Celebrating the class of 2018

In celebration of the University of Manitoba’s Spring Convocation 2018, UM Today is featuring some of the outstanding students we are celebrating this week.

Taylor Nimchonok studied biological sciences in the Faculty of Science with a personal interest in areas such as animal welfare, human rights, law and healthcare. She is a Leader of Tomorrow and Chancellors’ Scholarship recipient, a President’s Scholar and continues to humbly demonstrate excellence.

What was your inspiration?
There are many things that inspired me at the University of Manitoba but the thing that really sticks out in my mind are the staff that go above and beyond to connect with you and support you in any way they can. In an environment where you might sign your student number more than your actual name, the professors that took time to listen to me or show interest in my future inspired me to keep on going.

What was your greatest obstacle in your post-secondary journey?
Finding a way to get involved and be a leader in a way that fit with my life and personality. When I started at the U of M I was awarded with the Leader of Tomorrow Scholarship for my efforts in high school but really struggled to get involved as much as I did in previous settings. While it took me a couple years, I found my place more behind the scenes volunteering for two university senate committees as a student at large. At the end of the day I realized leadership isn’t about getting the highest position or leading the most people, but rather finding what motivates you.

What is the most interesting thing that happened to you at the U of M?
The U of M has given me the opportunity to meet some amazing people in a variety of fields. Notably, the opportunity to chat with Neil DeGrasse Tyson when I was previously embarking on a degree in physics was something I didn’t know I needed at that time in my life. Additionally, I had the chance to talk with Roméo Dallaire. His speech was powerful but urgent and to hear a message of peace from someone who had seen the worst in humanity presented a new and important perspective. Finally, the opportunity to hear Arlene Dickenson discuss her life journey was incredibly inspiring and to listen to the advice of such a powerful woman is something I won’t forget.

What’s next?
This fall I will be moving to London, England to start a Master of Science in bioethics and society. My end goal is to become a clinical ethicist and work with patients, families and healthcare professionals by offering guidance on the ethical concerns that arise in healthcare. That being said, I changed my career at least 4 times throughout my undergraduate degree so I make no promises about the end point… but now I’ve realized the opportunities are endless!

Don’t forget to check our student accounts on Instagram and Facebook to learn more about some of the students graduating this week. You can also join the ‘Convocation conversation’ on social media by following #umanitoba2018.

UM Today Staff