Meet Health Sciences valedictorian Zeinab Khawaja

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? What would you say to your first year you? Meet Zeinab Khawaja, valedictorian at the May 25 Convocation for the Faculty of Health Sciences. Take a look at Zeinab’s response to the Daily News Q & A questionnaire:

1. Name: 

Zeinab Khawaja

2. Hometown:

I’m originally from Tibet, but I was born in Pakistan, and I lived in Kuwait for most of my life before coming here for university. Kuwait is probably the closest I have to a hometown!

3. Degree/Major:

Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) degree.

4. What made you choose McMaster for you higher education career? 

It was actually a bit of  a coincidence! I knew I wanted to come to Canada for higher education, but living in Kuwait, I didn’t really know of many universities here. A family friend had moved to Hamilton, though, and mentioned the BHSc program to my dad as a good option for me. So then I looked into it, and the more I read about it, the more interesting it seemed… and the rest is history!

5. What will you be doing after graduation or see yourself doing? 

I definitely want to be working in mental health in some way, though I’m not sure what exactly I’d like to do. I can see myself as a counsellor, or someone who works on policies and institutional changes regarding mental health. I hope to pursue post-graduate studies to work towards that goal but at the moment I’m going to take at least a year to work and get experience.

6. What would you say or advice to your first year self? 

It’s okay if you feel like you don’t know what you’re doing or where you’re going – nobody else does either.

7. How has McMaster shaped the person you are today? 

I’ve been involved with the Peer Support Line run by the McMaster Student’s Union since the end of my first year. This past year, I was coordinator of the Line, and the people I’ve met through that, the conversations I’ve had with students, the challenges I faced when responding to life or death situations and leading a team – this has made me a more understanding, empathetic, and patient person. It’s also strengthened my passion for mental health, and it’s what confirmed for me that this is the kind of thing I’d like to be doing in the future.

8. What events did you enjoy the most at McMaster/Hamilton city?

 Art Crawl and Super Crawl are a lot of fun for me – especially when the weather is nice!

9. If you could change anything in the past or in your time at McMaster, what would it be? 

I’d probably want to try about 30 more electives from different faculties.

10. Who was your support for succeeding in higher education? 

There have been people who have supported, inspired, and encouraged me in new ways, and that’s helped me become a more confident and motivated person. I met my best friend, Rachel Warren, in Welcome Week of my first year. She is without a doubt one of my biggest supporters! Margaret Secord, my first year Inquiry facilitator, has also been extremely supportive, basically since my first day here. I don’t think I’d be where I am today without her guidance and her confidence in my abilities. Bob Spree, who taught my writing class this year, has also provided a lot of gentle encouragement and support this year. And of course there has been a great network of friends over the years, who I’ve met from within BHSc or from my other involvements. All of these people, everyone I’ve met, played a part in helping me get through the last four years successfully!

11. How have you changed over the course of your University life? 

I think I can definitely say that I’ve become better at handling stress! I appreciate different perspectives so much more, and I’m happier to simply listening instead of speaking constantly.

12. How have you grown as a person throughout your time at McMaster?

In the BHSc program, there’s been a lot of emphasis on self-reflection and growth, and focusing on the process instead of just the end result. These are definitely things that I’ve taken to heart, and it’s changed how I approach situations entirely. I’ve become more patient and understanding – not only towards others but also towards myself – and this has made me a better friend, a better leader, and I’d like to think a better person overall.

13. What do you envision yourself doing five years from now? 

I honestly don’t know – something in the field of mental health, hopefully! I’m happy with not knowing exactly what the future holds – the possibilities are exciting.

14. What is your definition of success? 

Happiness.

15. How would your life be different if you didn’t go to McMaster? 

I’ve asked myself this question a few times and it’s difficult to even imagine. The people I’ve met, the opportunities I’ve had – they’ve all played such a huge role in getting me here. I don’t know if I would’ve been involved with anything like the Peer Support Line, or if I’d have the passion I have now for mental health and advocacy. I’m sure I would’ve ended up okay, but I’m grateful that I came to McMaster.

Learn more about Spring 2017 convocations here: http://registrar.mcmaster.ca/grad/convo-dates/