Introduction
Education is one of the most powerful tools in the shaping of a productive citizen and, therefore, selecting the right educational institution may mark a crucial point in an individual’s life. I can also state that my decision to attend York University School of Continuing Studies has been enriching as well as the learning process encompassing a variety of sets of activities and a few weaknesses. This is a step by step analysis of my experience in school, both the best and the worst parts, and some recommendations for other students.
The Positives: A Truly Enriching Experience
1. Comprehensive Orientation
York University provided a good orientation session prior to the commencement of my program and it gave a good feel for the rest of the year. The main idea of the orientation was not only educating us but also making us feel we are now part of the extended family. Preparations included a comprehensive presentation of the program’s structure, getting to know the professors and other students. I even made a reel on the orientation day just for the memory, you can watch that too. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2ST9-1LPsN/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
2. Guest Speakers
The other thing that I thought was a great addition was the involvement of guest speakers. During my program, there were guest speakers who practiced in the subject area we were learning which enriched the class. Unlike these guest speakers who stood before us to teach, they entertained questions, failures, and achievements, which would not be seen in any text book. Gaining such information from the primary sources was not only inspiring but also helped in getting the right perspective over the options that are available in the industry after the completion of the programme.
3. Interactive In-Class Activities
The in-class activities are meant to be both instructive and entertaining. For instance, in one of the classes, we taught teamwork and problem-solving through the use of Lego bricks. It was an enjoyable and innovative method to master some crucial skills. In the content creation class, we created reels about the university or any meme, and it was quite fun to learn while creating content. Here is the link to the reel that I made. (https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7KItf-p2It/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==) Such activities helped to make the learning process engaging and allowed for better understanding of the material that was being studied. I really enjoyed the practical work as it helped to understand everything much better.
4. York Lanes Amenities
One of the places I was able to spend substantial time in is York Lanes on the campus. Imagine a small shopping mall that is right on campus with almost everything that any student might require. One of the privileges I enjoyed was the ability to shop at various shops in York Lanes, which offered discounts to students. It seems that just flashing our student ID, we would enjoy the honor of a discounted price for food and merchandise.
5. Memorable Moments
One of the most memorable moments during my time at York University School of Continuing Studies was when one of our professors took the entire class to a café on the last day. It wasn’t just any regular day; it was a special occasion to celebrate the end of the semester. The professor organized this get-together for all three sections of the class, and it was such a thoughtful gesture. It gave us a chance to relax, reflect on the semester, and cherish the moments we had shared. This personal touch really highlighted the supportive and caring environment at the university.
The Negatives: Areas for Improvement
1. Lack of Co-Curricular ActivitiesDespite this, I believe that the years I spent as a scholar were very fulfilling academically but could have used more co-curricular programs. As compared to other institutions like Seneca College where friends informed me about social events such as dance shows, food fairs and even fun things like therapy, animals events, the York University School of Continuing Studies is fairly lacking in this aspect. In my view, introducing similar activities could definitely benefit students and help them develop a much closer-knit community between students from different programs.
2. No Organized Trips
About the shortcomings, I would like to state that, to my mind, there are few or no organized trips. For instance, with regards to extracurricular experiences, I learned that Seneca College has a tradition of taking the students on trips to such places as Blue Mountain so that they may have the privilege of enjoying nature and forming friendships outside the School. Unfortunately, at York University School of Continuing Studies, students are not exposed to such exciting and enlarging experiences. I think that it would benefit the student experience and also foster community if we were to organize some day trips, or a picnic.
3. Absence of On-Campus Hiring
The major disadvantage for me was the lack of willing-to-hire candidates from campus job openings. Knowing the importance and challenges of studying at an international level, it is quite clear that charges for foreign students are more than twice the charges provided to domestic students. On-campus hiring would not only offer real work experience but also assist international students such as myself to partially meet the costs. In my opinion, incorporating the on-campus recruitment would be very valuable to the students and the system and, therefore, would justify the investment.
Conclusion
All in all, the time I spent at York University School of Continuing Studies has been very enjoyable. It is a good school for anyone who would like to go further in education and build their career since it offers excellent teachings, engaging learning activities, and supportive ambiance. There are a few recommendations, for instance, the institution can provide more co-curricular programs and on-campus vacancies for students; notwithstanding, the entire stay at the university is nothing short of a fulfilling wealth.
So, if you are considering a program that includes and focuses on both theoretical and practical approaches York University School of Continuing Studies is a good choice. That is why it provides a good balance between work and play, is filled with learning experiences and experiences one can learn from, as well as students and faculties. certain drawbacks notwithstanding, I would like to emphasize that it is worth enrolling here; it is a wealth that ensures one’s future success and self-development.
