In this special series of Q&As, McGill’s 2024 valedictorians share their insights and perspectives as they reflect on their academic journeys and look back at the moments that defined their time at McGill, from navigating the challenges of entering McGill during the COVID pandemic to finding and fostering a sense of community.
Today, we feature Anna Gleason, valedictorian for the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Gleason, who has earned a B.Eng Bioresource; with a major in Bioresource Engineering – Professional Agrology delivered her address at the Agricultural and Environmental Sciences ‘A’ ceremony on Wednesday, June 5, at 10 a.m.
Please note, the answers have been edited for brevity.
Where do you call home?
The Ottawa Valley/Pontiac Region.
Why did you choose McGill?
I was always fascinated by the city of Montreal. I just kind of knew that this was where I was meant to be.
What is your degree?
I’m graduating in B.Eng Bioresource; with a major in Bioresource Engineering – Professional Agrology. This means I’ll be able to get my P.Eng and/or also take my agronomist exam to be a certified agronomist.
What were some of your impressions when walking onto campus for the first time?
I loved all the greenery and the greenhouses at Mac Campus and how close we were to the water. Mac has some of the best places to watch the sun rise and set. I also loved the architecture of the buildings downtown.
What are your three favourite places on McGill’s campuses?
At Mac, I love the field. There’s so much room to sit, enjoy the sun or play spike ball. I’m also a big fan of TWIGS, I’m going to miss their sandwiches! I also love Vinh’s downtown and Schulich!
What are some of the highlights of your time as a McGill student?
Being involved in student life shaped my time at McGill and allowed me to meet so many people. Being in Bioresource Engineering, it was great to be involved in student life at Mac and in the downtown Engineering Undergraduate Society. By being a part of both, I was able to have a well-rounded experience.
Highlights include the three Mac Froshes and the two E-Weeks I organized. I have amazing memories from those experiences.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during your time here?
Adjusting to life in the city was a big one. I grew up in a very small town, so it took some time to adjust to the hustle and bustle of Montreal.
Finding time to do everything was another challenge. McGill opened my eyes to so many new and exciting things, and I wanted to try them all, while still prioritizing my academics.
What’s next for you, both short and long-term?
Short term, I want to get my P.Eng and continue working as an engineer on projects related to the environment, agriculture and sustainable agriculture. I hope to travel more and learn about agriculture in different cultures and areas of the world.
Long term, I want to try my hand at food production and farming.
How has McGill helped prepare you for your next chapter?
McGill made me more comfortable with being myself and it gave me more confidence in both social and academic settings.
I have improved my communication skills, and I have more confidence to stand up for what’s right and what I believe in. These are important qualities. The world can be a big and scary place, so we need to be able to stay grounded and true to ourselves and our values.
Who or what will you miss most?
I will miss the students that make up the Bioresource Engineering community. We are a pretty tight-knit and like-minded group. After COVID, we had to start over and create new traditions and find new ways to connect as a community. I’ll be sad not to be able to see where the bond we’ve forged will lead us.
What advice do you have for new students to McGill?
You can retake a class, but you can’t remake a memory.