Volunteering at MACES and for the broader McGill community is life changing. Just ask Nour El Darsa. Volunteering shaped her academic path towards International Corporate Law.
Nour added a Law and Society minor to her Psychology degree at Concordia thanks to new-found interests and confidence. Nour is also a McGill SCS student finishing a certificate in French for Professional Communication. At MACES, she volunteered for the Events Committee in 2017. Hear about her journey and other volunteer experiences below!
MACES: What would you say to someone who’s not sure how MACES works or isn’t sure how to get involved?
Nour: I would explain what volunteering stands for and what they can expect. Volunteering is one of the most interesting things you can involve yourself in. You can gain confidence in social interactions by being placed in the toughest situations. You will have to believe in yourself – if you want something you will have to work hard for it. Keep on going!
MACES: What was most memorable from your time volunteering?
Nour: On the MACES Events Committee, I was responsible for organizing events, assisting the board in planning and budgeting. I am thankful to Valerie Ndiweni, the Chief Operating Officer at MACES, for giving me the chance to begin my journey. On the MEDLIFE team at Concordia University, I worked for low income families as a Director of Volunteering. I would like to thank Mr. Saad Razzaq for believing in me.
If I may add, I felt proud when I volunteered with the Dean’s Office Code of Conduct & Disciplinary (CSD) process. During the meetings, two lawyers entered the room and I started hearing two different cases. I felt proud I would be finding a solution. I would like to give a special thanks to the CSD for giving me the opportunity to bring the best out of myself.
MACES: How have you applied these skills in your career life?
Nour: My aim is to be a lawyer. Volunteering helped me develop my communication skills and to be more confident in social settings. Most importantly, it helped me to understand that we need to help everyone because we are all equal. Positivity is another strength I developed.
MACES: Could you tell me more about your volunteering with the Conference of the Americas on International Education (CAIE)-CANADA 2017?
Nour: I welcomed 640 delegates that comes from 29 different countries and helped the event run smoothly in different rooms. I had to speak in English and French.
MACES: What makes MACES and the McGill community special?
Nour: It has been a pleasure to be part of those two communities. McGill connected me with a lot of kind hearted people and made me believe that nothing is impossible. If we work hard for it, we can attain our goals no matter what. I have the privilege to say that I am proudly McGillian. It is from the bottom of my heart and with a great pleasure to end this interview by saying, “McGill! You are a second home. The dream will never end, it continues. Keep it up!”
From my experience with Nour, it doesn’t surprise me her will to provide support and generously give this society day in and day out. I’m confident she will be a remarkable addition to Canadian lawyers in the upcoming years.
A sweet heart girl with a beautiful smile, she deserves all the happiness in life . No matter what struggles she face, she is always strong and smiling. Hope for her all the success in life . A great friend,student.and daughter. She could be taken as a role model.
The first time working with Nour, I instantly noticed how creative and experienced she’s. Nour is a confident and hardworking person. Wish you all the best ! ✨
Nour is a driven and hardworking person. Getting to know her this semester proved this to be true!
Nour is such a hard working and motivated student who is always willing to challenge herself. With her positive mindset and willingness to always want to learn something new, Nour has volunteered in MACES. This was an awesome experience for her and anyone else who would like to gain experience in a court setting. This prepares you and provides you with the confidence you’ll need if you want to become a lawyer. Congrats to Nour for volunteering in MACES for three years, you should be very very proud of yourself!!!!! Keep up the hard work and never let anything stop you from achieving yours goals.
Im proud of you my life, hope you will be the best more and more hyte, love u so much 🌹🌹
Not surprised that a kind and beautiful girl like Nour would devote her time to help the community! Proud to call her a friend♥️
Nour is absolutely one of a kind in her passion to help others. She is constantly considerate of the community at large and Is always willing to stick her neck out for what she believes in. These qualities are vital for her career aspirations as her characteristics along with her strong character will make her a lawyer feared by many and respected by all.
Nour is one of the most special people I know. She is kind hearted and intelligent. I am sure she will be one of the best lawyers of all time. I am proud to be her friend!
Nour is the reason that brings back my hope in humanity. I bet you can look all over the world and you’ll never find someone as extraordinary as her. She has a keen eye for her future. She knows her value and knows what she should and wants to pursue in life which makes her determined.
Nour is one of the few special people who check up on me from time to time.She knows exactly what a real friendship is. I couldn’t be more proud of her by all the achievements she has done so far. A well responsible girl with big dreams.
Nour is like a STAR …. i may not always see her but i know that she’s always there for me . Nour deserves all the happiness in life and I am sure she will be one of the best lawyers of all time.
Wish u all the best u deserve it im proud of you little sister love u
As a cousin u always love being around the family and when you’re with us u try to keep us on our feet and laughing all the time and that’s what’s soo special about u, you never make us feel awkward or bored when we’re around u and I love your personality cause you’re an extrovert and you’re never shy to speak your opinion.
Proud of how hard you work towards the goals you set a head not to mention the motivation and positive energy you put into everything you do. Keep up the good work little Sister
keep up your profassional my Princess”