students who could offer me a perspective on their experiences and in turn, allowed me to share mine.
What courses or instructors had the biggest impact on you? Advanced Seminar in Evolutionary Psychology with Dr. Maryanne Fisher was hands down my favourite course. She has been instrumental in my next steps to continue exploring queer theory from an evolutionary lens. Her openness in discussing the importance of creating dialogue regarding queer experiences and representation within the area of psychology research leaves me with the utmost respect for her as a professor and a human.
It's not something that was openly talked about in class when I was in my twenties. To see how that has changed is wonderful. I also really enjoyed Contemporary Readings in Psychology with Dr. Marc Patry, who also led a discussion-based class that got a roomful of people from different demographics engaged in dialogue.
What are your future goals? Dr. Fisher recognized my interest in the field of evolutionary psychology and the elements I can bring from the queer experience. I’m currently working on applying this perspective to topics such as mating strategy, flirting, self-promotion, jealousy patterns and parental investment, all through a queer lens. I’m also beginning research on the evolutionary roots of embarrassment! Future areas will also likely involve the social, personality and developmental psych realms.
How will your passion for research help to enhance your advocacy work? I believe that working hands-on my entire life within marginalized populations, and having my own lived experience, I will always continue to work toward promoting visibility, equity and inclusion. In doing so from a research perspective, I hope to keep bringing awareness that differences are to be celebrated. As one species on this planet, we all deserve the same rights and safeties as others.
What advice do you have for new students at Saint Mary’s? Find what you love and chase a life in it. If your path ever seems to become less clear, just know that it's ok. Whether you are 18 or 80 years old, know that you have the power to choose a different path and pursue the life that is good for you.
Spring Convocation for the Faculty of Arts takes place on May 19, 2023. Watch the ceremonies live at smu.ca/graduation or on our Facebook page.
2023 poetry and fiction prizes announced
The Department of English Language and Literature is delighted to announce the winners of this year’s Joyce Marshall Hsia Memorial Poetry Prize and Margó Takacs Marshall Prize for Excellence in Short Story Writing.
First place in the short fiction category goes to Jaya Joshi, an English major, for a wistfully lyrical story about the afterlife. Melissa Dalley, an Anthropology major, took first prize in the poetry category for a sequence of connected poems on the themes of loss and grief, and fourth prize in the short story contest.
The Awards Committee reviewed a strong pool of entries this year, in both the poetry and fiction categories, says Dr. Luke Hathaway. Submissions included spoken/sung and written pieces, and work in a dizzying array of genres: “contemplative lyrics, mythopoeic epyllia, speculative fictions, small-town dramas...we had it al!”.
Here is the full list of winners:
Joyce Marshall Hsia Memorial Poetry Prize
First prize – ‘Die Young’ and others, by Melissa Dalley; majoring in Anthropology; minors in Biology and Ancient Studies
Second prize – ‘Oviparous’, by Capitu Petersen; Anthropology major; minor in Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies; Forensic Sciences certificate
Third prize – ‘My Biggest Fears’, by Connor Hattie; English major; Psychology minor
Honourable mention – ‘Salamander’ by Ryan Sanderson; English major; Creative Writing minor
Margó Takacs Marshall Prize for Excellence in Short Story Writing
First prize – ‘The Exit Interview’, by Jaya Joshi; English major; French minor
Second prize – ‘Don’t Stay Too Long’, by Andrew Stilwell; English major
Third prize – ‘The Place We Can Never Get Back To’, by Melanie Hattie; Anthropology major
Fourth prize – ‘The Delay’, by Melissa Dalley; Anthropology major; minors in Biology and Ancient Studies
The judges would like to extend their gratitude to all students who submitted their work, and to the sponsors of these awards. The annual creative writing contests are open to any student currently enrolled at Saint Mary’s University. Next year’s deadline for submissions will be in March 2024. Some of the previous winners have gone on to become nationally celebrated writers, such as Sue Goyette, Jenny Haysom, Jill MacLean and Danny Jacobs.
President Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray has been appointed Chair, Association of Atlantic Universities (AAU)
Halifax, N.S. – Dr. Robert (Rob) Summerby-Murray, President and Vice-chancellor Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, N.S., has been appointed Chair, Association of Atlantic Universities (AAU).
Dr. Summerby-Murray will serve a two-year term as Chair, effective immediately.
