To kick off Nursing Week, we had a few of our graduating nursing students read and reflect on notes of advice from our Alumni. These notes are words of wisdom to help motivate, inspire, and encourage our nurses that are beginning their nursing careers. We then asked these learners about their McMaster experience and what they may write as words of wisdom to future nursing students. Here is what graduates, Salwa Siddiqui, Halle Bachiu, and Tiffany Wu had to say:

Salwa Siddiqui

Why did you choose to go to McMaster?

Throughout high school, I carefully considered my options when it came to deciding a university. McMaster stood out to me as the clear frontrunner, thanks in large part to its esteemed Nursing program, which emphasizes person-centered care and cutting-edge health research. When I had a chance to visit the campus in May, I fell in love with the environment and beauty. Lastly, upon hearing glowing recommendations from friends and family who attended McMaster themselves, I felt confident it was the perfect choice for me. 

What is one of your favourite memories from your time at McMaster?

Looking back on my time at McMaster, one experience that stands out in my memory is Welcome Week. As a new member of the Nursing program, during Welcome Week it quickly became clear to me just how close-knit and supportive this program truly was. Throughout Welcome Week, I formed many friendships and connected with mentors who continue to inspire and guide me today. I remember all the Nursing yellow suit reps to be especially kind and always ready to lend a helping hand whenever it was needed. All in all, I'm grateful I had such a great introduction to my McMaster journey.

What advice do you have for current and future nursing students?

If I could offer one piece of advice, it is to always live in the moment. The years you spend studying and training will fly by faster than you can imagine. Instead of constantly looking ahead, take the time to appreciate the present. Before you know it, you will be graduating and practicing as a nurse!


Halle Bachiu

Why did you choose to go to McMaster?

I chose to go to McMaster because of the tight-knit nursing community. I remember going to May at Mac and meeting so many friendly upper years that had welcomed me with open arms and who were eager to share their advice, wisdom, and passion for nursing with me. The students I met were so genuine and I felt like it would be the perfect place to find "my people.” From that point on I knew that McMaster would be home for the next four years.

What is one of your favourite memories from your time at McMaster?

One of my favourite memories from Mac will always be all the Welcome Weeks that I had the privilege of being a part of!! From experiencing Welcome Week as a first year to being on the Planning Committee for Nursing Welcome Week as an upper year, I have always loved the environment and energy of our unique week-long orientation. Meeting and interacting with excited first years and prospective students was one of my favourite ways to give back to not only my nursing community, but also McMaster as a whole.

What advice do you have for current and future nursing students?

Remember why you chose nursing and let that motivate you when you feel defeated. There are, and will continue to be, so many mountains to climb, but stop for a moment to acknowledge that you're accomplishing your goals. You're doing it!! You can push through these hardships. Remember your why!


Tiffany Wu

Why did you choose to go to McMaster?

There were several reasons why I chose to go to McMaster out of all the Ontario universities that I applied to. I was always interested in McMaster's Nursing program and remember reaching out to organize a tour of the campus and nursing-specific facilities. I had toured several universities at this point but had pretty much made up my mind by the end of my tour at Mac. I loved the kindness of everyone on campus, the community feeling, as well as the facilities and resources Mac had to offer, especially the CSBL lab.

What is one of your favourite memories from your time at McMaster?

McMaster has provided me plenty of wonderful memories over the past four years, between Welcome Week festivities and other school-wide events provided by the MSU and nursing-specific events provided by MUNSS. However, my most favourite memory that instantly comes to mind is helping out with May at Mac in 2022 as an incoming fourth-year student, as I believe this moment was when I finally came full-circle. I remember attending May at Mac in 2019 as an eager incoming first-year student, and I was wondering how my next 4 years would look like. Being able to share my experiences and passion for the Mac Nursing community with the prospective students was truly such a privilege that my 2019 self would never believe I got to do.

What advice do you have for current and future nursing students?

Your time as a nursing student will be filled with so many amazing learning and life opportunities. This will also be a large period of growth and opportunity for change. It is okay to feel uncomfortable and to feel you don't know what you are doing. Share the same kindness and compassion to yourself that you give to your friends, family, and patients.