Where are they now? Vincent McDonald

Name: Vincent McDonald

Hometown: Halifax, NS

Age: 21

Attended Beinn Mhàbu: 2023-2025

Where are you now? 

I am back in the city at Saint Mary's University studying Geography as a second undergraduate degree. I'm studying courses like rural geography, tourist geographies and biogeography.

What have you been up to since?

Apart from being a full-time university student, I am teaching beginner fiddle lessons online, and continuing to play gigs here and there. I played a square dance with Elly Gouthro, (who also attended Beinn Mhàbu) earlier in November. I also try to attend most of the square dances that they have here in Halifax. I've been plinking around at the keyboard any chance I get, and am very interested in learning how to chord!

I'm also still involved with my friend on protection of West Mabou beach because it is so relevant in my courses, especially biogeography and tourist geographies. 

How did your time at Beinn Mhàbu help lead you to where you are today?

I think some of the university courses I'm taking are really helping me reflect on what it means to be a rural post-secondary student and what opportunity that has for a community like Mabou. A lot of rural areas do not get to benefit from post-secondary students, and I find myself reflecting on how special it was to be part of a program and community that you wouldn't get in an urban area. 

I think the musical element of Mabou just continued to motivate me to keep playing music wherever I may be. 

Favourite memory of Mabou?

I don't want to choose a specific memory because the community of Mabou is still so relevant in my life, but I'd say I miss the Port no dha jam sessions at An Drochaid.