From scrubs to strategy: My journey through nursing and the DeGroote MBA

From a young age, Trisha Southall knew she wanted to be a nurse. When her baby sister was born, her parents gifted her a tiny pair of scrubs — a simple gesture that sparked a lifelong passion for helping others. She always dreamed of studying nursing at McMaster, but it was during her academic journey that she discovered how pairing clinical care with business leadership could amplify her impact as a health care leader. Now, as a 2025 graduate of the MBA Co-op program and class Valedictorian, Trisha reflects on her time at the DeGroote School of Business and the mentors who helped shape her path.

Whether you are a future or current DeGroote student you should be so excited about all the possibilities ahead! Your time at DeGroote (and your life in general) is what you make of it. As a student you are privileged to have so many opportunities for personal and professional growth. Say yes, take chances, and push yourself outside of your comfort zone. I can promise from personal experience you will not regret it.

One of the most important lessons that I learned while completing my MBA is that as long as you lead authentically and continue showing up for yourself and for others, the people and opportunities that are meant for you will always find you.

I have had the privilege of learning from so many fantastic staff and faculty members during my time at McMaster. I am especially grateful to Dr. Erin Reid who has supported me both academically and professionally. She leads with a level of confidence and poise that I can only hope to achieve one day.

A quote that continues to guide me is, “Helping one person may not change the whole world, but it could change the world for one person”. We are given the opportunity each day, multiple times a day, to make a difference through small acts of kindness. And as future leaders, we have even more influence and power that we should exercise to make positive change. I plan to continue working in the public health care sector striving to improve health outcomes and health care systems through impactful, patient-centered innovation. As I work towards these big goals, I will continue smiling at patients and families, holding doors open, and giving directions with the knowledge that these small acts of kindness can still make a difference.

Looking forward to convocation, I know I will feel an immense amount of pride and emotion crossing the stage. I am grateful for all the mentors who supported me and the lifelong friendships I made. I am also incredibly honoured to represent the 2025 graduating class as valedictorian, of which I know is filled with so many bright, kind, driven individuals.

Although this chapter is closing, I hope we all continue to be each other’s cheerleaders, united in our common pursuits of opportunity, leadership and success. I am tremendously proud to be part of the DeGroote community and am so grateful for the experiences that have influenced the trajectory of my life.