Pursuing My Dream of Studying Abroad
Since my school days, I always had a dream of studying abroad, with Canada being the country I set my sights on. The idea of pursuing higher education in a new country, experiencing a different culture, and stepping out of my comfort zone was something I had planned for a long time. After completing my bachelor’s degree, I was thrilled to be on the path I had envisioned for myself. My excitement grew as I began searching for the right college and course to pursue. Among all the options, York University was the one that caught my attention the most. The university's impressive infrastructure and strong reputation made it stand out. I was captivated by what York had to offer, and I knew that I wanted to be a part of it.
Alt Text : Flying with the cutest passenger on board from Delhi to Toronto
Overcoming Initial Setbacks
When I first applied to York University, I was filled with hope and anticipation. However, things didn’t go as planned, and my application was rejected. I was disappointed, but I didn’t let it bring me down because Humber College accepted my application, and I decided to enrol there. At Humber, I completed a course in Marketing Management. Unlike many of my peers who struggled to adjust to a new country and culture, I found the transition to be relatively smooth. Having my brother already settled in Canada made a huge difference. He helped me navigate through the initial challenges, which made it easier for me to settle into my new life in Canada.
Achieving My Goal: Admission to York University
Even though I was content at Humber, the thought of studying at York University never left my mind. I knew that I still wanted to experience what York had to offer, so after nearly a year, I decided to apply again, this time for a postgraduate course in Digital Marketing and Content Writing at York’s School of Continuing Studies. When I received my acceptance letter, I was over the moon. Finally, I was going to be a part of the university that I had admired for so long.
The Excitement of Starting at York University
The excitement of joining York University was overwhelming. I had heard so much about the campus, the community, and the opportunities that awaited me. On top of that, some of the friends I made at Humber had also been accepted into York for their second courses, so I was eager to reconnect with them. The day of orientation was filled with anticipation. The campus was buzzing with energy as new students explored the grounds and attended various introductory sessions. However, instead of following the crowd, my friend and I decided to take our own path and explore the campus by ourselves. We wandered through the different parts of the university, soaking in the atmosphere and getting familiar with the place that would soon become our second home. Interestingly, we ended up skipping the School of Continuing Studies (SCS)building during our tour, a decision I would later find quite amusing.
First Impressions: Classroom and Campus Life
The first day of class arrived, and it was everything I had hoped for and more. The atmosphere in the classroom was lively, and as we went around introducing ourselves, the conversation took an unexpected turn into a debate about Mumbai versus Delhi. It was an unexpected yet entertaining way to break the ice and start the semester. I could tell right away that this was going to be a memorable experience.
After class, I was eager to explore more of what York had to offer. I had heard a lot about the Break Room, Scott Library and York Lanes—a bustling area filled with food outlets and various services. I headed straight to York Lanes after class, where I grabbed dinner and then made my way to the break room to relax. The break room quickly became one of my favorite spots on campus. It was a place where I could unwind, play games, and even meet other students.
Alt text: Relaxing at Break Room After Class
Challenges Faced and Lessons Learned
However, my excitement was met with a few unexpected challenges. One of the first things I discovered was the rigid class schedule. Unlike other universities where students have the flexibility to choose their class times or make adjustments to their schedules, York’s School of Continuing Studies had a fixed schedule that was not easy to change. This was a bit of a shock to me, especially since I had other commitments, including a part-time job, that I needed to manage alongside my classes. Balancing everything became a bit tricky, but I learned to adjust and make the best of it.
Another surprise came when I found out that the School of Continuing Studies doesn’t conduct traditional exams or in-class quizzes. This was very different from my previous experience at Humber, where exams were a significant part of the assessment process. Initially, I wasn’t sure how I felt about this. Exams had always been the standard way of measuring our knowledge, and without them, I wondered how we would be evaluated. However, as the semester progressed, I realized that York’s approach was focused more on practical learning through projects and assignments. This method, although different from what I was used to, allowed me to apply what I was learning in a more real-world context, which I eventually appreciated.
The Highlights of My York University Experience
Reflecting on my journey to York University, I can say that it has been an incredible experience, filled with both highs and challenges. The excitement of finally being part of a university that I had admired for so long, coupled with the reality of managing a rigid schedule and adapting to a different academic structure, has taught me valuable lessons in resilience and adaptability. The campus life, the community, and the friendships I’ve made along the way have made this journey worthwhile.
Alt Text: YORK SCS students after A Successful Presentation
Tips and Advice for Future York University Students
If you’re considering joining York University, here are some tips and advice that I hope will help you navigate your own journey:
1. Connect with Peers and Professors: Building strong relationships with classmates and professors is key. Your peers can become study partners and future colleagues, while professors can offer valuable guidance and industry connections. Engage with them both inside and outside the classroom to make the most of your university experience.
2. Leverage Networking Opportunities: Take advantage of the numerous networking events at York, such as career fairs and workshops. These are great opportunities to meet industry professionals, ask questions, and establish connections that could lead to internships or job offers.
3. Stay Updated on Industry Trends: In fields like digital marketing and content writing, staying ahead of trends is crucial. Regularly read industry blogs, attend webinars, and use York’s resources to stay informed. This will give you a competitive edge in your studies and future career.
4. Pursue Certifications: Complement your degree with certifications in areas like SEO or social media marketing from platforms like Google or HubSpot. These certifications can enhance your resume and demonstrate your commitment to professional development.
5. Build Your Personal Brand: Start developing your personal brand by optimizing your LinkedIn profile and creating a portfolio to showcase your work. Participate in workshops at York to refine your online presence, which is essential in today’s job market.
6. Balance Academics and Professional Growth: While your coursework is important, don’t neglect professional development. Attend workshops, build your resume, and work on personal projects to ensure you’re well-prepared for life after graduation.
My time at York University has been a blend of excitement, challenges, and growth. The journey from rejection to acceptance, from rigid schedules to innovative learning methods, has been transformative in more ways than I could have imagined. If you’re considering York University, I encourage you to dive in with an open mind, embrace the challenges, and make the most of the unique opportunities that come your way. This journey is what you make of it, and with the right mindset, it can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.
