51¹ú²úÊÓƵ

What does it mean to you to be named Valedictorian of the Class of 2026? 
Getting to serve as Valedictorian for the Class of 2026 means the world to me. From my first day on campus to these final few weeks, I feel grateful knowing that this school has laid the foundation in helping me become the person I am today. I think this is also true for much of this grad class. Seeing students get involved, organize fundraisers, welcome new students, or be a friendly face on campus, there is so much that makes our class stand out. We built an exceptional community here and I can think of no better time than Convocation to emphasize this.

What is a piece of advice you would give your first-year self?
Embrace the uncertainty! I arrived at 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ Allison with a sense of urgency to find friends, get involved, and have great academic results. Finding a sense of belonging became something stressful. I realize today that finding my place at 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ Allison happened in unexpected ways. In the summer after first year, I applied to The Argosy, where I have now worked for three years writing and editing articles as well as hosting its weekly CHMA radio show. In my second year, a few friends encouraged me to audition for Garnet and Gold and the Motyer-Fancy Theatre, where I have now performed in four shows over my time here. These opportunities have been my favourite so far at 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ Allison and I only got involved with them by chance. I wish I could go back in time and tell my first-year self to embrace the uncertainty and enjoy the journey because things will work out! 

A stand-out 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ A memory?
Minutes before this year’s closing night with the Garnet and Gold Musical Theatre Society, the men’s dressing room held a gratitude circle. We all got to talk about our favourite moments and memories from the year. I was the only fourth year in that group and I felt so happy knowing that the society that allowed me to be my true self also did the same for first, second, and third year members. Musical theatre is a niche interest, especially for young men, and it is incredible to see that Garnet and Gold was a positive place for us to perform and grow together. 

What is  overall message you want to convey to the Class of 2026 in your address? 
On our path towards graduation, I think one of the most beautiful parts is that each story is unique. All of us arrived at 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ Allison with our own ideas, goals, questions, and concerns. Some of us had a plan and some were unsure of what was to come. No matter our journey, we now get to cross the stage with a story to tell about our experience at 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ Allison University. Whether you swapped your major, got involved with a club you did not expect to love, or learned of future opportunities through this school, we all built a little life at here and get to celebrate this together. No matter where we go next, I hope you get a chance to reflect on your wonderfully unique story. 

How did the connections you made at 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ Allison impact your experience? 
One of the main reasons I applied to 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ Allison was the university being known for its tight-knit community. I had no idea just how far this community stretches. While I met my lifelong friends through Orientation and residence, I also got close with people in classes and extracurriculars. These past four years have provided me with the chance to learn more about what I am most passionate about by connecting with people who feel the same way. 

What’s next after 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ A? 
I’m going to be interning with Minister Sean Fraser this summer in Ottawa and New Glasgow as part of the Summer Leadership Program. Later in the fall, I hope to travel to the Netherlands and visit friends who were international students a few years ago here at 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ Allison.