[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Smith_Danielle1.jpg” caption=”Danielle Smith will give the valedictory address during the afternoon convocation ceremony for the Faculty of Humaities. Photo by Caroline Gdyczynski”]Humanities students will be sent off today with inspirational words from Danielle Smith, the valedictorian for the afternoon convocation ceremony.

“I was very surprised to be elected, but am honoured because I have a huge passion for the Humanities,” says Smith, adding that she feels she will represent the student body well as valedictorian.

“Being an athlete as well as an involved student gave me different perspectives of student life, which I think is important when you are speaking on behalf of many different people,” says Smith.

During her years at McMaster, Smith has been part of the women's varsity soccer team, the concert band and also attended many of the events hosted by the Italian Society. She was also involved academically as a TA for the past two years.

After taking a year off to work as a flight attendant, Smith hopes to return to McMaster to enroll in the new Music and Cognition program.

There were two professors who significantly impacted her life in a positive way while she attended McMaster. Both of these influences encouraged her to follow her dreams to become a teacher.

“Dr. Elzbieta Grodek is the most amazing teacher I have ever met,” says Smith. “She is the reason I have confidence in my French, and she also made me believe in my career goals.”

Dr. St. Leger Lucas made Smith believe that change is possible as long as the proper channels of communication are met.

“She really made a difference, especially when it came to improving the French program,” says Smith.

Being part of a team and attending classes have “taught me how to cope and how to push,” she adds. “I learned how to take on challenges as they come and that has prepared me for life after graduation.”