Five Qs about you and TMU: Fiza Butt

During the past few weeks I had the honour of speaking with students from different programs and faculties here at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). I had a conversation with Fiza, a second-year student who is currently studying Biology in the Faculty of Science at TMU. She wanted future students to know that her program has a lot of opportunities for hands-on learning, so let’s explore what that means. 

Hadiqah: Can you describe your program to me in one sentence?

Fiza: I would describe my program as one that helps you build the fundamentals for your future. I think the best way to describe the main thing I am learning is “the diversity of life from a scientific perspective.” 

H: Why did you choose to study at TMU?

F: I chose to study at TMU for a variety of reasons. One had to do with my specific program. Biology helps me with not only the academic criteria to get to my desired career, but it also helps me shape myself as a student. For example, my hopes are to get into dental school. My program shapes me academically, and it also helps me enhance my skills in terms of my work ethic and my ability to collaborate with others. 

H: Can you tell me about any experiential learning you’ve participated in? What other opportunities are you looking forward to?

F: I am in my second year, so I am still in the process of gaining experiences. So far I’ve had a lot of lab experience. The majority of our classes have a laboratory component, which gives me a lot of opportunity to do hands-on learning, write reports and conduct experiments. Another big part of my program is research. A lot of students in my program — especially in their second year — like to get ahead when it comes to research, so they focus more on the lab component because they are trying to figure out what they’d like to do.

Because it’s my second year, I’m focusing on what I want to do and building up experience for my future career. Personally, I have a lot of interest in microbiology as well as cell biology research, so that is what I am looking forward to getting into [at TMU], and in the field as well. 

H: What is your favourite thing that you have experienced on campus?

F: Definitely staying on campus. I’m a commuter, so I spent my first year just going to class and then I left. Mostly because I was scared to explore, make friends and join clubs. It wasn't until this year that I was able to be an executive member of clubs, talk to my professors for the first time, stay on campus longer and make more friends. I’ve found study spots, restaurants and cafés in my second year. I took time off of my academics to look around and it’s what I’ve enjoyed the most so far… just spending more time on campus. I get energy from my surroundings, so city life gives me that motivation.

H: What advice would you give someone who is starting their research about which university or program they want to pursue?

F: My advice would be — and this is something I really wish I knew in Grade 12 — to look at what’s best for you. I got the advice from my Grade 12 French teacher that “no university is considered terrible for you.” I would tell students to research what is best for them and look at places that help them grow into the person they want to be both academically and socially. Where would you get the best opportunities that would help you meet your future goals? What place is going to help you join those clubs or give you research opportunities you enjoy? 

Thank you to Fiza for being vulnerable and sharing your experience. Many future students will be able to relate to you while on campus! Especially your nerves related to exploring the city alone to then successfully overcoming the challenges in your second year.

If you are a prospective student interested in applying to the Biology program, take a look at our How to Apply page.

More to come soon,

Hadiqah