Meet this afternoon’s Social Sciences valedictorian

Tim

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? What would you say to your first year you? Meet Tim Daly, valedictorian at the June 14 afternoon Convocation for the Faculty of Social Sciences. 

1. Name: 

Tim Daly

2. Hometown:

Alliston, Ontario (small little farm town)

3. Degree/Major:

The degree I have pursued is a honours Bachelor of Arts with a major in political science

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

What made me choose McMaster was the transformative ability of the community on campus. I have never seen a stronger support network at other surrounding Ontario schools. It helps that it’s also a tremendous school academically.

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

The next year I’ll be taking it off and backpacking with my family and friends throughout Europe. Following that I hope to go to law school, it’d be a dream come true to go into law.

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

What I would advise to my first year self would be to not be afraid to get involved as early as possible. The more you put into this school and your degree the more you get back. I might mention not to buy my textbooks without seeing if the prof uses them and get them used.

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

McMaster has had a huge influence in who I am today. From the first moment I stepped on campus its held a significant impact. From the people I surround myself with and my friends to the faculty and staff who are role models and give advice. McMaster is a part of who I am.

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

I think I would have to hands down say every welcome week through the congruent four years. Year after year the week would top itself, something I did not believe was possible. The ability of Mac to have its own upper years transition and usher in the new students was a sight to see. It demonstrates the schools ability to be one big faculty family.

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

I don’t think there’s anything I would change at my time at Mac, I wouldn’t have done anything differently. I’m happy with how my time was spent.

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

My support for succeeding in higher education was a multitude of people. That includes my friends, my housemates, my professors and my family. They have me the support needed to pursue personal achievements.

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

How I have personally hanged in the course of my university career is you are thrust into a role in which you have never experienced before. It puts the onus on you to be responsible for ensuring you get done what needs to be taken care of. You’re living away from home on your own, a majority of people have never experienced this till this point. It’s your decision whether you go out that Saturday night or stay in and study, you have to be responsible for the choices and actions you take. You become an adult.

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

How I have personally grown at my time at McMaster is through varied experiences I could never have imagined I would face. These led to the realization of the need to be responsible and that you make the bed you lie in. That life is not a dress rehearsal and you need to take action into your own hands.  To take advantage of available opportunities and get the most out of life, and that though nothing is the end of the world you need to put a priority on the time you have.

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

Where I hope I am in five years is a recent graduate of law school practicing environmental law. I hope to be making a positive impact and creating a difference.

14. What is your definition of success? 

My definition of success is not confined to the zeros at the end of a pay check. It boils down to whether or not you are happy with yourself and how you carry yourself. Whether you know you gave life your full effort and left it all out there. Being happy takes priority and not forgoing your morals when conducting your daily business throughout your life.

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

My life would be drastically different! I wouldn’t have met all the amazing people that I did over the last four years on this journey. I probably would not be talking to you right now! So I’m definitely glad Mac opened up its arms and welcomed me in.

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

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