I can\u2019t believe that this is the last week of my first-year at UofT! Looking back at this year, I realize I have learnt so much about myself. I\u2019ve been challenged academically, physically, mentally, and emotionally. This is also my last blog post for the year. I\u2019ve learnt so much that it\u2019s impossible to write everything down, but here are a few things I\u2019d like to talk about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is support.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I think it\u2019s important to know when <\/em>to seek support and who<\/em> to ask. I\u2019ve been scavenging for campus resources here and there due to work-study and personal interest, and I\u2019ve found so many of them. It\u2019s crucial to at least know where to find support, because you may not have the cognitive or physical capacity to search for them when you\u2019re struggling. So start early!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Comparison may happen.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Honestly, I\u2019m pretty confident in myself in a lot of ways. But imposter syndrome is so real. In one of my smaller classes, I always get this strong feeling that I\u2019m behind with everything and that I\u2019m not smart enough to be in the class. Over the semester, I\u2019ve learnt to gradually let this go by understanding that everyone has a different interest, and that at least I found out where my strength and passion lie. I mean, I still want to do well in class, but I guess making it obvious that everyone\u2019s different makes me feel better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I had a meeting with a classmate recently for a project in this course, and we ended up using the time to confess about how we have felt over the year. I found out I\u2019m not the only one playing catch up. So who\u2019s the imposter? Probably everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Comparison can be so mentally draining. It\u2019s okay when it leads to good outcomes, but when it makes you feel bad, I think we have to learn to stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Apply to work study.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Thank you to that orientation leader who strongly advocated for work study last summer! I am in a work-study position at Academic Success and it has honestly been one of my highlights as a first-year. Not only am I more involved on campus, I\u2019ve also learnt so much about the University and developed my skills through the position. I also got to witness a lot of the efforts being put into certain events, which makes me more appreciative of what\u2019s going on around campus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I\u2019ve learnt that work study is competitive, so I suggest at least making your resume early: summer jobs are posted later in April. If you have time, you could also work on writing your cover letter. I remember being so clueless when I was writing my first few ones. Speaking of resources, you might want to check out the Career Exploration & Education website on these topics<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Get a mentor!<\/strong> Grades are important, but they\u2019re not everything.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n My grades are... all over the place, if I'm being honest. I\u2019m worried, but I\u2019m also hopeful. I know cGPA is important, but at the same time, I know that I have three years to compensate for whatever I have not achieved this semester. I am grateful that I somehow realized what I like and what I don\u2019t like. I finally understand what people meant when they said \u201cYou don\u2019t have to figure everything out in high school,\u201d because my plans have changed drastically since the start of first semester. I am more open to different options now and feel like there\u2019s no rush in making a concrete plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lastly, I\u2019m just very<\/em> grateful that I\u2019ve been able to complete my first year having made a lot of connections and good memories: I feel like a better me. There were days when I questioned why and how I ended up in certain situations, but all these moments will allow me to move forward into my second year. I\u2019m 100% proud of myself (and you!) for finishing this academic year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019ve been reading my blogs, thank you so, so much! I\u2019m grateful for you having read my journey as a first-year student at U of T. I wish everyone all the best, and hope that you continue to find your paths as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Good luck with finals, and have an amazing summer <3<\/p>\n\n\n\n Best,<\/p>\n\n\n\n Michelle<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
I have a mentor from Human Biology Student Union (HBSU) and I\u2019m very grateful for her presence. I have gotten a lot of advice for my courses and real insights in getting involved in research and extracurricular activities. It\u2019s great to have an upper year giving you tips and trick over the year: it\u2019s challenging to figure everything out yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n