Meet the Valedictorians: David Yun

If you had a superpower, what would it be? Who inspires you, and why? David Yun, valedictorian at this afternoon’s convocation for the Faculty of Science, answers these and other pressing questions in our Daily News Q&A:

Your home town: Kincardine, Ontario.

Your degree & subject area: Honours Bachelor of Science – Integrated Science (minors in Biology and Mathematics).

Where are you headed after convocation?

I’m not sure yet, but it will probably involve a combination of travel, work, and potentially grad school.

Your best memory of Mac?

I’m going to give two answers. My friends and I decided to join a curling league in second year. Every week, we would have team dinners before our curling games. We ended up winning the “Most Fun Team” award, which was the club’s tactful way of reminding us that we never won a game. My other favourite memory is when my friend and I started a band, despite having little to no musical talent. With a few rare exceptions, our music is quite bad and unrehearsed, but memorable nonetheless. I think if I only spent time doing things that I’m actually good at, there would be very little to occupy my time. My best memories at Mac are those times when things didn’t go as planned, but we had fun anyway.

The best advice anyone ever gave you?

My dad once told me to “spend time with the people you enjoy spending time with”. It’s the kind of advice that is so simple it should be obvious, but so smart that only a parent could come up with it.

Who inspires you, and why?

My grandma. She left China and came to Canada with my grandpa when she was just 19. She didn’t speak any English at the time, and she raised her young family in the back of the restaurant they opened in northern Ontario. In 2002, my grandma was finally able to visit China, 43 years after she left many of her friends and family. Sometimes when I get overwhelmed with not knowing what I want to do with my life, it helps to think about my grandparents. I only have the opportunity and freedom to make those decisions because of the sacrifices they made.

What’s your biggest accomplishment so far?

Writing, producing, and directing “iSci Night Live”, a variety show starring the staff and students of the Integrated Science program.

If you could have a super-power, what would it be?

I hate driving and I have a long history of motion sickness, so I feel like teleportation is the ideal super-power for me. Think of all the time you could save if you never had to commute anywhere! Teleportation is good for the environment, for the wallet, and (hopefully) for the stomach.

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

Always check the oven before you turn it on. I have no idea why my housemates thought it was a good idea to store their paper bag full of McDonald’s leftovers in the oven, but they did. On a more serious note, I learned that not having the time or energy to do everything is okay, and it doesn’t mean that you can’t do something.

What do you think the future holds for higher education?

Most university students nowadays were born in the Information Age, so I think higher education will need to adapt accordingly. McMaster is already a trend-setter in terms of the quality and quantity of online resources the institution provides for its students. I’m excited to see what the University does next, as it continues to support pedagogical innovations.

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

I’m incredibly grateful to have received several awards during my time at McMaster: the Dr. Harry Lyman Hooker Scholarship, George P. and Leatha M. Keys Scholarship, University Senate Award, President’s Award, and Les Prince Residence Scholarship. McMaster’s scholarships and bursaries would not be possible without the generous contributions of alumni and donors.

There is a famous Greek proverb that says “society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.” I know that “alumni” and “old men” are not synonymous, but I like the sentiment of the proverb. Education is a cornerstone of our society and, as McMaster alumni, we’re lucky to have received a great education.

As we move on in our lives, it’s important to remember where we came from and help others achieve their own educational goals. I’m incredibly grateful for the donors who helped support my McMaster education.