“That decision changed everything” how Eden Andoni found community on campus

Eden Andoni wasn’t sure how easy it would be to make friends at a large university like McMaster. With big lecture halls, dozens of programs and introductory classes that can top 200 students, she wondered how she would find her place in the student community.

“I knew university was the path for me,” Andoni said. As the first in her family to attend post secondary education in Canada, she applied with her family’s support. Wanting to stay close to home in Toronto, she sent an application to McMaster almost on a whim. She loved the look of the campus and was drawn to the smaller economics program, where she hoped it would be easier to connect with professors and peers. “I didn’t even tour campus until after I accepted my offer,” she said.

Coming from smaller classes in high school, the size of the economics lectures at McMaster was a little overwhelming at first. “I couldn’t attend Welcome Week, and I didn’t really start connecting with students in Econ until second year, when I joined the McMaster Economics Society.” That decision changed everything. Once she attended her first event, creating long-lasting friendships in theprogram came naturally.

By her final years, Andoni had become MES Director of Finance, helping plan events and leading the 2026 Case Study Competition, sponsored by RBC PH&N Investment Counsel. Acting as policy analysts, student teams worked under tight timelines to interpret real economic data. “I’d never done anything like this before. Event and logistical planning looks a lot easier than it is,” she said. As Andoni wrapped up her degree, MES saw some of its most well attended events in years.

“Extracurriculars encouraged me to explore things I wouldn’t have in class, and they made me sharper,” she said.

Her father’s advice before she started university stayed with her: “Economics will challenge you. Economics is in everything.” This June, Andoni graduates with a Bachelor of Economics and plans to apply to law school next year.

“Economics can be a pathway to law school, even if it’s less traditional,” she said. She hopes to study international trade, law relations, technology, and AI.

Her message to future students is simple: get involved. “Join MES. It’s a great way to talk to professors, they’re there to help, not just in office hours,” she said. “Make connections outside the classroom.”

As someone who once hesitated to step into a club meeting, she encourages students to push past discomfort.

“I’m an overthinker. If I had any advice, it would be to push yourself. Say yes to everything. It’s a disservice to go to university and not participate in everything you can,” she said. “Feeling outside of your comfort zone is a phase you’ll overcome. It will definitely challenge you, but it will teach you lessons that help you in the future.”