Meet today’s Faculty of Humanities valedictorian
What emoji best represents you? What is your definition of success? Meet Sadaf Rahmanian, valedictorian at the June 11 convocation for the Faculty of Humanities and Arts & Science Program.
1. Name
Sadaf Rahmanian
2. Where is your hometown?
North York, Toronto
3. What is the degree and subject you pursued?
I pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Cognitive Science of Language.
4. What made you choose McMaster for your higher education career?
I had initially applied to 6 very different programs within five Ontario schools. Everything from Aviation, Social Work, Concurrent Ed, Psychology, Rehab Sciences and of course, Cognitive Science of Language at McMaster. I had no idea what I was going to accept. But after attending May@Mac, everything about the campus felt so right. Everyone was welcoming, the campus was gorgeous, and touring the labs in the Linguistics department was so exciting. I decided right then and there that I would accept my offer to McMaster. I even went and bought a sweater from the Campus Store that very day. Looking back, I am so happy with my decision.
(It’s funny now that I look back because I never thought I would pursue research at the time but I ended up becoming a research assistant in one the same labs I had toured).
5. What will you be doing after graduation or see yourself doing?
I’m pursuing a Master of Arts at the University of Toronto in Linguistics beginning this fall. Long term, I see myself pursuing a future in research and hopefully becoming a professor one day.
6. What would you say to your first-year self?
Take things at your own pace. Everyone is experiencing life at their own pace; don’t let that pressure you into feeling inadequate.
7. Do you have any advice for current and future students?
Don’t treat your undergrad as just a stepping stone to your future; don’t just be here for the sake of getting your degree. Get involved with something on campus or in Hamilton… whether it’s athletics, academics, your faculty society, a rep team, a club, get involved with something outside of your classes.
It’s such a great way to find a community within this school and a place to grow. You’re spending four years here, so spend that time challenging yourself.
8. How has McMaster shaped the person you are today?
This is such a difficult question to answer because I owe so much of who I am to McMaster. I have spent the past five years growing and learning within this community that has become my home. My academics have shaped my perception of our world. My faculty society has shaped who I am as a leader. The people I have met here have pushed me to be the best version of myself. I have spent half a decade celebrating accomplishments and learning from mistakes. McMaster has contributed to my academics, social, leadership and personal development and that is so much of who I am.
9. What events did you enjoy the most at McMaster/Hamilton?
Welcome Week and Light Up the Night. Welcome Week is such an exciting time to be on campus. It’s great to see all the rep suits and to hear cheers buzzing everywhere. It also marks the beginning of the school year and I feel like everyone comes back looking forward to the new year. LUTN, on the other hand marks the end of the school year. It’s so beautiful to see the campus draped with lights and it really brings on a wave of nostalgia.
10. What is your definition of success?
Being at peace with myself; being happy with who I am, proud of what I’m doing and doing my best.
11. How has McMaster helped you create a brighter world?
McMaster has provided a community to grow and be challenged in. I feel that I have grown intellectually, emotionally, and socially while at McMaster. This has equipped me with the tools that I need to contribute to a positive community and brighter world.
12. What motivates you to work hard?
I always want to know that I am doing my best so that really pushes me to stay motivated.
13. If you could have any superpower, what would it be? And why?
Definitely teleportation. I love to travel and I feel like this would make that so much cheaper. This also means I’d never be stuck in traffic so that’s definitely a plus.
14. Who is your favourite professor? Why?
I couldn’t choose only one – Dr. Victor Kuperman and Dr. Anna Moro.
Dr. Kuperman was my research supervisor and I learned so much from him. My favourite thing about being a student in his class and a member of his lab is how willing he is to help and how approachable he is. He always pushes and challenges me to do my best but is also very understanding at the same time. I’m so grateful to have him as a mentor. As a research assistant in his lab, I was so inspired by his excitement for research and his desire to see students succeed.
Dr. Moro is another professor that I have learned so much from and greatly admire. It is evident that she cares so deeply for students and is so open to collaborating with and assisting student leaders and leadership groups. She embodies so many qualities of great leadership and I am so inspired by her passion to make the student experience a positive one at McMaster.
15. What is your best way to de-stress?
Late night drives to just about anywhere or playing board games with my friends. Dessert or bubble tea also help.
16. What emoji best represents you?
🙈 – I’d have to say the monkey with its hands covering its face. I feel like it represents me because I’m pretty silly and usually end up finding the humour in any situation.
Learn more about Spring 2018 convocations here: https://registrar.mcmaster.ca/grad/convo-dates/
