Finding my way: A reflection on growth, leadership and community

Alexandra Bovie didn’t arrive at McMaster with a clear roadmap — just a desire to make an impact and a willingness to embrace the unknown. Originally set on a career in science, it was a leap of curiosity that brought her to the Integrated Business and Humanities (IBH) program, where she found a community that challenged and supported her, and a path that felt right. Along the way, she took chances, found her voice and learned that growth often comes from the moments that feel the most uncertain. Now, as a 2025 IBH graduate and class valedictorian, Alex looks back on a journey filled with learning, leadership and lasting friendships.

The best journeys are the ones that challenge you, push you beyond your comfort zone, and introduce you to people who change your life. Like so many of my peers, McMaster has been that once-in-a-lifetime journey for me. From the very beginning, I’ve been pushed to grow, try new things, and discover more about myself through a truly special community. 

When I first started at DeGroote, I didn’t know exactly where I was headed, only that I wanted to make a difference. I came in with a plan that eventually shifted, shaped by unexpected opportunities, powerful mentorship and experiences that helped me uncover what I’m truly passionate about. As I reflect on my five years here, I’m filled with a deep sense of pride and gratitude for the opportunities and connections that have shaped my experience. This reflection is a look back at the lessons, people and moments that shaped my time at DeGroote, and a message for those just starting out. 

What would you say to a new student just starting at DeGroote today?

Don’t stress if you don’t have a five-year plan. Up until a few months before starting university, I was sure I would pursue a science degree and go to medical school. I was drawn to the idea of helping people and solving problems, but somewhere along the way I realized it wasn’t the stethoscope that excited me. It was the challenge of systems-level thinking and finding creative solutions to complex, messy problems. 

That realization led me to business, a field I honestly knew very little about at the time. I didn’t come in with a polished resume or a perfect pitch, but I was curious, open to learning, and willing to put myself out there. That mindset made all the difference!  

Even if business school feels completely unfamiliar to you right now, trust that with time, effort, and a willingness to keep showing up, you’ll find your place. If you stay open, take chances and keep trying your best, you’ll achieve things you never imagined possible. 

What values or lessons are you taking with you after graduation?

The most important lessons I learned at DeGroote didn’t come from a textbook. They came from experience, from failing forward and from choosing to keep going when things were hard. 

1. Seek discomfort early and often. My first step into extracurriculars was JDCC DeGroote’s incubator program. At the time, I had no idea what case cracking was, I was not a confident presenter, and I certainly didn’t feel ready. But I went for it anyway, and that first uncomfortable step turned into dozens more opportunities and opened doors I never could have predicted. Ultimately, I found that it’s those moments of discomfort where true growth happens. 
2. Consistency matters. Some of my proudest moments weren’t the big wins or awards but the early, freezing mornings walking to class when all I wanted to do was go back to bed, the long nights studying and the perseverance when no one was watching. Those moments built a quiet confidence that I’ll carry into every job and challenge ahead. 
3. Say yes, even when it’s inconvenient. Opportunities rarely come at convenient times. Midterms, group projects and burnout will always be part of the university experience. I’ve learned that the most meaningful experiences happen when you show up anyway, even when your schedule is packed or your energy is low. Showing up, despite the chaos, changed my university experience for the better. 
4. Enjoying the journey requires intentional effort. University is tough, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of always waiting for the next break, the next course to be over, or the next deadline to pass. It took me far too long to realize that this mentality of always counting down means you’ll never truly enjoy the moment you’re in. I’ve learned not to view anything as merely a stepping stone, and that every chapter of life, no matter how tough it may feel, is worth being fully present for.

What’s a great piece of advice you’ve been given that you think other students could benefit from?

One piece of advice that changed the way I approached university was, “opportunity begets opportunity.” It reminded me that you don’t need a perfect plan to get started, you just need to be open to trying something new. I’ve learned that the seemingly small, inconsequential decisions to put yourself out there, especially when it feels scary, often lead you to places you never anticipated. 

During my virtual Welcome Week, I decided to sign up for a mini case competition on a whim. I didn’t even know what a case competition was, but I figured I had nothing to lose. That single decision ended up shaping the next five years of my life. It was my introduction to the world of case learning, and to a community of people who challenged and inspired me. I found incredible mentors, built lifelong friendships and developed a much deeper belief in myself. 

By my final year, I found myself leading the school’s largest national case competition team alongside one of my closest friends. None of this was part of a master plan. It happened because I took a chance, explored something unfamiliar, and kept putting myself out there, even when I wasn’t sure I was ready. That mindset helped me grow into someone I never imagined becoming when I first started. It taught me that momentum builds from action, and that the smallest decisions can lead to the biggest transformations. 

