Academic X’cellence: Sharing stories from our inspiring StFX community
It should come as no surprise to anyone familiar with StFX that our campus is filled with highly engaged students, educators, researchers, and leaders. Academic X’cellence shines a spotlight on members of our educational community to find out more about their unique experiences—both inside and outside of the classroom. (To see the full series, please click HERE.)
Here we meet Simon Maltby of Port Hastings, NS, a first year education student. Mr. Maltby is also a recent StFX graduate. He completed an honours Bachelor of Science degree in math and statistics and delivered the graduating class address during StFX’s May 2024 Spring Convocation. Mr. Maltby won the Governor General’s Medal as the student with the highest average in the last three years of their degree. He worked as a summer research student all four years of his undergraduate degree and he was involved in StFX Chaplaincy. For his contributions in this regard, he was awarded the Rev. Bernard A. MacDonald Award.
Simon Maltby: Wanting to make a difference as a high school math and science teacher
What drew you to math, science, and education?
I have always been interested in the world around me and how things can be explained using math and science. I am always asking questions and trying to find out more information on things I don’t understand. I think that being curious is what drew me to math because we are always thinking about concepts and how we can build on them. I love how so many things in the world are related with patterns and there is a real symmetry and beauty in nature. In terms of education, I have always loved talking to people and helping them have a better day. I want to inspire the next generation of students to be creative thinkers and to make a difference. I also want to encourage them to be proud of who they are.
Have you had a favorite class?
I would say there are certain elements of every course which I really enjoyed. For example, in math, I learned to be a better thinker and to not give up before looking at a problem from each angle. My professors have all been fantastic. They were helpful in making me become more interested in their subject area, but they also made be a better person in general. As I have now begun the transition into education, I am beginning to reflect more on the type of person I am and the type of teacher I want to be. I realize now that I must be comfortable being my authentic self.
Could you talk about any involvements, accomplishments or awards?
StFX has given me an incredible opportunity to learn and grow. I was fortunate to work as a summer research student during the four years of my undergraduate degree. I learned a lot about myself over the course of those summers. I learned that while I fully enjoy the academic process, I love teaching students even more. Doing the research made me more knowledgeable about some of the new and upcoming areas in mathematics. I will be able to share these ideas with my students and I believe it will make them more interested in what we are learning in class.
I was also able to succeed academically. During my fourth year, I was awarded the Governor General’s Medal as the student with the highest average in the last three years of their degree. This is an incredible honour, and I feel blessed to have received this award. I have to say though that I am happier of the fact that I know I did the best I could. I always strived to be the best version of myself every day, whether this was academically or in my interaction with peers. This is why I felt so honoured by the opportunity to give the address at the convocation ceremony. I wanted to tell my peers how much I appreciated their kindness over the past four years and that I wish them all the best in their future.
In addition to my academic studies, my Catholic faith has been a huge part of my life. I enjoy participating in Chaplaincy events, such as attending mass on Sunday and helping out on retreats. I also had the opportunity to help run the Catholics At X Society. This was important for helping me develop strategies to better connect with my peers and it also made me more aware of different faith perspectives. It is important to recognize that each person has their own sense of spirituality. For my contributions in the faith community on campus, I was awarded the Rev. Bernard A. MacDonald Memorial Award in my senior year.
Do you have a career path in mind after StFX?
I want to begin my career teaching students math and science at the high school level. I want to make a difference in their lives and help them discover their purpose in the world. I hope to maybe later pursue more studies at the master’s and PhD level in mathematics education. I want to do research on ways we can design a classroom that fosters more student thinking and a curriculum that is more culturally relevant so that we can ensure no student is left behind.
Was there a standout experience for you?
In general, I am so grateful for everyone who believed in me over the course of the past few years. I am thankful that my professors gave me the time to share my ideas in class and that I was able to contribute to creating an inclusive faith community on campus. All of my experiences have helped me realize that it so important to be respectful of the beliefs of others even if they are different than our own. We can learn so much by listening to others.
Would you have advice for a first year student?
My biggest advice is to enjoy the experience because it goes by so quick. If somebody asks you if you want to do something, don’t wait till next time because the chance may never come. I would also encourage them to remember to stay true to themselves. Even though it may be hard, eventually they will find people with similar interests who will hopefully turn into lifelong friends. Lastly, I would say to take the time to be kind to yourself. One of my biggest regrets is that I didn’t take more time to care for my physical and mental health. Don’t obsess yourself with grades because people will remember you far more for the type of person you were and the impact you had on others. At the end of the day, I am so happy with my academic accomplishments. However, I hope that I will be remembered as somebody who was always kind and respectful to others.
