Graduate profile - Hannah MacFarlane

June 18, 2019 - The upcoming convocation ceremony will be an important day for a number of people from our University community. One of them is Hannah MacFarlane, who will receive her diploma and present the Farewell Address during the afternoon ceremony.

What is your student status?
Graduating from an undergrad in Conflict Studies with a minor in Communication. Beginning a master’s in Conflict Studies at SPU in the fall.

What is your best memory of Saint Paul University?
There are so many great memories over my years at SPU. It’s truly difficult to pick only one. One of my favourite memories is the Christmas lighting ceremony that occurs every year. In our second year, three of my friends and I volunteered to help organize. We stayed for all the Christmas festivities and had such a good time getting to celebrate with everyone.

Hannah MacFarlane

If you could give one piece of advice to the student you were on your first day at SPU, what would it be?
One piece of advice I would give to my past self would be to understand that you will make mistakes and you are not perfect and that’s just the way life goes. I went into university at 17, right out of high school. I wish I had known that making a mistake is not going to ruin your entire academic career. Work hard and do your best and that’s all you can really ask of yourself.

Was there a significant moment that you would like to tell us about?
A significant moment I hold close to my heart is the trip we organized in our first year. I made friends very quickly here at Saint Paul, and within knowing each other for only three months, we planned a week-long ski trip for about eight people. This was super unique to SPU, as we became so close very quickly. These people continued to be my closest friends throughout my entire degree and have been the people who have stood by me through all of my challenges.

Describe your experience at Saint Paul University.
My experience at Saint Paul University has been full of opportunities. I have been able to work in many different areas within the school, and that has allowed me to view the inner workings of the way SPU operates. The community that I’ve been surrounded by here has been one where they have been able to help me grow both academically and personally.

What was your greatest challenge?
My biggest challenge during my degree has definitely been my struggle with mental health. While doing my degree, I have been properly diagnosed and began dealing with anxiety and depression. Learning how to balance school with taking care of myself has been challenging but is something that has given me a lot of perspective on the way I interact with the world. Luckily, SPU has given me enough room to ask for help and seek the services that I needed to help me through a difficult time.

What are your plans for after graduation?
My plans for the summer are to work and save money for my master’s in the fall.

Congratulations, Hannah! We are already looking forward to seeing you back on campus in the fall!