In addition to Dr. Summerby-Murray, AAU Council (Presidents) appointed the following to the AAU Executive Committee:
Dr. Denis Prud’homme, Recteur, Université de Moncton, Vice-chair
Dr. Paul Mazerolle, President, University of New Brunswick
Dr. Greg Keefe, Interim President, University of Prince Edward Island
Dr. Neil Bose, President Pro Tempore, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador
Dr. Andy Hakin, President, St. Francis Xavier University
Dr. Peggy Shannon, President, NSCAD University
Upon his appointment, Dr. Summerby-Murray, noted that the core values of the region’s universities are centred upon research and innovation, student success, social mobility, community engagement, leadership, and accountability.
“These core values are central to the contribution of strong public universities to regional prosperity and social and cultural development,” said Dr. Summerby-Murray.
“Ensuring our campuses are innovative, accessible, safe, secure and welcoming to all students is fundamental to making Atlantic Canada an education destination, locally, nationally and internationally,” he said. An important continuing agenda item for the AAU will be the fostering of its positive working relationship with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to facilitate the efficient processing of international student visa applicants accepted by our universities and to ensure alignment between immigration policies and the social and economic growth aspirations of Atlantic Canada.
“Universities play a significant role in regional population growth by attracting, educating, and helping retain international students in communities across Atlantic Canada. We will continue to work collaboratively and cooperatively with our provincial and municipal governments to create affordable student housing on and off campus as well as reliable and efficient public transit systems,” said Dr. Summerby-Murray.
He also noted that, “our university leaders know that improving access to healthcare is a top priority for Atlantic Canadians. In addition to graduating thousands of students annually who have been educated and trained to work in all aspects of healthcare delivery, our institutions are also focused on promoting healthy and active lifestyles among our students, values that will remain with them, their families, and communities in which they reside into the future.”
The Association of Atlantic Universities (AAU) represents the interests of universities across the region, ensuring public visibility for the important role they play in preparing future leaders of our communities, in path-breaking research and innovation, and in contributing to the economic, cultural and social prosperity of life in Atlantic Canada.
Saint Mary’s Huskies Esports recognized at CAUBO national awards
Meet your Valedictorian: Natania Blair BSc'23
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.
Meet your Valedictorian: Oratile Mogae BComm'23
Oratile Mogae BComm’23
photo: Ashley Brown
As Oratile Mogae prepares to walk across the stage on convocation day to receive her Bachelor of Commerce degree and deliver her valedictorian address, she’s humbled by the honour of representing her graduating class.
“It’s a surreal feeling,” she says with a smile. “We’ve all had our own journeys to get here, and I recognize graduating will mean something different to everyone—it’s going to be a special day.”
Looking back at her own journey, growing up in Bedford, Nova Scotia, the decision to attend Saint Mary’s was easy.
“The Sobey School of Business is one of the top business schools in Canada,” she says. “The university also has a reputation for smaller class sizes and having a close sense of community on campus—much like a family.”
Family is important to Mogae, and she’s quick to share that her parents have always been her biggest cheerleaders every step of the way. As an African Nova Scotian woman, creating an inclusive family-like atmosphere for Black students is something she is passionate about.
A journey of inclusion
Saint Mary’s strives to create an academic environment that is inclusive, equitable and dedicated to embracing global perspectives, something she values deeply about the university. Her passion for inclusion sparked her to create the university’s first Black Student Society.
Previously, there had been African and Caribbean Student Societies, but Mogae wanted to create a hub where all Black students on campus could come together and have a safe space to connect. “Some Black people don’t identify with a specific background,” she says. “For example, they don’t only identify as African or Caribbean—they identify as Black.”
To get the ball rolling, Mogae and her friend Aba Owusu-Biney applied to create the society with the Saint Mary’s University Students’ Association (SMUSA). Once approved, she became the society’s president and they set up a governance structure. The Black Student Society officially began in the fall of 2022 and the team hit the ground running, planning activities and events.
“We hosted a paint and sip, open mic, a skate night and a workshop for Black professionals in the workplace,” she says. “Black History Month/African Heritage Month was our biggest month, and that went really well.”
Members of the Black Student Society at an event
She’s proud of the inclusive environment she helped create for current and future Black students, and she’s honoured by the lasting impact the society will have for the university.
