Brave faces and big dreams: Students open up about their return to school
Students reflect on the excitement and fears of beginning a new school year as they embark on the fall semester.
Into second year: cherishing memories and preparing for the future
Gisele Tang
My first year flew by, and I cannot believe I am already entering my second year. I grew and learned far more than I expected. It was not easy. I would have liked to slow down time to let myself soak in the friendships, spontaneity, laughter, tears and self-discovery that I experienced at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM). Nevertheless, I look forward to meeting new people, enrolling in interesting courses and getting back into my school routine. I also cannot wait to see my friends from UTM regularly.
Though I am nervous about achieving my academic goals this year, I plan to focus more on the passion I have for my majors. I think this would help maintain the consistency, curiosity and discipline I have when it comes to schoolwork.
I would also love to join more clubs and events to meet people. I met many amazing people last year even though I was still familiarizing myself with the UTM environment. I had a hard time participating in events without my friends. At the same time, one of the best things about being in university is all the people that you meet. I am definitely looking forward to working on my socialization skills whether with fellow students, professors, or anyone else!
I am grateful for all the people I met and the opportunities I had in my first year and I certainly cannot wait to take that to the next level!
Stepping with the best foot forward
Debbie Wong
As the weather cools and fall approaches, the campus buzzes with activity as crowds of students roam through. I can’t help but notice how fast time is passing. This year, I will be a third-year student. It still feels like yesterday when I was just a first-year student, not knowing what to expect from my first day of university.
Now with two years of experience, I have an idea of what my third year will look like: wake up early every morning, wear the outfit I chose the previous night, and come to school romanticizing everything like I’m Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl. I’m excited to organize my day on my planner and achieve that satisfaction by checking things off my to-do list.
On the other hand, like everyone else, I worry about my future. Sometimes I still question whether I’m taking the right path or not. However, I know that I’m capable of doing anything I want. I trust that everything will go well for me no matter how it looks at any given point in time. This year, I’m setting more goals, focusing on self-improvement, stepping out of my comfort zone, making new connections, and learning new skills.
Despite the academic workload and stress, I find university very interesting. I’m grateful that I get to study with numerous resources at my hand. I look forward to another amazing school year and I hope everyone else at school does too.
ACT V, SCENE 1
Christina Pincente
As I embark on my fifth and final year here at the University of Toronto’s magical Mississauga campus, I am overwhelmed with nostalgia. It’s been a long journey for me here, yet I still remember my very first day like it was yesterday. No matter how many times you have done it before, the first day of school jitters never pass. As I prepare for my final act to begin, I am filled with anticipation to end my time here and leave with a grand exit while making this my best year yet.
I am experiencing a whirlwind of emotions as the new school year begins. I am anxious to apply to graduate school, yet I look forward to the next chapter. I am relieved to reach the finish line, yet I do not want to leave this place behind. I look forward to finally having my best friend, who is also my sister, join me in my final year at UTM. As I make my final memories here, hers are just beginning.
I know it’s normal l to feel sad, but what is the most beautiful thing about it is the cyclical nature of it all. As my final act comes to an end, I look forward to turning the page and watching as another unfolds before me.
