April Musings

In true Emaan fashion, I'm going to start off by talking about the weather today. I know I've taken my fair share of jabs at old Mother Nature and her troupe (Wind, Snow, Rain and the foster child Hail) but when the entire fam has taken it upon themselves to behave throughout my entire exam period, it's time to give thanks.

We are in the positives, y'all! That's how excited this weather makes me. I never say y'all. For one thing, this means I can finally exile all my horrid heavy winter coats to the very back of my closet and pull out the pastels! And for another: the sunny weather means I get to upgrade my studying spaces: from dark old library corners to the outdoors! 

Yesterday, as I was enjoying a spot of garden-studying and observing a fat little squirrel make his way across the grass and dig resolutely for nothing in a patch of mud, it hit me that this is my last blog post here on Life @ U of T. Despite my impending exams (and doom), I had already mapped out in my head what I was going to write about next week (it was going to be an oh-so-hilarious account of my exam experiences featuring several Steve Carell GIFs) but time has just galloped on by, making these words my last here on the blog. I've learned so many things during my time writing for Life @ U of T. For example, I have learned that:

1. Inspiration is a nocturnal creature. She likes to show up and poke around my brain in the wee hours of the night before my blog post is due and engages me in a writing frenzy that lasts hours. There are ongoing attempts underway to change her sleeping habits and all are hopeful of eventual progress.
2. There is a Lobster Room on campus. Yes, you heard me. However, if you take off in hopes of finding an actual crustacean, you might be disappointed to find the little stuffed specimen that has brought the Crew much amusement this past year.
3. Finding such new spaces and places while exploring campus will make you feel like a modern-day Columbus- (especially when you stumble upon secret swanky business lounges with gorgeous views of the city- hint, hint!)
4. Being part of a team of talented people will motivate you to be the best possible version of yourself. This past year, I’ve had the opportunity to work with some of the warmest and friendliest people on campus and have learned so much from their opinions and experiences.
5. Lastly, being just a little bit different- whether that means coming from a different country or continent- should never hold you back from anything. Use your unique ability to see things from a different perspective to your advantage. That is, after all, what makes you, you. 🙂

With those parting thoughts, its time for me to officially bid you farewell. I’ve truly enjoyed writing for Life @ U of T this past year, it has truly been one of the most enriching experiences of my time in Toronto so far.

I hope that somewhere along the road, my posts might have helped you in some tiny way or at the very least, made you laugh a little at my international student/commuter/general-human-being struggles and reminded you that there will always be somebody to help you navigate the loop-de-looping rollercoaster that is student life in Toronto.

Keep an eye out for the new crew taking over for next year and I hope you all have a wonderful summer!

-Emaan