One of my fondest memories from my undergrad was of second year welcome day. I met a lot of new friends that I still have today.

I chose McMaster because of their reputation for excellence in science and I knew it would prepare me well for a career in science. I chose my program to pursue my future plans of being an urban planner.

I began second year in Honours Biology but eventually switched into Honours Environmental Science so I could pursue my Master’s of Urban Planning in the future.

One of my fondest memories from my undergrad was of second year welcome day. I met a lot of new friends that I still have today.

My advice for future students would be to make sure you go into your first-year program with an open mind. Do not be afraid to explore a new interest or change your path later in your university career.

I ended up on a completely different path than I envisioned as a first-year student and I think that is a great thing!

My name is Henrietta and I am a graduated of the Honours Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour program with a minor in Biology. I am currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Education program at Western University.

I chose Life Sciences Gateway as my entry-level program because I loved Chemistry and Physics in high school and wanted to major in one or the other. Fortunately, the Life Sciences Gateway program has an multiple Introductory Psychology courses that helped me discover my hidden passion for Psychology which led to a major in Honours PNB and, best of all, a teaching assistant position in the very same IntroPsych courses I loved so much in first year! Choosing a second-year specialization in PNB was so easy and I love that the Life Sciences Gateway program is so flexible for students!

The Honours PNB program afforded many opportunities. In second year, I completed a research practicum in the CogSci Lab which really provided a whole new appreciation for research. In third year, I was fortunate enough to complete a full year practicum in the research department of the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board which provided a unique perspective into applied research. By third year I really solidified my interest in human learning and the applications of research to real-life education settings. In my final year I was able to complete an undergraduate thesis in the EdCog Lab. By this time, I had truly discovered my passion for teaching and education and that led me to where I am today.

I ended up on a completely different path than I envisioned as a first-year student and I think that is a great thing! My program led me to the place I am now, and I learned so much about myself personally and professionally. My advice to first-year students is to embrace the different paths in life, to explore, and really take advantage of all the opportunities and experiences McMaster has to offer.

I cannot wait for you to embrace the opportunities, discover yourself, and fall in love with McMaster.