Hello, You. It's Ash, your friendly resident at YUSCS. So, you probably landed here because you feel like you're "too young" to be starting a post-graduate program, and are wondering if you will be able to still remain competitive amongst a whole island of seasoned pros, don't worry, I gotcha let me give you a gist of my experience at an Ontario university that's always in the headlines for its strikes, drumroll...... York Universities. Lucky you though, if you're considering York Universities School of Continuing Studies (YUSCS), worry not these strikes are as irrelevant as the 'g' in lasagna. Let's dive deeper into the world of a 20-year-old surrounded by seasoned professionals.
Being the youngest in my class is like being a tiny fish in a big pond. I'm constantly surrounded by people with years of experience from be it postgraduate studies or bachelors and sometimes it feels like I'm speaking a different language. There was this one time during a group project when we were discussing marketing strategies for a retirement home? I innocently suggested targeting the home with TikTok influencers. Let's just say, the silence was deafening, followed by a few raised eyebrows and a collective "honey, we're talking about people who were listening to vinyl when you were still in diapers."
Juggling school, a nonexistent social life (thanks, YUSCS!), and adulting is like trying to herd cats while riding a unicycle. I've had to learn how to cook, pay bills, and do laundry all while trying to understand SEO. There was this one time I accidentally ordered enough groceries to feed a small army. Let's just say, instant ramen became my best friend for a week. I even tried to convince my roommate it was a gourmet meal.
Sometimes, I catch myself questioning if I belong in the same room as these experienced professionals. Imposter syndrome is a common challenge for young postgraduate students, especially when you're the youngest in the class. It's like walking into a room full of chess grandmasters while you're still figuring out how to capture a pawn. But then I remember that I was passionately building websites and editing videos before most of my classmates even knew what the internet was. That gives me a little confidence boost.
Juggling school and a part-time job is like trying to ride a unicycle while juggling chainsaws. I've worked as a barista, a tutor, and even a part-time marketing assistant. The struggle was real, but it was worth it. Not only did it help me pay the bills, but it also gave me valuable work experience and a chance to network. Here's pictures of me after 12 hours of juggling work/school! 👍👍👍 because I can't 🖕🖕🖕.
Jokes apart,
Group projects at YUSCS are a rollercoaster of emotions. There's the one person who disappears for weeks, only to reappear the night before the deadline with half-baked ideas. And then there's the micromanager who wants to control every aspect of the project. But amidst the chaos, I've also formed some amazing friendships.
SPEAK UP! You'd think being in Canada, English would be the universal language, right? Well, not always. I landed in a group project with people who were already thick as thieves. They had this unspoken bond, finishing each other's sentences, and it felt like they were speaking a whole different language. I'd sit there, nodding along like I was part of the conversation, but honestly, I was lost in translation. It was like trying to follow a fast-paced action movie with no subtitles. It was tough feeling left out and not being able to fully contribute. It made me realise how important clear communication is, even when you think everyone’s on the same page.. In the fast-paced digital age, where information is shared instantaneously, effective communication is more crucial than ever. This experience taught me the importance of speaking up, seeking clarification, and building strong interpersonal connections, even when it feels uncomfortable. As a young adult navigating the complex world of higher education and the professional landscape, these skills are invaluable for post-graduate success.
So, You're Thinking About YUSCS? Let's Spill the Tea
Okay, so you're considering YUSCS? Let's keep it real. It's kinda like adulting 101, but with spreadsheets and less free time. Expect to trade in your sweatpants for business casual and your Netflix binges for late-night study sessions. It's not all doom and gloom though, I promise.
What to Expect:
A Bunch of Adults: Get ready to hang with people who actually know how to cook and pay bills. It's a whole new world.My Advice?
Embrace the Grind: It's gonna be tough, but the rewards are worth it. Trust me, adulting is a skill.
Network Like a Pro: Everyone's your potential boss or client. Get those connections, bestie!
Find Your People: There are other sane people here. Find your squad and survive together.
Don't Forget to Breathe: Mental health is key. Take breaks, treat yourself, and remember, you're doing great!
So, if you're ready to level up your life just remember, it's not all rainbows and butterflies. But hey, who needs that when you can have a killer LinkedIn profile?