Celebrating Artsci Student Volunteers

The Arts & Science Program is grateful to have incredible, supportive students who volunteer throughout the year by sharing their experiences with potential future Artscis and their families. Several students also dedicate their time to helping support the McMaster Discovery Program by providing lunch and volunteer childcare services.

When exploring options for undergraduate education, the choice about what and where to study can be daunting. There is nothing like speaking to current university students to gain insights into the student experience.

At large events such as the Ontario Universities Fair and McMaster’s Fall Preview, March Break, and May@Mac open house events and in small one-on-one student visits, Arts & Science student volunteers welcome and chat with high school students about their experiences in the program and life at university. These conversations often provide a source of comfort and inspiration as high school students gain a glimpse into their future and envision their life at university.

Here’s what a few Artsci student volunteers had to say about why they enjoy meeting with potential future Artscis:

“After receiving an offer to the [Arts & Science] program and attending the May@Mac open house event, I reflected on it as an experience I would never forget. The students, staff, and faculty were very inviting and comforting and made me feel as though I was at home. Ultimately, that was the reason why I chose this program – the feeling of being at home. Since [then], I have tried my best to take part in all [future] student engagement opportunities at McMaster. For me, I want to be that source of comfort for others to pursue their passions. Having recently gone through the struggle of choosing what [undergraduate program] to pursue, I strive to be one of those people who allow these individuals to get one step closer to fulfilling their interests.” – Ahastan Surees, Level II Arts & Science student

“My time in the Arts & Science program thus far has been incredibly enriching. I love sharing my Artsci experience with potential incoming students. It is always fulfilling to help students and their families learn more about Artsci and give them insight into what the program can offer. I hope to continue contributing to the McMaster community by making campus a welcoming place for incoming students!” – Safiya Sivjee, Level II Arts & Science student

“I remember how much of a positive impact students and professors speaking about Artsci had on me. When I was applying to university, I was almost certain that I wanted to go into engineering. I found the Arts & Science program very intriguing, but I didn’t know much about it and was scared to go into a non-professional program. I went to the Fall Preview open house event, where I heard from professors about why Arts & Science is such an amazing program, and everything that makes it unique and special. Now as a current Artsci student, I have a great time talking with potential students and answering their questions. I enjoy sharing my enthusiasm for Artsci and my experiences in the program.” – Kiran Oberai, Level II Arts & Science student

“I enjoy the opportunity to talk with potential future Artscis and give them advice on the transition from high school to university. Having been a Big Sib [in the Society for Arts & Science Students’ peer mentorship program] for the past few years I have greatly enjoyed helping younger Artscis navigate this transition and making them feel welcome in the program. I also love to help introduce new Arts & Science students to the amazing extracurriculars we have available at McMaster and in the program, such as the New World of Work events, Winter Kaffeehaus socials, and intramural and competitive sports teams.” – Emelia Grossman, Level III Arts & Science student

“I enjoy participating in the May@Mac open house event because I went to this event in grade 12 when I was still deciding if I should come to Artsci, and it helped me decide. The volunteers and professors present were very helpful and informative which helped my decision. I want to replicate the same experience I had back then for other potential incoming students to help them determine if Arts & Science is the right fit for them” – Ali Panju, Level III Arts & Science student

Thank you to the following Arts & Science students who have volunteered at various events and met one on one with future students throughout the 2024/25 academic year:

• Aarani Selvaganesh
• Ahastan Surees
• Ali Kubba
• Ali Panju
• Alice Qiu
• Andrew Adamson
• Anna May Fox
• Arjun Rao
• Claire Crawford
• David Harris
• Elena Mijailovic
• Eliza Ritchie
• Emelia Grossman
• Graeme Lavrence
• Helen Wu
• Ishmeet Johal
• Jack Gillies
• Jayden Miller
• Jing Yi Xie
• Kiran Oberai
• Leah McMillan
• Noor Alqadhi
• Olamide Mabadeje
• Olivia Cara
• Safiya Sivjee
• Sam Potts
• Sara Paterson
• Sofia Quon
• Sophia Moosa
• Vivian Vuong

Another way Arts & Science students volunteer is through the McMaster Discovery Program (MDP), which provides an opportunity for adults in the Hamilton community to take a free, non-credit course in a supportive and welcoming environment. The MDP was founded in 2011 under the leadership of Dr. Jean Wilson, former Arts & Science Director, and has been housed in the Arts & Science program ever since. Artsci students have always played a crucial role in the program by volunteering their time and talents to help with lunch and volunteer childcare services, two vital program elements.

This year was no exception as students eagerly signed up to either plan, prep and cook nutritious food for a shared communal lunch, or to look after participants’ children while they attended the program. Volunteers are the cornerstone of the program, and it could not run without their continued dedication and support.

Thank you to the following Arts & Science students who dedicated some of their Saturdays to volunteering for MDP throughout the Fall 2024 semester:

Lunch Team:

• Abeer Farooqi
• Ali Panju
• April Louie
• Hanying Wang
• Jing Yi Xie
• Kristen Rasmussen
• Lily Khair
• Miuccia How Hee Fong
• Naia Lee
• Safia Slotta
• Vivian Vuong

Volunteer Childcare Team:

• Aarani Selvaganesh
• April Louie
• Arella Yang
• Ciana Dickie
• Ela Jamal
• Jing Yi Xie
• Vivian Vuong