Meet Faculty of Humanities and Arts & Science program valedictorian Isabel Diavolitsis

Cutout of Isabel smiling alongside text that reads You did it! Valedictorian, Arts and Science, Isabel Diavolitsis

"It’s always more worth it to have tried to do something, failed fantastically, and learned from it than to never have attempted it in the first place," says Faculty of Humanities and Arts & Science program valedictorian Isabel Diavolitsis.


Faculty of Humanities and Arts & Science program valedictorian Isabel Diavolitsis graduates June 13 with an Honours Bachelors in Arts & Science degree with a minor in Health, Aging & Society. We asked her a few questions to get to know her. Here’s what Diavolitsis had to say.

Why did you choose McMaster?

I chose McMaster because of its diverse student population, its academic drive and its environment of opportunity, whether that’s with research work,  extracurriculars or more.

What’s next for you?

I’m actually not completely sure what’s next for me! I have an interest in the intersection between health on an individual level and the broader societal factors that affect peoples’ lives.

I have been accepted to a Master’s of Public Policy at McGill University in Montreal. I’m also waiting to hear back from McMaster’s medical school, so I’ll know whether or not I’m heading there after that point. No matter where I head next, I’m excited at the opportunity to grow and equip myself with the unique set of skills I need to effect change on a broad scale.

Can you share a great piece of advice you’ve been given?

My parents always told me that university was a place to try new things, explore, and discover myself. I’m grateful for their advice and encouragement because I don’t think I would have grown as much without it. In embracing this advice, I applied for things, auditioned for things, and generally dove headfirst into my interests. For example, I tried out for solos in choir, ran for President of McMaster Musical Theatre, and even led a group of ArtScis on a guided tour to Donut Monster on Locke Street!

Now that you’re graduating, what’s your advice for students?

My advice would be to put yourself out there and be brave. It’s always more worth it to have tried to do something, failed fantastically, and learned from it than to never have attempted it in the first place.

Tell us about a good memory from your time at McMaster.

Honestly, stepping foot back into an in-person lecture hall after a year and a half of online classes was such a relief. It was really lovely to see people filling the halls of campus buildings again, bringing life to the area, and being able to engage with each other in person after being virtual for so long.

What’s an accomplishment you’re really proud of?

I was the Vocal Director of McMaster Musical Theatre’s 2019-2020 production of Mamma Mia!, which ended up being fully sold out at every performance. I’m incredibly proud of the work I put into that show as a member of the production team and of the learning I had to do to adjust how to teach others and help them to grow vocally throughout the musical.

Tell us about a prof or mentor figure who made a difference for you in your time at Mac.

My thesis supervisor, Dr. Christina Baade, was a wonderful mentor for me over the course of this past year as I worked on my thesis project. She introduced me to academic research skills and also to the field of music studies, which I hadn’t necessarily taken courses in before. We also got along very well and would often spend time during our thesis meetings chatting and discussing various interesting topics related to my project or even more broadly.

Thesis meetings as a whole were a great source of comfort and solace during a hectic fourth year; for that, I’m eternally grateful!

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

I personally do not have a very green thumb. In fact, most plants under my care (unintentionally) don’t last very long. So, I would love to have a plant-growing superpower and be able to contribute some more flowers, vegetables, and trees to the world.

What’s an important lesson you’ve learned so far?

Trust yourself and your intuition! You know yourself best, so have faith in yourself and what your goals are.

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?

I’m honoured to have received the Class of 1953 50th Anniversary Scholarship. During one’s time at university, having access to funding can make all the difference to one’s ability to thrive. The ability to give back to support future generations by creating opportunities and opening avenues to education should not be understated.

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