Meet Faculty of Social Sciences valedictorian Abigail McMunn

Faculty of Social Sciences valedictorian Abigail McMunn graduates June 18 with an environment & society degree.

We asked the McMaster graduate a few questions to get to know her ahead of her valedictory address.

How has McMaster shaped the person you are today?

Well, it’s safe to say that if a science student examined my brain, they would see the chemistry has changed. From the people I have met to the activities I have been able to participate in, I have become a more passionate person. McMaster University and the community have presented me with so many opportunities to grow, academically and personally. I have been pushed out of my comfort zone, from asking strangers to help me work the printer to meeting with a professor to discuss concepts I didn’t even understand. Because of this, I can now understand complex theories, I’ve learned to communicate and put myself out there, and I’ve even made peace with the campus printers. McMaster has shaped me into the person I have always wanted to become, one who is confident and ready to take on the step in life.

What’s a great piece of advice you’ve been given that you think other students could benefit from?

I think one thing that has always stuck with me is the refusal to be pessimistic. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been pessimistic, but who hasn’t? I’ve been rejected, worried and doubted my abilities as much as the next person. But my dad always told me to keep my chin up, take the high road, and never enter a room without a smile. There are many things in this world that you can’t change, but one thing you can always control is your attitude. Not getting the outcome you wanted? That’s okay, on to the next! The day isn’t going your way? That’s okay, there is always tomorrow! A positive outlook on where you have been and where you are going can truly give you confidence. It’s that smile and confidence that will make others believe in you as much as you believe in yourself. It can be tough to stay positive every day, but if you push yourself just a little bit more than yesterday, you’ll keep moving forward.

Tell us about a favourite memory during your time at McMaster.

This is hard because there isn’t a moment I didn’t love. I always had a great time when my friends and I would go to Snooty’s karaoke near McMaster every Sunday. We were there so often, I’m pretty sure the staff had our names and orders memorized. If we’re getting into specifics, I’d have to choose one of my final memories here with the people I met and grew to love. We rounded everybody up for one last time at the end of classes. We nearly filled the entire restaurant, laughing, talking, crying and singing until they kicked us out at 1am. We continued the karaoke at our student house while everybody continued to cry. It was sad, but the memory is so happy. I am grateful to have people worth crying over and spend our last moments together.

How do you think it is going to feel crossing the convocation stage?

This moment has always seemed so far away, so I’ve never put any thought into the day actually arriving. I know for one thing, I’ll be nervous. With that many people and cameras, I have a couple things on my mind: don’t trip on my heels, fix my gown, smile, correct my posture, and remember to breathe. But above all of that, mainly I will feel proud. Since COVID-19 was raging in my grade 12 year, I’ve never gotten to walk across a stage. This is the first time I will get to see my mom sobbing (and I mean sobbing) in the audience with a big smile on her face. I will get to hold the diploma that I earned. And I will get to wrap up four years of my life that seemed to fly by, but were by no means easy. It is a bittersweet feeling–everything I’ve worked for coming down to a few steps and a handshake. I’ll be happy, but also sad to finally close the chapter.

What do you plan to do/see yourself doing in the future?

I am very excited to start at Osgoode Hall Law School this upcoming Fall. While the future is bound to be a bit uncertain, I look forward to using my passion for advocacy to guide me. I am open to any possibility for my future, but I would love to work with underrepresented groups within the Greater Toronto Area and maybe even beyond! Wherever I end up, my main goal is to engage in something challenging and meaningful. I hope to spread my passion to others along the way and see what impact I can have on the upcoming political change and barriers that Canada will certainly face.