Introduction: My First Day

My first day at York University was far from perfect, but as the saying goes, “Every great adventure starts with a stumble.” It’s often the imperfect starts that pave the way for the most extraordinary experiences.

Let me take you on a rollercoaster ride through my time at the York University School of Continuing Studies and show you how even the most challenging beginnings can lead to remarkable destinations.

On the very first day of class, things didn’t exactly go according to plan. I ended up taking the wrong bus, the wrong route, sitting in the wrong classroom, and joining the wrong group for an activity. To make matters worse, I was supposed to be in the 12 PM batch, but it turned out there were two different classes at the same time. Naturally, I ended up in the wrong one.

I started to panic when I noticed my name wasn’t on the attendance list. I began to wonder if my registration had even gone through correctly. My heart was racing as I tried to figure out if I was in the right place or if I had somehow missed a crucial step.

Finally, I gathered the courage to ask the instructor about my situation. After checking the list, they confirmed that I was indeed enrolled but had just joined the wrong classroom. I felt a huge sense of relief, though I couldn’t help but laugh at how my first day had turned into a comedy of errors.

Even though it was a rough start, it became a memorable part of my journey at York University School of Continuing Studies. It reminded me that even when things go wrong, there’s always a way to get back on track and make the most of the situation. And so began my rollercoaster adventure at York—one that, despite the initial hiccups, turned out to be truly unforgettable.

Transformative Learning Experience

Transformative Learning – that’s the word that perfectly sums up my experience at York University. 

Before coming to York, I completed my Bachelor’s of Commerce, and the difference in how classes are conducted here is striking. Let me break down a few key changes I noticed: 

1. Teaching Through Experience

At York, we learn through experience rather than just books. In my previous degree, it was all about memorizing concepts and formulas from textbooks. But at York, textbooks are almost non-existent. Instead, we use PowerPoints filled with insights from professors, watch videos of real-life ads, and work on case studies based on actual scenarios. This hands-on approach makes learning much more engaging and relevant. 

Another big difference is the background of the professors. In my previous studies, most of my professors came from a purely academic background. At York, however, the professors are industry leaders who have run their own companies and have global experience. It’s amazing to learn from people who have real-world knowledge of the field that we aspire to work in. For example, our professor Tim Campbell frequently used the example of one of his clients, Roothams, to illustrate key concepts. He explained how crucial it is to divide risk among influencers to ensure a balanced and effective strategy. By referring to real-life cases like Roothams, he made the material more relatable and memorable. To this day, the insights from those examples help us easily recall and apply the concepts we learned, especially the importance of managing risk in influencer strategies.

 3. Certifications on the Go

At York, you don’t just get a diploma; you also earn certifications along the way. By the end of my course, I was certified in Google AdWords, Hootsuite, HubSpot, and Google SEO—skills that are highly valued in today’s job market. It’s an extra boost that traditional college curriculums often miss.

 4. Guest Speakers

My previous degree had hardly any guest speakers, but York is a whole different story. The exposure and networking opportunities here are incredible. We get to hear from and interact with industry experts like Daniel Zaitz, Rebecca Bultsma, Susan Rsmiz Essani, Carol from the BRAV Institute, and Luki Danukarjanto. It’s inspiring to meet professionals who are doing exactly what we aspire to do.

 5. Innovative Presentations

If you want to overcome the fear of public speaking, York University is the place to be. With countless scenario-based presentations and a supportive environment, you’ll quickly shake off any stage fright. I’ll never forget an activity in Leigh Mitchell’s class where we had to create a new product using two random cards from a deck. We got a hanger and a suitcase, and came up with a “portable suitcase wardrobe” that organized itself based on the size of the hangers—an idea that was both hilarious and innovative! 

6. No Formal Exams

Say goodbye to boring, marathon exams. At York, it's not about memorizing or learning by heart. Instead, the emphasis is on showing how you can use what you’ve learned in practical discussions and presentations. It’s a much more useful and engaging way to prove your skills and knowledge.

