Outgoing Advice

It's 2:47 AM, Sun Airway's "Put The Days Away” is blasting into my eardrums and I'm attempting to write a deep and meaningful post for you all to read, start this semester off with a bang, you know? Truth is, I don't really know what to write about this first week back of the new semester (and my final semester here at the University of Toronto...as an undergraduate, anyway). It's bittersweet in a lot of ways; graduating I mean. While first semester was very fruitful in terms of my academic pursuits, other things have began to fall to the wayside as I have become steeped in attempting to get the most out of my classes. As someone who is facing the prospect of graduation for the second time in two years, I have some advice to offer my fellow graduating students. While it is always good to remain studious and engaged in your courses — especially this late in the game — you are beginning the final four months of your undergraduate life and there are some other, perhaps equally important, things you'll want to be mindful of: Friends While Robarts can be enticing with her long hours, many floors, and plethora of research materials, she will never be able to replace those people who you have grown closest with over your time as an undergraduate student. Time with Robarts will be necessary in the coming months, to be sure, but be equally sure to spend some quality time with your friends and close peers. These very well may be your final weeks to do so. Your Post-June Life Before you know it, if not already, you will be caught up in the busyness associated with any semester — let alone your final one. While it is ideal to stay on top of your readings and course assignments, be mindful of the fact that come July you'll be a free bird; out in the wild and expected to fly on your own. The question for you is, however, will you have any place to fly to? I'm not asking you to decide your entire life at this very moment, but it is good to have some future plans post-graduation; be it a summer job, further study, or starting your career. By this time you should seriously begin to start thinking about what your life will be like with the social safety net of "being a student" no longer applicable come May 1st. Enjoy It! More than anything else, try to simply enjoy your final semester here at U of T. Despite the fact that your course work will be demanding, the weather will undoubtedly almost always either be cold, grey, dreary, or rainy, and you'll eventually have to face that gnawing anxiety at the back of your consciousness that you are growing up and it really sucks; — these are ultimately your final few weeks at this wonderful, prestigious, and world-renown university, make them count! - Matteo

1 comment on “Outgoing Advice

  1. My name is Renee Annan and I am working as the communications intern at the Multi-Faith Center this year. We would like to open the waves of communication with UpbeaT in order to keep students affiliated with the Koffler House updated on events. Please distribute the following information online as well as to your listserv contacts – Thank you!

    * For all the latest updates “like” the Multi-Faith Centre Facebook Page
    http://www.facebook.com/multifaithuoft

    1. Poetry Writing: Leaps and Boundaries Navigating Relationships
    Thur Jan 24 and 31 12:00-1:00pm Multi-Faith Centre 569 Spadina Ave.

    How do you navigate being involved in your life, whether with a partner, a family member, a community, or a passion? Use writing to discover the leaps and limits. All are Welcome!

    Please Register at http://www.multifaith.utoronto.ca/Events-And-Programs/Leaps-and-Boundaries-Jan-17,-2013.htm

    2. Dealing with Grief?
    Monday January 28 2013 6:00pm-8:00pm Koffler Student Services Centre 214 College St (St.George Entrance) Academic Success Centre (Main floor)

    An evening for sharing grief stories. Open to any U of T student who has experienced loss from the death of a friend, family member, or significant other.Dinner will be provided. All current UofT Students Welcome.

    To register please visit https://www.multifaith.utoronto.ca/Events-And-Programs/Grief-Sharing-Evening-Jan-28-2013.htm

    3. Religious Diversity Dialogue Training Certificate Program
    Friday Feb 8 2013 10:00am to 3:00pm University of Toronto Scarborough Campus (1265 Military Trail Toronto, ON M1C 1A4)

    Student Centre Building Room SL-23. Participants who attend this program and meet other programmatic requirements will be given a Certificate in Religious Diversity Dialogue by the Multi-Faith Centre at U of T.
    Other requirements include participating in 2 community service events and reflection sessions afterwards.

    To register please visit https://www.multifaith.utoronto.ca/Events-And-Programs/Religious-Diversity-Dialogue-Training-Feb-8-2013.htm

    4. Nominate Malala Yusufzai for the Nobel Peace Prize Deadline Jan 31st, 2013

    On October 9, 2012, 15-year old Malala Yusufzai was shot in the head by a Taliban gunman in response to her campaign against the destruction of girls schools in Pakistan. Please sign the petition to get her the Nobel Peace Prize!

    To Sign the Petition visit the following link
    http://www.change.org/en-CA/petitions/nobel-peace-prize-for-malala

    Best Regards,

    Renee Annan
    Multi-Faith Centre Communication Intern
    569 Spadina Ave, Toronto ON.

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