Meet Vanessa D’Ambrosio, today’s Science valedictorian

Name: Vanessa D’Ambrosio
Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
What is the degree and subject you pursued? Honours BSc, Life Sciences 

Why did you choose to attend McMaster?

A cumulation of reasons is what led me to choose McMaster. Initially, I fell in love with McMaster’s campus, however, was drawn in because how amazing the people are and positive the campus environment is. McMaster also offers phenomenal research opportunities and networking possibilities that was a big contributing factor when deciding on the school that was right for me. 

What do you plan to do/see yourself doing after graduation?

As a result of my passions for healthcare policy, bioethics, malpractice, and the Canadian legal system, I am working towards pursuing a career in health law as a lawyer. 

Any advice to your first-year self?

First year is hard. Keep pushing through and putting in the work and it will pay off. It gets better and you will learn how to efficiently manage your workload and organize your time. It’s all worth it so don’t give up!

Any advice for current or future students?

Savour every moment on campus! I think back to the late nights studying in Thode or Mills Library, or just walking with my friends to class. I wish I could go back for one last (normal pre-COVID-19) day on campus as an undergraduate student! Don’t take any moment for granted because your days on campus are numbered!

How has McMaster shaped the person you are today?

McMaster has shaped me as a person in more ways than I can count. Going off to study at McMaster gave me the opportunity to live away from home for the first time. Living on my own has taught me more about myself than I would have imagined, such as how to be independent and self-sufficient. Also, the amazing mentors and professionals I was able to connect with as a McMaster student has definitely shaped who I am today. With the guidance of my professors, teaching assistants, and my peers, I have been molded into the woman I am today. McMaster has always taught me the importance of hard work. After completing such a rigorous degree, I can look back now and realize the impact McMaster has had on me. My work ethic, motivation, and interpersonal skills developed exponentially on McMaster’s campus.

What events did you enjoy the most at McMaster or in Hamilton?

I always enjoyed the first week of a new school year! Syllabus week was always the most fun because classes would not have truly begun so we would be able to enjoy the first weeks of September catching up with McMaster friends! Welcome Week in my first year at McMaster is also such a good memory. At my Welcome Week I met my best friend, so this event will always have a special place in my heart. 

What is your definition of success?

I truly do not believe there is a definition of success. Success comes in all shapes and forms. I think that as long as you are happy, and at peace with where you are in the moment, then you have achieved success. 

How has McMaster helped you to create a brighter world?

My time at McMaster has led to great personal evolution, and because of this I am able to create a brighter world. McMaster values integrity, quality, inclusiveness, and teamwork, and I know that as a student on campus I worked towards embodying all of those traita. The positive energy on campus, the encouraging professors, the reliable student center, and the amazing student body encouraged me to be the best version of myself which is helping me create a brighter world. 

Who is your favourite professor?

All of the professors at McMaster are wonderful. If I could list every professor, I had over the course of my four years at Mac I would! But I do have a select few that have definitely personally shaped my success at McMaster. 

My thesis supervisor, Dr. Julija Kelecevic has been both an excellent mentor and friend during the duration of my virtual thesis work. As well as Dr. Katie Moisse, who is an amazing educator that truly wants the best for all of her students! Dr. Moisse always made me feel like I was capable of anything! Dr. Nikol Piskuric was also an amazing professor and mentor. Her neuroscience course has definitely been a favourite one of mine! 

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

Definitely the ability to fly! There’s just so much to see and I hate driving! 

If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be?

On the beach in the south of Italy. I could definitely get used to the European life, pasta, pizza, and afternoon naps! 

What have you been doing to self-care during the pandemic?

Before the closure, I would go to the local community center to swim laps in the pool. This was an excellent stress-reliever for me, especially while managing virtual school. I would take out an hour of my day to go swim, and clear my head before coming back home to study. I also think reading is an amazing way to practice self-care! There are so many excellent self-care, meditation books that can help you better yourself and your habits. 

What’s the hardest part about working virtually for you? The easiest?

The hardest part is the lack of personal interaction. I have an extremely extroverted personality, so adjusting to Zoom classes was challenging. I missed the face-to-face interaction. It was also difficult to separate school time from my spare time. Since I would study from my bedroom, I didn’t feel as though I could ever walk away from my schoolwork completely. However, I will say the easiest part about virtual learning is that I didn’t have to wake up early to rush to my early classes on-time!