In my first semester as a McGill Psychology undergrad, I did little but attend classes, hang out with friends and head home for the evening. However, something sparked in my second term, and I became very interested in student government (SSMU).
I naively decided to run for Undergrad Representative on the Board of Governors, completely unaware that the incumbent was the former President of the SSMU, and perhaps one of the school's most well-known students. He chose to run again and I fought hard! It was truly a David and Goliath story – that is, until I lost by a significant margin. I was not deterred. My campaign had opened up a whole new world to me. I had met so many interesting peers, and found a great many ways to participate in student government before I ran again for the Board seat the following year – successfully!
This integral part of my McGill experience transformed me from a passive member to an engaged citizen. I was always searching for new and interesting ways to participate in the world around me. The leadership roles and contributions to my community (and in my career) that I have taken on since my McGill days can all be traced back to that blissfully unaware young woman in 1996. McGill handed her an opportunity, a challenge, a failure, and then many more opportunities!