Reflecting on My Experience at York's School of Continuing Studies

A Warm Welcome

From my very first day at York University School of Continuing Studies, I knew I was embarking on a transformative journey. Todd Rich, our Program Manager, welcomed us with a heartfelt speech. His words not only outlined the university’s policies and regulations but also made us feel at home, setting the stage for an incredible period of learning and growth.

First Impressions Matter

My first class, "Business in the Digital Age," with Professor Leigh, had a warm and relaxed atmosphere, making the transition into the new academic setting smooth. Professor Leigh invited us to introduce ourselves and share our hobbies. When I mentioned my love for colognes and perfumes, she smiled and shared that she had also noticed a growing interest in colognes online. This small exchange made me feel seen and appreciated and exemplified the efforts York’s professors put into connecting with their students.

Professionalism Meets Friendliness

As the classes continued, I noticed a unique blend of professionalism and friendliness in the professors. They were more than just instructors; they were mentors who genuinely cared about our progress. This supportive environment made it easy to approach them with questions and discussions, creating a rich learning experience. 

Learning from the Best

One of the program’s highlights was the guest lectures from industry experts. These sessions offered real-world insights and practical advice. I vividly remember a session on optimizing LinkedIn profiles, packed with useful tips that I immediately put into practice. Luki Danukarjanto personally took the time to give a guest lecture for us. His talk was both inspiring and immensely educational. I found his depth of knowledge truly motivating, as he shared insights on how to excel in interviews, build self-confidence, and improve our soft skills. His guidance was practical and engaging, leaving a lasting impact and encouraging us to apply his advice in our careers. All these interactions with guests were more than just lectures; they were opportunities to build networks and learn directly from industry leaders.

Fun and Engaging Activities

A favorite part of the program was the in-class activities. We created posters for a fictional pizza store, designed SEO-friendly Google ads, and crafted content for YorkU, including memes, posts, and reels. These tasks were more than assignments; they were creative outlets that allowed us to apply what we learned in fun and meaningful ways. We discovered ground-breaking information, such as how to take advantage of Chatgpt and AI. We all learned how to use tools like Canva to create new content, Hubspot to post and organize our created content, and Karooya for Google ads. which provided us an advantage over other students.

Memorable Professors

• Professor Melissa

  Learning from her was a joy. She combined knowledge with a touch of fun, making every class something to look forward to. Her approachable nature meant we could chat with her during breaks, absorbing every bit of wisdom she had to offer.
  
  

• Professor Leigh

  She is one of the calmest professors I have ever seen. She has always
  helped me solve anything I hadn't understood or just assisting the extra mile in my assignment so that I could get good grades
  
  

• Professor Rahim

  Delving into the world of Google ads with him was a highlight. His thorough teaching style and patient guidance made the complex seem simple, leaving me with valuable skills.
  
  

• Professor Doris

  Her class was unforgettable, especially the day we created a reel for YorkU. We analyzed various famous advertisements and learned the psychology behind creating those ads. Her innovative teaching methods made learning effective and enjoyable.
  
  

• Professor Tim

  His energy and vibrant teaching style were infectious. His classes were always lively, and his unique way of taking attendance added a personal touch that made us all smile.

My unforgettable moment with the instructor

So, for one of the In-class activities, we have to prepare content that is relevant to both the York School of Continuing Studies' instructors and students. We only had an hour to finish this task. Additionally, Professor Doris held a competition in which the group whose content is deemed the best would win a prize. To be honest, we weren't sure as a group what kind of content we should create. We gave it some thought before deciding to create a humorous reel that would both amuse and connect with the viewer. We anyhow shot the reel and submitted on the moodle on the last movement.

The professor viewed each group reel individually in the following lecture, and in the end, she saw our reel. Her initial response was to burst out laughing. The entire class burst out laughing with her. Ultimately, she declared our reel to be the greatest of all the reels she had seen. Additionally, she gave us a prize and that day was one of the best and most memorable days I ever had in college

Building Lifelong Friendships

Beyond the academic learning, the friendships I formed during my time at York are priceless. We worked on assignments together, supported each other through challenges, and shared countless laughs. The Seneca canteen became our go-to spot, where we’d grab coffee, share stories, and unwind. These bonds have become a cherished part of my life, continuing well beyond the classroom.

Conclusion

Looking back, my experience at York University School of Continuing Studies was nothing short of amazing. The blend of expert instruction, engaging activities, and a supportive community made my journey unforgettable. I left not just with enhanced skills but with memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. If you’re considering furthering your education, York University School of Continuing Studies offers more than just courses; it offers a transformative experience that will stay with you forever.