When approached to be campus cutie, Shannon McKechnie was hesitant. Not one to flaunt her achievements, nor strive to be the loudest voice in the room, Shannon leads through example. Her firm, yet passionate dedication and leadership flows through each of her endeavors. Serving as president of her female fraternity Delta Delta Delta in her 3rd year of university, Shannon demonstrated the poise and commitment she perfected in her years of classical ballet training at various schools across Canada and the U.S. including the Quinte Ballet school of Canada where she graduated in 2010. Shannon has held 4 officer positions in her years as a collegiette member of her sorority, including serving on the overall governing council of the female fraternities at U of T.
Simultaneously, Shannon has been involved with the Co-Curricular student initiatives local evaluation committee. Shannon quintessentially delights in a colour-coded, pinterest worthy, engrossing agenda and as such has also held various positions within the U of T Anthropology Students’ Association including serving as current co-president. Meanwhile, you can catch a glimpse of her at New College’s Office of Residence and Student Life where she assists in the Student Life and Leadership sector. As with all her projects, Shannon’s affinity for viewing the bigger picture and fervor in carrying it out, shines through her role in creating and implementing co-curricular programming for students, including leadership conferences and workshops throughout the year. With her involvement with planning New College’s monthly “Let’s Talk Day” where free food and coffee are served with a side of puppy therapy, she was difficult to pin down and chat with. As we sat down to catch up, Shannon’s humble, yet decisive and humorous nature was a pleasure to encounter.
Shannon pictured, right
Campus: UofT St.George
Year: Fourth
Studying: Specialist in Anthropology (Society, Culture, and Language)
Hometown: Bellville
Relationship Status: Single
Who is would be your ideal man? Zac Efron, but taller and without the “YOLO” tattoo.What is your typical Starbucks order? Vanilla Latte – or during the holiday season, Peppermint White Mocha. Who do think would make a good political figure? And Why?Lorelai Gilmore – honest, insightful, resourceful, funny, relatable etc. Why did you choose to attend U of T? I wanted to experience living in downtown Toronto! Where is your favourite spot on campus? For studying, I like anywhere in Robarts that has a view of the downtown skyline. I procrastinate by browsing the bookstore. And I love L’Espresso underneath Woodsworth Res. What would be your best advice for 16 year old you? My best advice still runs true, your plans are going to change, and that’s okay! I used to create these long-term plans and goals to achieve with little to no clue what steps I needed to take to get there. Since I didn’t know what I needed to do, I wouldn’t get any closer to achieving my goals and would get upset when I had to change them. Coming to university actually helped me figure out hat I excel at, what I want to do, and how to get there. Now I have a realistic plan I am actually so excited about, and it makes the smaller steps to get there more fun. How do you stay on top of current events? I actually use Twitter to keep me up to date. I love the instant updates and usually get a wide variety of perspectives through friends, classmates, and different news outlets. I also read every issue of “Varsity” to stay up to date on campus news. For everything else, I will forever head to Buzzfeed because it’s more than just fun, and completely true quizzes. What do you hope to do with your degree? And where do you see yourself in 5 years? When I first came to UofT I was enrolled in Life Sciences, quickly realized it really wasn’t for me. Luckily, I was taking ANT100 as an elective and I loved everything I was learning. I ended up specializing in Socio-Cultural Anthropology and haven’t looked back! However, I don’t plan on pursuing anthropology in academia or as a career. My favourite part of my U of T experience has been my extra-curricular involvement, and I have developed a passion for leadership and student development in higher education. I plan on doing a masters degree in higher education. In 5 years, I see myself working at a university or college in student life, creating programming for students to learn about leadership. What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learnt while attending U of T? To let go of who I thought I was and embrace the changes and growth attending university inspired in me. Lighting Round: Favourite colour? PURPLE! Dogs or cats? AHHH Dog! So disloyal of me (Shannon has 2 cats, Romeo and Juliet) Tina Fey or Amy Poehler? Tina Go out or stay in? Stay inWine or beer?Wine, I’m allergic to beer. Taylor Swift or Selena Gomez?Taylor Talk or text?Oh tough one. I hate talking on the phone, so texting. But in person is best. Favourite day of the week?ThursdaySnapchat or Twitter? SNAP
Snapchat or Facebook? SNAP
Snapchat or Instagram? Instagram. What was the last thing you googled? “Précis.” It’s a pretentious way to say “summary or abstract.” My professor used it on his syllabus.