New Mac students tour Hamilton

For some university and college students, it’s tough to see beyond the lecture hall, student housing and the occasional pub night.  But a group of student leaders at McMaster University ventured out in Hamilton and got to know a part of the city they’d normally never see.

In previous years student leaders at Mac have taken tours around some of the attractions across Hamilton. But for the first time in three years, the students are now getting their hands dirty and making their mark in the community.

These McMaster student residence Dons are exchanging their school bags for shovels, rulers for rakes and iPads for parsley. It’s all part of the university’s service learning program to enhance involvement outside the classroom

Sean Beaudette is a coordinator with the Student Success Centre: “To get students to pop the McMaster bubble, to get off of campus and into the community.”

In this case, the Hamilton Victory Garden — one of many in the city that support local food banks and hot meal programs held at places like the Good Shepherd Centre.

Bill Wilcox, Founder of the Hamilton Victory Garden: “We’ve found a history with Mac in terms of their volunteerism and this is just enhancing it this much more.”

Andrea: “In terms of bringing students into the Hamilton community, so they can understand how great of a city it actually is and all the amazing things as a community we can do to help.”

“We can’t focus on just education, we also need to focus on extracurricular activities and this is one way to develop yourself as a person.”

As well as to develop your knowledge of Hamilton.

“I didn’t know much about Hamilton and I think it definitely changed my view by being in places like this.”

“Hamilton is a surprisingly beautiful and green city that I was not aware of. I go on hunts for the waterfalls with my best friend.”

I tell you, building and being a part of a community is no walk in the park. But these students were able to enjoy a part of the Hamilton outside their little McMaster bubble.

The students headed down to Pier Eight, overlooking the Hamilton harbour for lunch and a view.

“First time here, and it’s spectacular. I mean, it’s so close to downtown Hamilton and you’d never notice a place like this existed.”

And it’s experiences like these that organizers hope will lead students to think about planting their own roots in Hamilton after graduation.

“Hamilton is one of our top places to go to just because, not only for the school, but the connections I’ve made here and how, if you come here, there are bound to be things that surprise you and it’s a great place to be.”

These students are making sure that their future home is clean, earlier today several teams worked with the stewards of Cootes to clean up some Hamilton landmarks. For instance, in just two hours of work they removed over 700 pounds of trash at Camelot Towers.