“For Black students, especially international students, to have a source of family on campus is so important,” says Mogae. “To be able to create a home environment is quite special.”
She encourages everyone to continue to ask questions, learn about and support Black culture. She says the struggles Black students face are different, and not everyone might understand, but allowing people to feel heard and supported goes a long way.
As she writes the next chapter of her own post-university journey, Mogae hopes to start her own business, continue to learn in a World without limits and keep creating safe spaces for Black students to thrive.
Spring Convocation takes place May 17-19, 2023. Watch the ceremonies live at smu.ca/graduation or on our Facebook page.
Construction to affect access to Loyola Building, May 8-12
Contractors working with the university on the E&I Hub construction project will soon be laying new floor tile in the northeast lobby of Loyola Academic, which will temporarily impact how the space is accessed.
Please note the following:
From May 8 – May 12, access from the Tim Hortons area to the northeast lobby (near the ATM) will be re-routed through side corridors. This area will be reopened as soon as the floor tile has been laid.
Access through the northeast lobby doors will be maintained, but interior routing is impacted. There will be ample directional signage posted by the construction team to re-route foot traffic.
Thank you for your patience and understanding with these disruptions as Saint Mary’s moves forward with this exciting project.
Meet your Valedictorian: Emperor Ben Robertson MTEI'23
Emperor Ben Roberston MTEI’23
When Emperor Ben Robertson was selecting a school to obtain his Master of Technology Entrepreneurship & Innovation degree, he knew Saint Mary’s University was the right choice.
The university's commitment to providing high-quality education, unique experiential learning opportunities, a vibrant location and extensive student support services contributed to his decision.
His education has provided him with a strong foundation in the principles and practices of technology entrepreneurship and equipped him with the knowledge to help businesses thrive in the digital age.
Q&A with Emperor Ben Robertson
Where is your hometown?: Accra, Ghana.
What was your favourite class?: Out of all the classes I took in my MTEI program, my favourite courses were Technology Entrepreneurship and Tech Strategy and Productivity.
What was the best piece of advice you received?: The most profound piece of advice that has had a significant impact on my life did not come from anybody I know personally. It was a quote that I stumbled upon while walking down Barrington Street that read, "Think and act like failure is impossible for you." This simple yet powerful quote has transformed my perspective on how I approach my goals.
Which instructor had the biggest impact on you?: Throughout my academic journey, I was fortunate to have had many exceptional professors who delivered transformative lectures. However, one professor in particular, Dr. Ramesh Venkat, had an enormous impact on me. Thanks to Dr. Venkat's exceptional teaching, I gained a deeper understanding of marketing and developed valuable skills that have been essential to my career. His influence on me has been invaluable, and I am grateful for the impact he has had on my personal and professional growth.
What was your thesis research?: I collected data on the challenges that businesses faced and explored ways to create opportunities for them to succeed in their respective locations. One of the most intriguing aspects of this research was its timing, as it was conducted during the post-COVID period when businesses were transitioning to new ways of operating. By talking to business owners, I gained valuable insights into their challenges and how they were adapting to the changing business environment.
Overall, this experience gave me a unique opportunity to explore the challenges and opportunities facing small businesses in the Halifax-Dartmouth area. It also allowed me to develop key skills that are essential in any business environment, including communication, research and problem-solving skills.
What advice would you give to your younger self?: If I could go back and speak to my younger self, I would tell them to try new things and challenge themselves as much as possible. I would encourage them to embrace failure as a natural part of the learning process and to adopt a mindset of "failing fast and failing often."
The reason is simple: by trying new things and taking risks, we are more likely to stumble and fail along the way. However, each failure provides an opportunity to learn and grow; the more we fail the faster we can learn and adapt. This can lead to faster progress and success in the long run.
Do you volunteer in the community?: As a passionate individual interested in promoting economic growth and prosperity, I volunteer as a member of the African Nova Scotian Road to Economic Prosperity Youth Council (REPYC). This council is an initiative aimed at promoting economic growth and prosperity among African Nova Scotian communities in Nova Scotia.
What are your future goals?: I am excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead. I am confident that with my skills, knowledge and experience, I will be able to make a meaningful contribution to a multinational company while also pursuing my passion for entrepreneurship and innovation.
Spring Convocation takes place May 17-19, 2023. Watch the ceremonies live at smu.ca/graduation or on our Facebook page.