"SHSM gave me a step ahead—building my work ethic, research skills, and fuelling my passion for Social Psychology through unique experiences that shaped my education and career path."
How did pursuing a specialist high skills major (SHSM), and then receiving university credit for it at McMaster, shape your experience?
Working in SHSM helped me get a step ahead of my peers; I engaged in community work, helping organizations find grants and donors; I participated in activities that strengthen my work ethic and researching skills; and by receiving the university credit for McMaster, it enabled me to take a course outside of my program that I might have never thought or had the space/time to take.
How do you think your particular SHSM influenced your decision to pursue on Social Psychology?
One of notable experience in the Justice SHSM was a group interview with a lady who suffers from Schizophrenia; we had a great discussion about mental illnesses and how her experiences shape her life, and that really fueled my passion for the psychological side of SocPscyh. My Coop was with the Hamilton School Board, and I worked on fixing the Ontario Law curriculum, as well as developing curriculum to engage students in tech courses and careers more. This experience, that I only got because I enrolled in SHSM, fostered my love for helping make school more engaging and enjoyable. I found that going to Mac for Social Psychology would help me understand better how to influence change within education and society.
What would you say to high school students who are enjoying their SHSM and who might be considering Social Sciences?
If you are enjoying your SHSM, I would highly recommend Social Sciences as a future career path. I’ve learned and research topics such as the development and effects of race and racism, how children and adolescents grow and learn best, or the countless of theories of crime and deviance. School is far more enjoyable and worthwhile when you enjoy and are interested in what you are learning; not only does McMaster have great professors, but the wide range of courses will help foster your love and understanding of the social world around you.