What do you plan to do or see yourself doing in the future?

After graduation, I will be working in data analytics in the banking sector. It’s a path I knew very little about when I first began university, but one that I’m incredibly excited to explore. I’m drawn to the challenge of working on real systems that impact people’s lives every day, and I see it as an opportunity to keep learning, growing and contributing in meaningful ways. 

Long term, I hope to stay close to the intersection of business strategy and social impact. We are graduating at a time when complex, existential challenges feel increasingly urgent, and I am passionate about being part of solutions that create a better future. While I don’t know exactly where this path will lead, I want to keep being part of the question, “how can we do better?” 

How do you think it is going to feel crossing the convocation stage?

I think it will feel surreal. My university experience began behind a screen. I remember sitting in my childhood bedroom, logging into Zoom lectures, wondering if I would ever feel connected to this place or this program. Convocation will feel like a full-circle moment, representative of everything our class has learned and everything we’ve overcome. 

Moreover, I know it will be emotional. I feel incredibly lucky to have found my people at McMaster, especially my classmates-turned-roommates-turned-best-friends: Diviya, Isabella, Julie and Yumnah. After convocation, we’ll be heading down different paths, entailing new jobs, new schools, new countries and even new continents. As I walk across the stage, I’ll be thinking of them, and everyone else who supported me along the way. I’ll be filled with gratitude for my support system, and already nostalgic for the most incredible five years we got to spend together. 

What does it mean to you to be valedictorian and to represent your class?

Being valedictorian means a great deal to me. More than a personal achievement, I see it as an honour to represent the shared spirit of a class that has navigated an incredibly unique and challenging journey together. 

Our cohort started university in isolation. We built friendships through screens, had to find our footing in uncertain times, and eventually, came together to build community, show resilience and thrive. To represent this perseverance is a privilege I hold with deep humility and gratitude. 

As I reflect on the past five years, it’s clear that, like so many of my peers, McMaster has played a pivotal role in shaping who I am today. I feel so fortunate to be part of a community that has consistently challenged and supported me, and I look forward to expressing our collective gratitude for the experiences that have shaped us, and for the mentors, friends and faculty who stood by us along the way. 

My hope is to deliver a speech that celebrates our shared journey, honours the quiet growth and unspoken struggles, and reflects on the countless accomplishments and moments that have defined our time at DeGroote. It is an incredible privilege to play a small role in helping close this chapter with a message that belongs to all of us. 

Do you have a favourite memory of a course or prof that made an impact on you?

One memory that stands out is my first-ever case competition in second year, and that’s thanks to our faculty advisor, François Neville. At the time, I hadn’t taken most of the courses that teach business strategy, and I felt like I was in over my head. I was eager to learn but overwhelmed. 

François went above and beyond to support my teammates and me. He took the time to thoroughly explain the key frameworks and strategic concepts we needed to understand. He didn’t just give us answers; he taught us how to think critically, how to break down a problem, and how to approach business challenges with structure and insight. 

That experience fast-tracked my learning in a way no lecture ever could. His guidance gave me the confidence to continue pursuing case competitions, and it showed me how powerful it is when a professor truly invests in a student’s growth. I’ll always be grateful for the time and care he gave, especially when I was just starting to find my footing. 

The most important thing I learned outside the classroom was…

That leadership is about listening. At the start of university, I thought leadership meant having the answers and commanding attention. Over time, I realized it is more about creating space than filling it. 

The most powerful leadership moments I’ve had weren’t coordinating events or giving speeches. They came from being present in hard conversations, offering encouragement behind the scenes, and witnessing the collective power of an incredible team. I learned that true leadership is rooted in empathy, patience and the ability to listen before acting. That lesson changed how I lead, how I collaborate, and how I show up, and it is something I will take with me for life.

Concluding Thoughts

My time at McMaster has been challenging, surprising, fulfilling, and above all, transformative. Now, looking back, I recognize that I leave these halls with more than a degree or great memories. I’m leaving with a deeper understanding of who I am, what I care about, and how I want to lead in the world.

To the classmates I’ve grown alongside, thank you for your support and inspiration. To my family, I owe you everything, and this degree is as much yours as it is mine. To the future students reading this, you’re about to embark on one of the most incredible experiences of your life. Work hard, and don’t be afraid to fail, as long as you always pick yourself back up. Most importantly, remember to slow down and enjoy it! 

DeGroote is not just a business school. It is a place where potential takes shape. I’m proud to be part of this community, and I can’t wait to see what comes next.