Hailing from Easton, Massachusetts, Lydia Mullen is one of the many that make the annual Ampersand conference happen here at McGill. Pursuing a major in Political Science and a double minor in Women’s Studies and Communications, she speaks to us about being involved in Ampersand.
Before we begin, what exactly is Ampersand?
Ampersand is an annual conference at McGill that is run by the Arts&Science program. The event revolves around a different theme every year, but the content is always a cool mix of interdisciplinary subjects. It is intended to exemplify the Arts and Science aspects of the academic program through unconventional performances and presentations. This year, our headlining speaker was Brooke Magnanti, aka Belle de Jour, who spoke about constructions and ethics of forming and maintaining identity(ies), especially in the digital age.
What is your role in Ampersand?
This year, as well as last year, I did sponsorship for Ampersand. This year, I was also responsible for bringing in some of the conference content, which was pretty exciting.
How did you get involved?
I got involved with Ampersand last year because I had a friend who was in charge of the Sponsorship committee. She convinced me to help her out, and then this year, I decided to continue.
You are involved in many extra-curricular activities here at McGill, such as Ampersand and being one of the editors of the Women’s Studies Interdisciplinary Journal, to name a few. How do you balance these activities with your schoolwork and social life?
My extra-curriculars do tend to take over during the year, so I end up cramming toward the end of the semester. I love being involved and working with different groups. I’ve met a lot of really cool and active people through my activities—and so I sacrifice some study time. I try to do activities that I like and that can give me additional skills, and that way I enjoy what I am doing and benefiting myself in a way that school alone can’t.
Do you have any advice for collegiettes™ who would like to get involved in extra-curricular activities but may not know where to start?
Go to Activities Night! Also, look at the SSMU website and read the listservs. There are so many clubs and activities at McGill it’s absurd. There is something for everyone, and if not, you can make your own group! The SSMU website features some groups that are so oddly specific, they had to be conceived by one group of friends, therfore the options are open.
What are some of your hobbies outside of McGill?
Washing dishes, bitching about the neighbors, and studybeer.
Finally, what is your mantra?
“Bird by Bird.” I definitely stole this from Maya Angelou, but it has helped me sort through the stresss of university. It basically means: don’t worry about the big picture; do one thing at a time, steadily, and the big picture will take care of itself.