Looking back at my time at Rotman Commerce, it’s wild how much has changed from first year to now. I came in as a fresh, wide-eyed student, not really knowing what I was doing, and now, in fourth year, things finally make sense—or at least they make more sense. University has been a mix of tough lessons, figuring out what I care about, and realizing what actually matters along the way.
First Year: All Over the Place
First year was a bit of a mess, to be honest. I was excited to be in university, but I had no clue what to expect. There were so many things happening—new friends, trying out clubs, exploring the city—but balancing everything with assignments and exams hit me harder than I thought. I spent a lot of time winging it, hoping things would fall into place. Spoiler: they didn’t—at least not right away.
Time Management Is Hard
I came in thinking I could just figure things out as I went, but that plan didn’t work for long. With lectures, assignments, group projects, and exams all coming at me at the same time, I realized pretty quickly that I couldn’t keep up if I wasn’t organized. It took a lot of trial and error before I found a rhythm, but even now, time management is still something I have to stay on top of. If I didn’t learn how to plan ahead in first year, things would’ve fallen apart fast.
It’s Okay to Ask for Help
At first, I was hesitant to reach out for help because I thought I had to figure everything out on my own. But I learned pretty quickly that no one gets through university like that. Whether it was going to office hours, talking to upper-year students, or using online resources, asking for help made a huge difference. Once I got over that mental block, things started to feel more manageable.
Friendships Take Time
Making friends in first year was exciting, but it wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be to build meaningful connections. At the start, it felt like everyone was trying to figure things out for themselves, so friendships didn’t always happen naturally right away. But over time—through group projects, classes, and clubs—I found people I could count on. Some of those friendships have carried me all the way through to fourth year, and I’m glad I didn’t rush the process.
Fourth Year: A Whole Different Game
Now, in fourth year, things feel a lot more under control. I’ve figured out how to manage my workload and I’ve gotten better at saying no to things that don’t add value. I’m more confident in where I want to go with my career and with my personal life. I still have a lot to learn, but I feel more equipped to handle whatever comes next.
I Know What I Care About
After trying a bunch of courses and extracurriculars over the years, I’ve finally narrowed down what I actually care about. I know that given these past four years as a Rotman Commerce student, consulting is the space I want to start in, but my bigger passion is social entrepreneurship. Having that clarity has helped me focus my energy on the things that will actually move me closer to my goals. It also means I’ve stopped wasting time on things that don’t align with where I’m headed.
Networking Actually Works
In first year, networking felt intimidating, and I wasn’t sure if it even made a difference. But by fourth year, I’ve realized how important those connections are. The people I’ve met—whether classmates, professors, or industry professionals—have opened doors I wouldn’t have imagined before. I’ve learned that networking isn’t just about handing out business cards; it’s about building relationships that are meaningful and mutually beneficial.
I’m Comfortable with Uncertainty
One of the biggest changes between first year and now is how I handle uncertainty. Back then, not knowing what was coming next stressed me out. But over time, I’ve learned that it’s okay if things don’t go according to plan. The key is knowing how to pivot and make the best out of unexpected situations. I’ve stopped trying to have everything figured out all the time, and honestly, that’s been freeing.
Final Thoughts
First year was all about figuring things out, and fourth year is about wrapping it all up and preparing for what’s next. It hasn’t been perfect, but every misstep along the way has been part of the process. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that university isn’t just about grades or internships—it’s about growth. And honestly? I think I’ve grown a lot.
– Crystal <3