Meet this morning’s Social Sciences Valedictorian

If you could have any superpower what would it be? What is your definition of success? Meet Lindsay Nooren, the valedictorian at the June 12 morning convocation for the Faculty of Social Sciences.

1. Name
Lindsay Nooren

2. Hometown:
Aylmer Ontario

3. What is the degree and subject you pursued?
Honors Sociology

4. What made you choose McMaster for your higher education career?
Originally, I had Laurier and Guelph above McMaster in my top 3. I think this was because a lot of my cousins and high school peers had chosen these schools, they just felt like the ‘safe’ option for me. However, after touring McMaster during Fall Preview Day, it shot to the number one spot for me. The campus and community feel were so humbling and warm. It felt like home to me. From that day on I knew I needed to come to McMaster!

5. What will you be doing/see yourself doing after graduation?
I am going to be pursuing an MA degree in urban planning and environmental sustainability at the University of Waterloo starting in September! I hope to have an impact and role in the creation of more sustainable communities for generations to come. There are numerous benefits tied to the implementation of green energy techniques as well as strategic priorities like incorporating more community engagement along with these new green initiatives. My main goal is to become someone who leads with their heart.

6. What would you say to your first-year self?
I think I would tell myself I am going to meet people that want to discourage my dreams and put down my ideas. It’s inevitable. It will hurt. Not everyone is going to like me even when I do nothing wrong. I will feel like a failure sometimes, but success is a process and that’s just what comes with it. I would reassure myself that my thoughts and ideas and feelings are valid and important and to keep pursing them because it will all pay off in the end.

7. Do you have any advice for current and future students?
A large part of all of the success I have been lucky enough to have at McMaster was from putting myself out there and being involved in my community in any way I could. Volunteering is so important! Get involved and get outside of your comfort zone! It’s one of the greatest things I have ever done and one of the biggest reasons I am where I am today.

8. How has McMaster shaped the person you are today?
McMaster has made me into such an intellectually curious person. By no means was I ever gifted academically. I’ve always had to work hard for the marks I received. Because of that, I never enjoyed school that much, it always felt daunting to me, like I was never good enough. McMaster made me understand the joys of learning and how not all learning can be done in a lecture hall. It can be facilitated through experiential learning, activism, advocacy, etc. Getting out in the world, being immersed in different environments, and learning from others, has become so important to me.

9. What events did you enjoy the most at McMaster/Hamilton?
Supercrawl definitely stands out to me! It’s an awesome way to explore local entrepreneurs and artists. Supporting local is a big part of my life from growing up in a small town, and it’s something I’ve really appreciated about Hamilton!

10. What is your definition of success?
It sounds cliché but just being happy with where you are and being in a position where you strive to better yourself every day. There is nothing more necessary than taking moments to just stop and appreciate where you are and how far you’ve come. Acknowledging success you’ve had thus far is something we all should do more often! Being proud of the way you’ve done things and created a life for yourself is the definition of success for me.

11. How has McMaster helped you create a Brighter World?
In my last year at McMaster I was lucky enough to be a student in the CityLAB program offered through McMaster in a partnership with the City of Hamilton. I was able to be a part of an incredible team of students where we worked on a project that helped improve the sustainable practices within social housing units in the city. Although as rewarding and successful as our project was, the biggest thing for my team was the individuals we met along the way. It truly opened my eyes to how important it is to create meaningful connections with your community. Community engagement is so amazing and valuable to urban planning and community building in particular and is definitely a way for planners and community leaders as a collective to create a brighter world!

12. What motivates you to work hard?
As a first-generation student out of a blue-collar family, I would definitely say seeing my parents proud of me is what motivates me the most. I know how hard they work so I can be able to experience all of this, sometimes 16-hour days, sometimes 7 days a week. I’ll never be able to thank them for all that they have done for me, I owe all of my success to their undying love and support. It’s incredibly important to me to know that they are proud of what I do and who I have become.

13. If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Teleportation!

14. Who is your favorite professor?
I have to pick just one? In my last semester at McMaster I was in 4W03 Social Problems with Alan Santinele Martino! I believe he is a PHD candidate but an absolutely incredible instructor! He genuinely cares about the success of his students and acknowledges and appreciates the barriers and struggles they face. Definitely one of those instructors who creates an atmosphere where you can go to his office hours and feel comfortable just chatting about anything! That’s a huge factor when I think about what classes I would recommend to others, 12/10 suggest taking any classes taught by him in the future!

15. What book are you currently reading?
I am currently re-reading See Me by Nicholas Sparks… I bought this at the campus store in first year!!

16. 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?
N/A