Dear McGill grad

Poised to graduate in one of the most turbulent periods in recent memory – amid an ongoing pandemic and global economic crisis – the Class of 2020 was in need of some encouragement.

So McGill reached out to its alumni community this spring, asking for messages of support to help ease the transition and show new grads that they’re not alone.

The response was overwhelming.

Inspiration from past recession classes

The University sent out a call to the classes of 1990, 1991 and 2008 – all groups who know a thing or two about graduating in a recession. In an incredible show of solidarity, these recession classes came through with messages of hope, stories of resilience, and candid advice on how to navigate economic uncertainty.

Here are some excerpts from their letters to the Class of 2020:

“It's not easy preparing for your future when everything seems so uncertain. So focus on the things within your control. Look for the opportunities. Have patience and perseverance. This too shall pass.”
– Srishti Goyal, BCom’08

Don’t fear failure; it is one of the best ways to learn what matters most. Be yourself, trust in what you know, and never stop learning. You’ve got this!”

– Liisa Stephenson, MA’01, PhD’08

“Be confident in yourself, don't be afraid to take risks and always find an opportunity to learn and grow. It may be rocky at times but staying true to what's important to you and finding work that you are passionate about is what makes it all worth it.”
– Tiffany Uman, BCom’08

“Grief and mourning can walk alongside pride and joy at this time. There's no one correct response. What I went through in 2008 was so difficult at the time, and looking back I can see how it helped hone my resilience.”
– Stacie Lightner, DMus’08

“Look forward, don't be hung up at present. Years later, you will look back at 2020 with a smile, and you'll be sharing your story with the younger generations of McGillians just like me.”
– Kevin Jiang, BSc’08

You are not the first, nor the last, to take a next step in the midst of uncertainty and anxiety. Human resilience is powerful. Lean into your network of family and friends, be bold in creating and seizing opportunities, choose hope and perseverance every morning.”

– Amelia Rana, BA’08

“Now, looking back on it 30 years later, while I vividly remember the student worries of 1990, I confess I don’t actually remember the recession itself. Upon graduation, with a McGill degree in hand, we found opportunities. Lots of them. There are many rich and rewarding opportunities awaiting you too.”
– Keith Bergner, BA’90, LLB’96

“Your first job may not be what you imagined it would be, but it will be what you make of it: learn from it about yourself.” 
– Anne Tunnessen, BA’90

Class of 2020, these are not easy times. But we will get through them. And with your leadership, the world will be stronger than before.”

– Anna Villalta, BEd’91, MEd’98

“The COVID-19 pandemic is challenging every sector, every profession and every employer. What I know is that the education you've received at McGill is setting you up for success even in these difficult times.”
– Julia Hanigsberg, BA’87, BCL/LLB’91

“Hang in there, we will mitigate and conquer COVID, and new scientific and business opportunities will emerge consequently.”
– Cédric Bisson, MDCM’91

“Face and fight life’s challenges and never give up on your goals and dreams. The world needs the integrity, talent, dedication and hard work of many individuals like you.”
– Faranak Sharifi-Mokhtarian, BSc’90, MSc’92, PhD’98

One thing I'd advise: be flexible. Try to cast a wide net when you're on the job market. Follow leads wherever they go, even if they seem like detours, or aren't what you had originally envisioned for yourself.”

– Claire Crighton, BA’08

“Try many things! Embrace the unknown. There’s always a lesson to be learned, knowledge to acquire in any situation.”
– Marie-France Cyr, BCom’90

“May you carry the McGill spirit to chase your dreams and beat the challenges! Here’s to you Class of 2020!”
– Yasmin Dhanani, BA’90

Advice for new doctors

Of all the students who convocated this spring, Medicine grads are in a unique position – facing the  daunting challenge of becoming medical professionals during a global health crisis. To help usher this group forward with confidence, the Faculty of Medicine turned to some of its class representatives and noted alumni from the past 60 years.

Here are some of their messages to the newest MDCMs:

“The last few months have been difficult for many of us; high clinical loads, interrupted research programs, for some a bad respiratory tract infection... and a necessary reflection on what will be needed to move forward as professionals and citizens. You will enter the next stage of your training in a world that needs your drive, enthusiasm, creativity and dedication. Can't wait to hear your ideas...”
– Jean-Sébastien Delisle, MDCM’99

Your assumed formal ceremony of convocation has vanished in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now you stand front line, facing urgent change and existential challenge. You have already been called. You are needed, able, and willing. This is your convocation!”

– Sydney Price Sparling, MDCM'67

“If you are concerned that your class will forever be tainted by the word Covid, referring to that scoundrel virus, you would be sadly mistaken. There is indeed another word, Covid, which will forever grace your singularly impressive class. This Covid, however, is a truly honourable and significant appellation: It is a meaningful Yiddish word which means, ‘meriting deep respect’!”
– Saul Levine, MDCM’63

“COVID-19 has reminded millions around the globe of the best of medicine – the desire to serve selflessly, the willingness to put our patients’ wellness ahead of our own, the desire to reclaim the altruism that defines our profession. You are starting with a clean slate and have every opportunity to regenerate what is most amazing about our vocation.”
– Sherif Emil, MDCM’91

If I can offer one piece of advice, it is this: commit your best to each patient, take responsibility for their care, and come what may, doctor, always care for and be kind to yourself. Always.”

– Nebras Warsi, BSc’13, MDCM’17

"The COVID-19 epidemic may make you feel you have an uncertain future. You will face challenges but the potentials (gene therapy, other new technologies and methods of disease prevention) are enormous. You will be the future leaders."
– John H. Burgess, BSc’54, MDCM’58