My First Year Vs Fourth Year at TMU

It’s been a moment since I started in the Creative Industries program at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) back in September 2019. Lots has changed at the university, in the world and quite honestly, with myself! I’m currently in my fourth (and final!) year at TMU, so let’s see what’s changed since my first year.

When I was starting at university, my dream career was to be an entertainment journalist. This was fueled by my love for everything pop culture and my desire to interact with all of my favourite celebrities. All I wanted to do was share my thoughts on the latest Taylor Swift album and have people actually listen to me. 

Now in fourth year, I have realized that the life of an entertainment journalist is probably not for me. However, I would still love to meet my favourite celebrities and I’m always down to chat about Taylor Swift! Thanks to the Career Boost job that I’ve had since my first year, I’ve realized that a career in digital marketing or communications is better suited for me and my skills.

In my first year, I wasn’t involved in any student groups on campus because I wanted to allow myself to adjust to university life. Looking back, I wish I would’ve gotten involved earlier.

Since then, I’ve gotten involved on campus! In my second year I was a mentee to a first-year Creative Industries student through the Tri-Mentoring Program. I shared some tips and tricks to help her adjust to university life and we had some good times together! At the end of third year, I was elected to be the Vice-President of Communications for the Creative Industries Course Union (external link, opens in new window) . That means that I’ve been in the position all throughout my fourth year.

When I first started at TMU and was living in residence, I was pretty homesick — although I never would’ve admitted it! I was about five hours away from my hometown of Ottawa, as well as my immediate family and high school friends. I missed them a lot and looked forward to going home. 

Now, I don’t get nearly as homesick, but it does happen sometimes! I’ve been able to find a nice apartment with a good roommate and establish a second home in Toronto. I was able to build an amazing social circle filled with friends from TMU, and now I feel sad leaving them when I go back to Ottawa for visits.

In my first year, I developed some healthy habits by taking advantage of some university resources, notably the access to our two gyms. Students can access the Recreation and Athletic Centre (RAC) and the Mattamy Athletic Centre (MAC) for free because the fees are included in our tuition. I tried to go to the RAC and attend group fitness classes whenever I could. 

Now, I’ve developed even more healthy habits! I still try to get active whenever I can, but I have also introduced some new practices into my life. In first year I would often fall asleep with my laptop in my bed, watching a show. These days, I don’t do this and try to read before bed to give myself a break from screens. However, sometimes the endless scroll of videos on TikTok does get me. I also did almost everything from my bed in first year — calling friends and family, doing readings, assignments and working. This made me feel sleepy while I was working and in hindsight, it probably wasn’t the best move. Now I always work at my desk or my couch if I’m feeling the need for comfort.

Being on my own in a big city at the age of 17 was definitely an experience. I was meeting lots of new people and found myself in new situations pretty much every day. I did what I could to blend in, and was hesitant to speak up in group situations or take charge on school projects. 

Four years later, I am incredibly happy to report that I have grown a lot personally and am walking around the city with more confidence. I’ve worked towards taking charge in group situations where I think I would be a good leader. I’ve also strengthened my own personal boundaries and tried to focus on what works best for me, while remaining flexible and accommodating when needed. It’s really a fine balance! 

I have more confidence in professional settings and when speaking to new colleagues and connections. I also feel more comfortable emailing professors compared to first year. Now, I even speak to professors outside of class, something that I never did in first year. There’s still lots for me to learn, but the past four years have been foundational in gaining confidence and personal growth while doing my own work, as well as when I’m collaborating with others. I’m excited to take this with me on my next steps.There’s no doubt that things will change while you’re at TMU. Your uni years really are a time for growth! I’m proud of where I’ve come since 2019, and I can only imagine what’s next. I hope you’re able to have a similar journey when the time comes.

Until next time, 

Jenna