Introduction
The journey to York University was far from smooth. From the struggle of securing a spot in my desired program to navigating the complexities of immigration, each step was a test of resilience and determination. My ultimate goal was to join York University, a well-reputed institution that promised to enhance my skills and open new doors for my future. Despite the setbacks, delays, and difficult choices, my resolve to reach York never wavered. This blog shares the story of how my experiences, both challenging and rewarding, shaped my path and transformed my professional and personal life.
The Struggle to Get to Canada
My journey to Canada was a huge struggle. My goal was to get into a well-reputed university, specifically York University. I initially aimed to start in the September 2022 intake, but the seats were already full, which meant I couldn't enroll. However, my decision was clear: I wanted York at any cost. I decided to wait for the next intake, but this time I applied to many other colleges as a backup.
I received quick responses from all the colleges except York University, and the minimum time to get a student visa was three months. With August ending, I had to decide between waiting for York's response or going ahead with Humber College, my second choice. Running out of time, I decided to pay the fee for Humber. Things got complicated when I received a response from York University on the same day I paid Humber's fee.
A Difficult Decision
Now, I was in a huge mess. I tried contacting Humber to explain my situation, but since it was a long weekend, I couldn't reach them. After much struggle, I managed to get in touch with the college and learned that I was only eligible for a partial refund of CAD 2000. This put me in a rough spot, as it was a crucial decision. I sat with my family to discuss the situation, and they, always supportive, encouraged me to go ahead with York University despite the loss. So, we paid the fee for York University, and within no time, I received my visa and flew to Canada.
A Heartwarming Reunion and New Beginnings
The best part about coming to Canada was reuniting with my sister after three years. I collected my bags and ran towards the exit. As soon as the doors opened, I saw my sister waiting for me. I ran towards her and hugged her tightly, and we both had tears in our eyes. She drove me to a nearby Cafe where we got the best croissant and coffee. Later, we headed home, and I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness about the journey ahead.
Unexpected First Day Realities at York University
A week later was my big day – my first day at college. I was super excited, waking up even before my alarm rang. I got ready and left for college, eager to experience the diverse culture of Canada, a country known for its immigrants. However, my excitement quickly faded when I entered the classroom and saw that 90% of the students were from my own country. Although there were no major barriers, I found it difficult to connect with people initially. The professors, however, were amazing and always available to help us.
A Setback and Support
Everything was going great until I met with an accident and injured my shoulder. I couldn't move and was on bed rest for several days, making it difficult to keep up with college. I reached out to my professors and received very different responses. One professor was super supportive, helping me with assignments and giving me tips to make my work easier. The other professor, despite my doctor's note, was indifferent and suggested I defer the course. Believing I would recover soon, I didn't defer, but it took longer than expected, and I failed to meet the course requirements. Consequently, I had to retake the course, paying $2000 CAD.
Navigating a Packed Schedule
Managing three courses in one semester along with a part-time job was undoubtedly the most difficult time I had. My schedule was tight, with one class from 8:30 to 11:30 AM and another from 3:30 to 6:30 PM on the same day. Since my house was an hour and a half away from college, it made no sense to go back home between classes. I spent my time in the library or roaming around the campus.
A Valuable Opportunity
During this time, I came across Ada (Sze Wing) Ng, the Administrative Assistant of the Department of Economics. She gave me the opportunity to work with her on multiple exams, which was a great experience handling hundreds of students. This role enhanced my organizational skills and taught me the importance of effective communication and coordination in a large-scale setting. As they say, everything happens for a reason.
Reflection and Growth
Overall, my experience at York University has been a mixed bag. It wasn't what I had expected based on my research, but it taught me a lot. The challenges I faced and the support I received helped me grow both personally and professionally. Despite the difficulties, I learned to navigate through tough situations, manage my time effectively, and build resilience.
Conclusion
My journey to York University was filled with struggles, tough decisions, and unexpected challenges. Yet, it was also a time of significant growth and learning. The support from my family, the professors who guided me, and the opportunities I seized along the way have all contributed to my development. While the experience wasn't perfect, it has prepared me for the future and strengthened my determination to succeed. My time at York University has been transformative, and I am grateful for the lessons learned and the memories made.
