You may remember this week’s Her Campus McGill campus celebrity from the completely paperless campaign she ran last semester. Running for a position as Arts Representative to the Student Society of McGill University, this collegiette’s campaign consisted of walking up to complete strangers, presenting them with the issues at hand and asking them if she could count on their vote! An ambitious go-getter, Nicole Georges shares with Her Campus McGill her passion for politics, government and student life at McGill!
Major/Minor: Double Major in Political Science and History and a minor in Religious Studies
Graduating year: 2014
Hometown: Kitchener, Ontario. Fun fact about Kitchener, it used to be called Little Berlin until the Second World War when it was renamed after British General Lord Kitchener. I’ve been told that Kitchener is the home to the world’s second largest Oktoberfest after Germany!
Three words that best describe you: Motivated, hard working, and honest .
Why McGill? McGill’s international recognition was a major factor. Knowing that I would be learning from some of the world’s most renowned professors in any field was a big factor. My parents and I also loved the campus – it feels like a haven amidst the commotion from downtown. Although, I nearly went to University of Toronto after I was accepted to Trinity College…
Favourite class this semester: American Presidential Campaigning. It’s a history class that explores the evolution of the campaign. It’s also extremely relevant to this year’s monumental presidential election!
Are you dressing up for Halloween this year? I don’t celebrate Halloween (I was always that kid in elementary, high school and now also in university!) But one year I wore my school uniform and people thought I was a dressed up as a student…
Best thing about living on your own: It’s stress-free. I don’t need to worry about someone else and they don’t have to worry about me. I’ve heard some pretty awful roommate stories, but I’ve heard some amazing ones also. I guess it’s a toss-up, but I’m an only child so I’m use to being alone.
Favourite place to study on campus: I have a love-hate relationship with the McLennan-Redpath Library Complex (as repeated verbatim from the intercom system), but I’m productive when I go and that’s what matters.
Best/Worst University experience thus far: My best experience has been meeting so many wonderful people. I find that McGill students are incredibly kind, intelligent, and funny. The most challenging experience has been getting used to the grading system (that’s the nerdy answer), but it can be shocking at first.
Where do you see yourself ten years from now? I see myself as a lawyer; I always have. I also see myself working with government in some fashion.
If you weren’t studying at McGill, what would you be doing? I would like to say I would be travelling the world, or would try to pursue something in journalism, but who knows? I would probably be a daily gym-goer (that’s usually what I do in the summer). Honestly though, I have no idea. I have always loved school and can’t really picture myself doing anything else.
Are you more an early bird or a night owl? This is a toss-up. I like the idea of an early bird – people just seem so much more organized – but I think I’m a night owl. That being said, I think all-nighters should be used sparingly.
You were elected as one of the Arts Representative to SSMU, can you tell us a little more about what you do? Being at Arts Representative to SSMU is being the voice of Arts students at both the AUS level and the SSMU level. I, along with three other Arts Representatives to SSMU, sit on both councils. We propose motions, vote and speak on behalf of Arts students on important topics.
What made you want to get involved in student government in the first place?
I have always loved politics; in fact, I’m pretty sure I’m obsessed with them. I spend most of my time studying politics, and I would say I have the personality for politics (not everyone would admit they love politics). Last year’s events showed me that I wanted to be part of decision-making. I felt very powerless and I was encouraged by a few close friends to run for a position. I ran and was elected. I’m so happy I was elected and grateful to those who voted for me. I realized that the only way to really have my voice heard would be to get involved. I’ve also come to openly embrace my love for politics. I hope to be involved with government some day.
Do you have any advice for freshmen wanting to get involved with student government or other campus related clubs? I would say take a deep breath and appreciate the magnitude of being at McGill. Not everyone makes it here and so they’re a special bunch. I would also suggest that they be strategic about their involvement. We would all like to be superheroes, but it’s not possible to be involved in 10 different clubs and contribute equally to each one. Chose wisely and follow what you like. Once you’ve figured that out, pursue those interests to your fullest. Activities Night is always a great way to know all of the great clubs at McGill.
When you are not studying, writing papers, or meeting with your fellow Arts Reps, how do you like to spend your time? When I’m not in school (summer, Christmas break) I would definitely say shopping. During the school year I would say watching an episode of TV, spending time with friends and catching up on sleep are always awesome. But most often you’ll probably find me at the Theatre of Dreams otherwise known as McLennan Library.
This year you hope to: This year I hope to be stronger, more honest (if it’s possible) and to tolerate less nonsense in my life.