My involvement with the Student Success Centre has given me a deep sense of belonging to my alma mater, and it is part of my best memories of McMaster University. A huge shout-out to Anne-Marie Middel (associate director, Alumni Engagement) and Jillian Perkins-Marsh (alumni career counsellor, SSC) for their support and the opportunity to give back to fellow alumni as a Job Search Essential (JSE) volunteer. This has been an invaluable and enjoyable experience for me.

Hats off to the Student Success Centre for the awesome work you do — you rock!

About Juliet

Juliet Dhanraj is a McMaster grad and former Job Search Essential (JSE) volunteer.

Transitioning from university has been one of my biggest challenges. I absolutely could not have done it without you all at the Student Success Centre. You all have helped me to develop valuable job search strategies by reflecting on my strengths, values and interests. With your highly interactive workshops, I developed how to engage in career conversations, prepare for job interviews and write highly effective resumes and cover letters. I even had the opportunity to connect and cultivate professional relationships while exploring careers of interest through the Success Centre’s job shadow program.

As a proud McMaster grad, once again thank you for encouragement and support.

Happy tenth Anniversary!

About Samuel

Samuel Asare is a proud McMaster grad.

As part of the SSC’s guiding principles, the word “develop” describes our global experience program’s mission of building McMaster students into global citizens. We take pride in the work we do to assist students in advancing their intercultural competency through international sojourns.

The word “develop” also describes my transformation from a shy first-year student who was not sure what she wanted to do with her life, to a much more confident alumna who has discovered her passion and purpose. My colleagues are the most wonderful people I have ever had the pleasure to work alongside, who have helped me grow both as a person and as a young professional.

By sharing my story, I would like to invite everyone to join me in celebrating the SSC’s ten years of supporting students’ success.

About Jade

Jade Ta is a McMaster grad who works as a program assistant for the Student Success Centre’s global experience program.

I grew up in a culture that was structured so deeply by age. We called everyone older than us “aunty” or “uncle” without ever meeting them before. We never looked adults in their eyes, and for the most part, lived in complete deference to older people. This was just how we lived — not good or bad, just different.

My time at the SSC was not spent just learning new skills and working on projects, but it was also about learning a whole new culture.  

Not good or bad, just different.

It took me about a year to look people in their eyes, and I still feel weird every time I just say “Michele.”

In the SSC, I learned to live another way. I learned how young people and adults could share, learn from each other and build together. I learned we all had a piece of something bigger than our parts.

Whether it was discussing outlander with Jillian, or Ana saving my life more than once or building a Welcome Week schedule with Michele and Rachel, I learned nothing is complete on its own. We all have something each other is looking for, and we should give willingly because only in giving do we receive.

Thank you for making me comfortable enough to say Ana, Rachel, Michele, Anushay, Gina, Gisela and Jacquie. And for your partnership and collaboration all these years.

So I hope you are all deeply proud of what you have accomplished, and what you continue to accomplish. I hope you continue to transform the lives of the young people who walk through your doors, and you continue to allow yourself to be transformed by them.

About Chukky

Chukky Ibe is a McMaster grad and former SSC student staff and MSU president. He is currently a legislative assistant to members of Parliament in Ottawa.

On a day-to-day basis, the majority of us would be sheltered in our own discipline-specific bubbles, but Speakeasy was one program that shattered these walls. I left this program with a greater understanding of the cultures around me and continue to value the importance of connecting with others on topics outside of academics. The program sparked my interests in communication and linguistics and played a huge role in guiding me down my career path.

As a speech-language pathologist, I continue to actively use the skills I learned during my time with the SSC. This program gave me the building blocks to remember that my patients are unique in their needs and understanding of the world around them. Before getting to the root of their problems, I try to understand who they are, how they live and how they see the world. I always make sure to connect, and I owe this to the inspiring services and individuals at the Student Success Centre.

About Sana

Sana Mumtaz is a McMaster grad who now works as a speech-language pathologist.