Looking Ahead, and Choosing a Path

Dealing with your program can be stressful. Choosing your degree can be hardest. This question can be easy for some people, but asking yourself what degree you want can force you to ask bigger questions as well.  For me, choosing my degree was a long process and was transformational as well.
Looking our from a small ridge towards the dense foliage of Philosopher's Walk, with a gleaming tower in behind
In the forest of life, there are limitless numbers of pathways you can choose from (Photo by Zachary Biech)
At the beginning of my second year, I declared my Public Policy major after much deliberation with minors in Political Science and Philosophy. I also took a Russian Language credit and loved it. Long story short, philosophy wasn’t right for me and the Political Science minor was redundant. So what do you do when you realize you want to switch POSts?
Looking west towards Trinity College, with the foliage of Philosopher's walk in front and the stone citadels of the college poking through in behind under a bright blue sunny sky
U of T is a big place, with many different opportunities; finding the one best suited to you is a whole other story (Photo by Zachary Biech)
Don’t worry, it’s easy. For me, the Russian Language minor was a no-brainer and I had always known in my heart I should be in Aboriginal Studies once I had the courage. So I changed my minor POSts the summer after second year, took an ABS summer credit to catch up and voila! A personalized degree path suited to my interests.  You have to do what interests you or you’ll never get the most of your program. So think hard and ask those tough questions: Are you really doing what you love?
A single great tree on a large green lawn with red flowers at it's base, and sunlight shining through it's leaves
Sometimes in the forest of opportunity, one small piece can shine itself on you, and make your pathway clear (Photo by Zachary Biech)
So what about grad school? Wow, tough question. The earlier you start asking yourself, the better. And whatever you do, don’t lose hope. There are many reasons not to enter grad school but even more reasons to go for it.
A pathway of green grass winding through a partially lit, partially shadowed greenspace of shrubs and trees
What happens along this pathway? Well, there's only one way to find out... (Photo by Zachary Biech)
Disclaimer: I am still undecided on where, when and what my further education will be. The how is always a tough question with no real answer. But the why? Well, here’s how I think of it: why not?
looking through an open iron gate, down a shaded cobblestone path with grand overhanging trees and bushes, towards the bright sunlight beyond
We may not know what's at the end of the path, but the door is open, and it's worth every step (Photo by Zachary Biech)
I have a few findings to share. ULife has a career mentorship program to get you connected with someone who can answer your questions. First Nations House has Aboriginal Law Mentorship services for undergrads interested in law school. The FNH staff can offer excellent guidance. http://www.studentlife.utoronto.ca/Mentorship-Resource-Centre.htm/
Law Mentorship Program: Are you considering law school? Join the Law Mentorship Program and get connected with a current Aboriginal U of T Law student mentor. You will learn about the law school experience and better understand the application process. Undergraduate contact: shannon.simpson@utoronto.ca Law student contact: promise.holmesskinner@utoronto.ca fnh.utoronto.ca
FNH Law Mentorship Program
Unfortunately, U of T has no graduate Aboriginal Studies program so if ABS is your direction, you may wish to look at other schools like Trent or York. However, Indigenous students in grad school at U of T still have the support of SAGE to keep connected.  Also, The Aboriginal Studies Department has a unique Collaborative Program in Aboriginal Health which is definitely worth exploring. http://aboriginalstudies.utoronto.ca/propective-students/graduate-opportunities/ http://aboriginalstudies.utoronto.ca/centre-for-aboriginal-initiatives/supporting-aboriginal-graduate-enhancement-sage/about-sage/ Now back to law. U of T’s law program is very interesting. There’s a welcoming pathway for Indigenous students, status or non-status, through the Aboriginal Law Program which can include a Certificate in Aboriginal Legal Studies. There’s a huge array of scholarships, bursaries, and grants, and the faculty began offering a free LSAT course for students with financial need in recent years.
A view of the front of Falconer Hall, with a trimmed lawn, large garden, and leafy vines covering the Victorian-style brick building
Falconer Hall, Faculty of Law (Photo by Zachary Biech)
The four large white pillars of the main entrance to Flavelle House
Flavelle House, Faculty of Law (Photo by Zachary Biech)
http://www.uoftaboriginallaw.com/ http://www.law.utoronto.ca/student-life/student-clubs-and-events/aboriginal-law-students-association http://www.law.utoronto.ca/student-life/student-clubs-and-events/aboriginal-law-club http://www.law.utoronto.ca/admissions/jd-admissions/aboriginal-applicants http://www.uoftaboriginallaw.com/FinancialAid.aspx http://www.law.utoronto.ca/academic-programs/jd-program/financial-aid-and-fees/bursaries-and-scholarships/complete-list It may seem overwhelming early on but that’s all part of the process. All you need to know is there are many good options out there and many supports to help you achieve your goals.
A doorway into Falconer Hall, with aged stone facade with leafy vines draped on the top
The door is open; all's you have to do is walk through it (Photo by Zachary Biech)
What different degrees have you considered? Does the path you are on allow you to do what you love?  

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