Last Wednesday, McMaster University’s President Patrick Deane released his letter to the McMaster community, outlining his priorities and principles for the direction he would like to see the university take in the years to come. I went to Mac for my undergrad, and am back there again doing a part-time Masters… During my undergrad, in a program I loved dearly (Arts and Science!), I had my share of skepticism about academic life and was frustrated by its often lack of connection to the real world.
Thankfully, I was able to find a way to meaningfully connect my academic experience to my life in the city. But I still hold this frustration and skepticism about academia, about the exclusive world of the “Ivory Tower”, and prefer to hang out and do work off campus, in my real Beasley neighbourhood, fully immersed in the downtown Hamilton community.
Reading President Deane’s letter gave me a newfound sense of hope and purpose as a McMaster student and employee, and a citizen of Hamilton, and I think it is important to share some tidbits with you… Continue reading
