Meet Elias Srouji, Social Sciences valedictorian

Name: Elias Srouji

Hometown: In 2008, I moved to Kitchener, Ontario. Originally from Fuheis, Jordan.

What is the degree and subject you pursued? Honours B.A. Social Psychology with a Business Studies Certificate from Mohawk College

Why did you choose to attend McMaster?

I chose McMaster due to its prestigious reputation, welcoming community, and wanted to gain the experience of moving away from home to study.

What do you plan to do/see yourself doing after graduation?

My plan after graduation is to continue my advocacy for Inclusion and Diversity through my personal and professional career path. Continuing my work in Inclusion & Diversity is crucial, particularly as a person of color and a gay male, it is important to support my communities to ensure everyone feels belonged.

Any advice to your first-year self?

Be Yourself. You will meet so many people that will make you feel that you will need to change just to fit in, but be authentic and true to yourself and focus on your goals.

Any advice for current or future students?

Don’t procrastinate – easier said than done, but it will improve your overall mental health and time management skills that will ultimately improve your overall grades and University experience.

How has McMaster shaped the person you are today?

It allowed me to fully explore myself and my abilities through educational, athletic, and work opportunities that led me to be the person that I am today.

What events did you enjoy the most at McMaster or in Hamilton?

Post Malone Concert, one to remember.

What is your definition of success?

My definition of success would be achieving a goal outside of your comfort zone.

How has McMaster helped you to create a brighter world?

McMaster assisted me in creating a brighter world by providing me the opportunities throughout my years to explore, learn, and develop skills that prepared me for the job hunt and workforce.

Who is your favourite professor?

I truly loved all of my professors, Dr. Erica Speakman is definitely one of my favourite professors.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

To read minds – the ability to do so will make life so much easier.

If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be?

Hawaii, I have always wanted to visit it and it’s a beautiful place to be in for one year. Also, the culture and traditions are so amazing and I want to witness and take part one day.

What have you been doing to self-care during the pandemic?

Continuing to focus and improve my physical health by working out at home by using anything you can to get by until the world opens up. It is so important to ensure your health is good during all these lockdowns: mentally and physically.

What’s the hardest part about working virtually for you? The easiest?

I love to communicate with others in person which makes it harder to complete work virtually, however, the easiest is the accessibility and freedom to complete work from wherever you desire.

While at Mac, did you receive donor-funded financial assistance (e.g., a scholarship, award, bursary)? Any thoughts on the importance of giving back to your alma mater to support future generations?

Yes, I received scholarships and bursaries. It is important to give back to future students like how others once did for us.