Ida Mahmoudi is a friendly yet passionate McGill student who serves on the executive board for both McGill Women in Leadership (MWIL) and the Political Science Students Association (PSSA). She also happens to be the woman who made the closing remarks after Ban Ki-Moon’s address to McGill on February 12, 2016.
Anabel Helen Djoe for HerCampus McGill (HC McGill): Good afternoon, and thank you so much for agreeing to this interview. I’d like to begin by asking some questions about the PSSA. Could you tell us about the goals of the PSSA?
Ida Mahmoudi (IM): The PSSA is a non-partisan departmental association on campus that provides Political Science students, and beyond, with academic and social openings within the field. My goal as the VP Communications is to lessen the communication gap between students and staff, as well as to transmit these projects to the student body through Listservs, Facebook, and campaigns, such as the recently-implemented “Professor of the Month.”
HC McGill: I’m aware that the PSSA holds special events, such as the research brunch. In your opinion, what makes these research brunches significant?
IM: Our research brunches are the most academically lucrative opportunities the PSSA offers every semester. They’re important because they provide a space for both professors and students to come together in a room and discuss Political Science. What’s even better is that we always try to invite professors who are hiring research assistants. This spikes the interest of students who are searching for careers in academia. Professors usually present for 10 minutes, followed by a Q&A. Afterwards, they stick around to discuss their findings and possible research involvement.
Our upcoming research brunch on March 15 will feature a professor who teaches in the Faculty of Law, the incomparable Dr. Cassandra Steer. Despite only having taught one Political Science course this semester, she has inspired and motivated all of her students to be better and do better. It will most definitely be a diverse and engaging event.
HC McGill: What other notable events are held by the PSSA?
IM: We are actually launching our annual MJPS (McGill Journal of Political Studies) and Professor Awards on April 7 (tentative date) at the Faculty Club. Our journal’s Editor-in-Chief has been working day and night to make sure this journal features students with the most unique and sophisticated research of the highest quality. We always invite the Department to attend and also accept nominations for professors and teaching assistants. Previous awards have included, “Best Professor of 2016-2017,” “Best Comparative/Canadian/International Relations/Theory Course,” and “Most Likely to Start a Revolution,” among others. It is an amazing chance to showcase the academic rigour of our students, as well as reward professors for their hard work in teaching and making these papers happen. Frankly, we’re looking into our budget because we want to make sure the upcoming one becomes the best launch we’ve ever had.
HC McGill: Since you’re also an executive for MWIL, I have a few questions regarding that club as well. Can you tell us about one of your favorite speakers from the Trailblazers’ Testimonies?
IM: This is an incredibly difficult question since I haven’t met a few of them. I would have to give a shout-out to Eleni Bakopanos, who is the reason why I was able to garner the interest of the other amazing women speaking at the conference. I met with Eleni in the Fall semester to discuss a potential partnership between MWIL and the McGill Women Alumnae’s Association, since most graduates don’t seem to realize that they’re automatically members of that network and that their exposure needs to be broadcasted. She invited me to pitch to the members in January, and that’s when most of the speakers decided to graciously participate. Eleni is the embodiment of a powerful, charismatic woman who makes decisions without apology. She also happens to be a woman who had worked most of her years in politics, which is what I’m aspiring to do. Nevertheless, she’s the warmest, kindest professional you’ll ever meet, who will make you feel like you’re talking to a close friend or family. Without her, we wouldn’t have been able to achieve the roster we have now.
The MWIL is still selling around 80 tickets for the Trailblazers’ Testimonies. For more information, check the Facebook event page.
HC McGill: As for the MWIL Speaker Series, is there any particular one that strikes you as memorable?
IM: I’m going to have to say that it was the Women in Law event on February 5. The three speakers were incredibly different in their experiences yet were so comfortable speaking together as women in a once male-dominated industry. We featured one judge (Honourable Jean Dewolfe), one professor (Dr. Cassandra Steer), and partner Anne Drodst from Blake, Cassels, Graydon LLP. It’s notable that women lawyers are increasing in appearance, but I loved that they spoke about the near absence of women in partner positions due to work-life sacrifices. Overall, the environment was tense with excitement. The different trajectories of the speakers provided encouragement to many pre-law students who hoped to walk down such career paths.
HC McGill: You seem to be involved in quite a number of things. You must be a busy person.
IM: Honestly, it keeps me happy and engaged with the McGill community. I’m not sure I’d be the person I am now without the extracurricular experiences. If it weren’t for the people I’ve met along the way whom I exchanged stories with, it would’ve been impossible for me to grow as a person. I learned about things they don’t really teach you in the lecture hall.
HC McGill: So how are you able to find a balance between these activities, your school work, and your personal life?
IM: I think the key is to not look at these involvements as additional time commitments. They’re very much a part of my life, as are the people I work with. It’s pretty simple to go to class, get your readings done, and finish your assignments. That gives you one kind of happiness. But I don’t think anything makes me more fulfilled than to meet with my colleagues and to channel my passion to other students via activities or opportunities. I initially came to McGill because it contains a vibrant community that really cares for one another, regardless of small bumps. Academics are one thing, but being able to get to know the people I’m studying with, walking down Milton Street with, and writing exams with gives me another experience that will remain in my heart long after graduation. The balance comes naturally when your efforts are genuine and well-placed.
HC McGill: Now, this may be going a bit off-track, but how did it feel to make the closing remarks after Ban Ki-Moon’s address?
IM: That was easily one of the best experiences of my life. Professor Pelc and I were able to sit in during a private meeting right before the keynote address with Principal Fortier, Chief of Staff Susan Aberman, the Special Envoys, and, of course, His Excellency and his wife. It was an honour to discuss youth leadership in academic institutions during that meeting, which definitely helped provide me with some additional remarks for closing the address appropriately. It was a nerve-wracking experience, but will forever stick with me because I had the chance to represent the wonderful community I am a part of.
HC McGill: Now we are at the final question. The goals of these clubs are one thing, and your own are another. What do you hope to accomplish as an individual through these activities in McGill?
IM: The day I got here, I remember being given a copy of the AUS Handbook and thinking, “… That’s it? Impossible!” So I started searching for any opportunities to get into student politics. That, in my first year, wasn’t the easiest endeavour because I was in a new city with only a few old friends, trying to figure out where Leacock 132 was before anything else. So I took it upon myself to increase the audience of whatever clubs I was associated with. That became my personal goal: to make student involvement recognized. It’s one of the few ways students can truly know and speak to each other outside of residence placements, notwithstanding the resume-padders. I’ve channeled this energy through the PSSA, specifically when I increased its audience by 460% since my first term in office. This gave us the momentum to host the events with our current turnout. Women in Leadership, SSUNS, McMUN, Synesthasia, Heart of City Piano – these are all amazing programs that help you work on yourself as a human whilst making yourself vulnerable to other groups of students who are as passionate as you are. I really hope I was able to leave my marks as a student leader and politician through these activities. I’ve really tried my best to make sure the events were as accessible as they could be for other first-year Ida’s or Anabel’s.
Images provided by interviewee.