From Nervous Newbie to Digital Dynamo
When I initially arrived in Canada, I was both excited and nervous. I knew I wanted to study a combination of analytical and digital marketing courses to advance my profession in the digital era. Little did I know that my time at the York School of Continuing Studies would be so worthwhile and unforgettable.
Professors, Chocolate, and Life Lessons: My Classroom Chronicles
I remember my first day so clearly. The campus was alive with activity, and I felt both nervous and excited. During orientation, I was a bit overwhelmed, but then I started talking to some people, and those nerves faded away. Some of them are now my closest friends, turning that anxious day into the start of an amazing journey.
One of my first classes was with Professor Heath. His classes were not only educational but also incredibly fun. Heath had a unique teaching style that kept everyone engaged. He would reward students with a bar of chocolate for answering questions correctly. I remember the day I finally got my chocolate—it felt like I had won an Oscar! His interactive sessions made learning enjoyable, and I often looked forward to his classes. Before joining Heath's class, I was always afraid of putting myself out. I constantly felt that everyone was judging me, making it hard to share my experiences. However, the atmosphere Heath created somehow made me feel comfortable and safe. I recall one incident when he asked a question, and though I knew the answer, I was scared to put up my hand. Heath noticed my hesitation, encouraged me to answer, and assured me there were no wrong answers in his class. This simple act of kindness made a world of difference. In his class, I could share my experiences without feeling anxious. It was a transformative experience that helped me gain confidence and enjoy participating in class discussions.
I used to think that brainstorming was all about talking in groups, writing on whiteboards, and having big discussions, but sometimes that limited my ideas. But it was in Leigh's class that I discovered the power and magic of scribbling one's thoughts through. Leigh, one of our professors, always emphasized the importance of writing down ideas for better outcomes in our projects. I recall the day she gave us blank canvases and instructed us to write everything that came to mind without second-guessing it. I was uncomfortable and unsure at first, but as soon as I began writing down my thoughts, my train of thoughts suddenly seemed to align. The pressure to generate perfect concepts vanished, and I found myself immersed in a stream of creativity. Leigh's method of capturing fleeting thoughts on paper transformed my approach to problem-solving and ideation. No longer confined by the rigid structure of traditional brainstorming, I learned to appreciate the organic process of idea generation. This newfound skill not only improved my projects but also instilled a sense of confidence and freedom in my creative journey.
Professor Doris was tough but fantastic. Her constructive critiques pushed me to refine my writing skills. I found myself learning new ways to structure my thoughts and express my ideas clearly. It wasn't always easy, but the progress I made was incredibly rewarding. Doris challenged my writing skills, and I am grateful for her guidance.
Next, I learned from Professor Melyssa. While volunteering at a non-profit, I had to handle their Google Ads grant. It felt overwhelming, but Melyssa explained everything so well that it made my job easy. Her guidance was instrumental in helping me understand digital advertising. I still remember our one-on-one sessions where she patiently explained how to create impactful ads. Thanks to her, I could confidently put the grant to good use.
And how can I forget Professor Rahim, who was always there for us, no matter the time. He was always available whenever we needed him. More than just teaching, he genuinely cared about our success and acted as a true mentor. Having someone like him on our academic journey made all the difference. His commitment to our growth and well-being is something we all deeply appreciate and need.
Tips, Tricks, and Chocolate Bribes for Future Students
What advice do I have for future students? First, embrace the journey. Your time in York will be an adventure with highs and lows, so use all the resources available—just don’t move into the library like I almost did!
From my experience, getting to know your professors can make a huge difference—plus, they might just become your academic lifesavers! Don’t be shy—reach out to them! They're there to help. Participating in class discussions, joining group projects, and getting involved in campus activities made my time at college much richer. For me, the library, study rooms, and even the food bank were incredibly helpful resources.
Being an international student, I always felt a wave of loneliness blanket around me, casting a shadow over my initial days in a new country. But making friends helped me break through this isolation. They became the sunshine that cut through the fog, sharing our home country food, watching our favorite Bollywood movies, and exploring new places together. Each friend brought a piece of home, and their presence was like a warm hug, turning my loneliness into a journey of friendship and support.
Final Thoughts: York University – More Than Just a Degree
My time at York School of Continuing Studies has been amazing. The professors, campus, and community made it unforgettable. Get ready for an exciting journey filled with knowledge and fun. As Professor Heath says, the right answer might even get you a chocolate bar! Welcome to the best chapter of your life!