From Self-Doubt to Confidence: The moment of transformation

I've always been an introvert—a quiet, reserved person who is never the first one to talk to anybody, who is very conscious about what others think about her. Nonetheless, I feel that the last eight months have transformed me from a caterpillar to a butterfly. Earlier, I used to be so nervous to speak up or voice my ideas in front of other people until something unexpected occurred in Professor Leigh Mitchell's class one day during a group presentation.

 One day, during a group presentation in Professor Leigh Mitchell’s class, something unexpected happened. One of my group members froze and couldn’t continue speaking. With everyone watching us, I stepped up and took over the presentation. I picked up from where my teammate left off and kept everything on track. That was an impromptu presentation for me because I was not prepared for that.After the presentation, my group praised me and even called me the “savior” for helping out. It was a big moment for me. Being recognized for handling the situation which scared me as a person made me feel even more confident and proud. It showed me how much I’ve grown in facing my fears and speaking up, just because of the welcoming and encouraging environment.

My Favourite Professors

Timothy Campbell Smith (Tim): Tim has been my favorite professor, and it’s no wonder I have the best attendance in his class. His energy is incredible, making every session really engaging. It’s impossible to get distracted even for a second because his discussions are so interesting. Unlike many teachers, Tim doesn’t just say a simple “good answer” as a comment which makes us more curious and eager to explore further and dig deeper into the discussion. If he disagrees with our answer, he’s honest about it, which pushes us to think even more.

What makes Tim stand out is how he brings each concept to life with his stories. For example, he once shared a funny story about one of his clients where an influencer hilariously mispronounced a brand name. These stories make the lessons more memorable and enjoyable.

Tim creates a welcoming and interactive environment, so you never want the discussions to end. He connects with everyone personally, making us feel comfortable and encouraged to speak up. True to his introduction on the first day of our class he is definitely one of the most extroverted people I’ve ever met.

Tim didn’t just see us as students; he saw us as friends. He shared captivating stories, career tips about how he got into marketing, his experience living in California, and the meaning behind his cool tattoos. He even gave us must-watch movie recommendations like Deadpool and Wolverine. These personal touches created a strong connection and made his classes not only engaging but also genuinely enjoyable.

Sadly, he’ll be moving on to further studies after our batch, so future students might miss out on his classes. But we feel really lucky to have had him. We learned so much about content amplification, engagement, metrics, platform use, and HubSpot without even realizing how quickly we were picking it up. And of course, his warm, enthusiastic welcome every time someone walks in makes you feel happy and valued from the beginning.

Leigh Mitchell: Professor Leigh Mitchell was truly a breath of fresh air in our classes. Her positive and calm energy felt like a gentle breeze, making her presence incredibly soothing. With a voice that’s pleasant to listen to all day long, she made every lecture enjoyable and engaging.

 Leigh juggles multiple roles—she’s a professor, a marketer, an educator, the founder of Bee Happy HR, a podcast host, and of course one of our favorite professors at York University. What really set Leigh apart was her ability to turn every lesson into an interactive and engaging experience. 

She taught us two subjects throughout our course, and she managed to make both of them captivating. Leigh had a special talent for turning theoretical concepts into fun, hands-on activities. One standout project was when she asked each group to create and market a new pizza store. We had a blast with this project, as we got to use colorful markers to design eye-catching posters for our pizza stores. We showcased our unique selling points and crafted creative messages to attract customers. The whole experience was not only educational but also incredibly enjoyable. 

In summary, Professor Leigh Mitchell made a lasting impression with her engaging teaching style and her ability to connect with students. Her classes were a highlight of our time at York University, and her unique blend of professionalism and warmth made learning both effective and enjoyable.

Conclusion: From Challenges to Triumph in Digital Marketing

I feel so thankful for the journey when I reflect on my time at York University School of Continuing Studies. What began as challenges and doubt turned into a significant route of self-improvement. I was able to acquire useful skills that go beyond digital marketing as well as self-confidence because of my inspiring teachers and encouraging classmates.

I really recommend you to apply if you're prepared to go on a journey that will completely change your life. In addition to receiving a diploma, you'll realize your potential and integrate into a supportive community. Future students should remember to simply show up to the class. Sometimes getting things started just requires your presence. I promise that after you get there, everything else will make sense. Make the move and see how far you can go in your career!