If you had a superpower, what would it be? What’s the best advice anyone has ever given you? Nathan Beresh, valedictorian at the June 15 convocations for the Faculty of Social Sciences, answers these and other pressing questions in our Daily News questionnaire:

1. Your home town:

Burlington, Ontario

2. Your degree & subject area:

Honours degree in Religious Studies with minors in History and Jewish Studies

3. Where are you headed after convocation?

I am attending the McMaster Divinity College to do a master’s in Theological Studies.

4. Your best memory of Mac?

Meeting fantastic new friends and amazing professors.

5. The best advice anyone ever gave you?

Be yourself and live a life of honesty and integrity.

6. Your biggest accomplishment so far?

Having the opportunity to be supervised by Dr. Eileen Schuller on a thesis paper about the Dead Sea Scrolls.

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

To fly!

8. What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned (so far)?

It’s ok to fail. It’s ok to make mistakes. What matters most is picking yourself up and refusing to ever give up.

9. What do you think the future holds for higher education?

I think universities will continue to grow as more and more people seek a degree. What I hope to see is higher education becoming more accessible for those in Canada and abroad who might not otherwise have the financial means to go to school.

10. 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 am very grateful to have received several scholarships throughout my time at McMaster, including the Lawrence and Kathleen Johnston Memorial Prize. The financial aid was greatly appreciated.

Learn more about Spring 2016 convocations here: http://registrar.mcmaster.ca/grad/convo-dates/