![\"\"](\"http:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/files\/2023\/05\/337992555_754212309548974_1009859420058915412_n-1024x768.jpg\")
Life at U of T Crew 2023<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"http:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/files\/2023\/05\/IMG_3416-1-1024x768.jpg\")
Victoria College Athletics Association 2023<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n 2. Talk to people in your classes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019ve taken classes where I\u2019ve powered through not talking to anyone and classes where I\u2019ve formed groups of classmates I would talk to regularly. I can tell you that with the latter, I enjoyed going to those classes more and would end up performing better as well. Despite being an introvert, having at least one person in each class to exchange notes, study together, and keep you accountable is so much more worthwhile than navigating a class on your own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"A](\"http:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/files\/2023\/05\/IMG_0129-1024x819.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n3. Explore on- and off- campus<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
One of the reasons the University of Toronto was my top choice for university was because of its prime location. For on-campus spots, I made it a goal to visit the 44 libraries and I visited just over half of them. It was nice to be able to switch up my scenery every so often! I am also glad to have made the most of being downtown, and exploring the city\u2019s coffee shops, museums, and neighbourhoods \u2014 some of my favourites being Caf\u00e9 23, the Gardiner Museum and Kensington Market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/files\/2023\/05\/IMG_7501-1-768x1024.jpg\")
Cafe 23<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"http:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/files\/2023\/05\/IMG_2572-1-768x1024.jpg\")
Gardiner Museum<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"http:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/files\/2023\/05\/IMG_4712-576x1024.png\")
Kensington Market<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n 4. Everything will work out \u2013 trust the process<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
There will be times when you get rejected, fail a course (multiple times\u2026), or feel lost and uncertain about the future. The times when I lost out on an opportunity, there was usually a better one waiting for me. Although it sucks in the moment, remember, rejection is redirection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Remember your \u201cwhy\u201d?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Like many students, I\u2019ve experienced some of my most stressful days during university. During exams and midterm season, it can be difficult to find motivation to study. It helps to put things in perspective and ask yourself, why are you studying this degree? My goal is to become a high school teacher, so thinking of my future self helped me to persevere. And because I remembered my \u201cwhy\u201d, I\u2019ll be continuing this path completing my Master of Teaching at OISE next year!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, treat days can also be your \u201cwhy\u201d. Sometimes a future career can seem too far away, but an almond croissant at the end of the week? That was another good motivator to look forward to and ultimately got me through those hard times. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/files\/2023\/05\/IMG_2276-768x1024.jpg\")
Danish Pastry House at Union Station<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"http:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/files\/2023\/05\/IMG_2284-3-768x1024.jpg\")
Grabbing an almond croissant to-go<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Would I do it all again if I could? Probably not. But, did I learn more about myself, my capabilities, society and the world around me? Absolutely. And I'll be forever grateful. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
From your older and somewhat wiser self,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jessica Kok<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
\n\nAs a soon-to-be U of T graduate in June, here are five pieces of advice for my first-year self.\n<\/div>