December has finally arrived! I always love this time of year. December is a special time when we welcome winter into our lives and focus on getting away from the cold crazy world out there and curl up inside where it’s warm. Winter is also a time of reflection.
Almost through the passage, into bright newness (Photo by Zachary Biech)
This post is my last of 2014! Can you believe it? This semester has flown by so fast! I’ve learned so many new things, met many new people and had many new experiences. I can honestly say this has been one of the most exciting half-years in my life.
I've done so much exploring, and yet I finally just stumbled into this park at Victoria College (Photo by Zachary Biech)
So much has changed and I have changed as well. I’m still the same old Zach but university life changes everything. I finally embraced that change and even caused some of it on my own.
These are all thank-you's to my friends and family for their birthday wishes, in the three languages I use these days (I recently turned twenty, just to add more change into the mix!) On my birthday, I wrote a syllabics test for Anishnaabemowin, studied Russian, and submitted an essay which had Russian Politics AND Indigenous studies... (Photo by Zachary Biech)
To cap off the year, I’ll share some key points of my success this semester.
Key #1: Balance.Balance balance balance! In my first blog, I shared my journey towards balance and how that journey has shaped my university experience. In short, all you need to do is recognize the four areas of your life, (body, emotion, mind, spirit) and give them each equal attention. Trust me, it works.
Key #2: Do what you love.
You are the only person who knows best what you are interested in and how you want to live and work. Celebrate those interests; they are what make you so special! It’s tremendously hard work to be a university student between classes and everything outside of class so it’s important to choose things you are comfortable pouring your heart and soul into (I think you’ll find the hard work feels much easier this way!)
Key #3: Change is as good as rest.
It’s amazing how big an impact you can have on yourself by changing things up. Try getting away from campus for a while, explore new areas and even rearrange some furniture if you have to. Change it up, it really helps!
Key #4: Get involved.
There are so many different groups you can engage with at U of T and in downtown Toronto, there’s bound to be something you’d love. So try going to a couple of meetings and choose groups that you feel you can connect with. The networks and projects you can build are limitless and the skills and energy you develop in those groups is invaluable.
As promised, here's a view of the NCCT craft sale I volunteered at! (Photo by Zachary Biech)Here's the raffle table from the NCCT craft sale, where I was stationed (Photo by Zachary Biech)
For instance, being a part of the Student Life Blog has been hugely helpful in my life. I get a lot more writing and editing practice which helps me with essays and assignments. I get to expand and share my experiences, all while connecting with my Blogger peers, who are all amazing friends I am thankful to have!
An awesome view of campus from the OISE Nexus Lounge, during the Indigenous Winter Social (Photo by Zachary Biech)
Keep these 4 keys in mind in your life at university and your path will become much clearer.
That’s all from me for now! Wait for my next blog in 2015!
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