GRAD Contests

Santoso-Pardi Andrea, Spatial Analysis MSA

Morning spills sunlight on coffee-stained notes, Maps sprawled like dreams on my desk, remote. Layers of data whisper tales of space, Boundless geographies in a pixel’s embrace.

Keyboard clacks like rain on a silent street, ArcGIS awakens—its rhythm, my beat. Coordinates dance, a cartographer’s song, Latitudes hum as lines stretch long.

SQL Queries run deep where algorithms play, Shaping the earth in a virtual display. Contours rise like waves on a digital sea, Each hill, each valley, a story to see.

A polygon drawn is a boundary's cry, Raster to vector, the hours slip by. Clustering z-scores, the patterns unfold, Histories of landscapes in data retold.

Evening descends, a map glows dim, The hum of the computer, my constant hymn. Pixels blur but the vision stays clear, A passion conquers fatigue and fear.

As stars trace paths in the sky so wide, I trace the earth, one dataset as my guide

Lucia Fernandez, Public Policy & Administration MA

My day as a graduate student begins abruptly and well before the sun, after which I take a moment to appreciate a quiet and sleepy breakfast before beginning the two hour commute to campus. Although the journey might seem daunting to some, it is my time to breathe in a space in between, away from the responsibilities of either world. Once I am on campus, life quickly picks up speed, captured in a blend of purpose and unpredictability where the joys of learning and guiding undergraduate students swirl with the stress of deadlines and an unknown future. In these times, it is the small joys which keep me grounded– a kind word from a professor, a smile from a stranger, a comforting cup of coffee, a breakthrough in my work, or the warmth of family and pets waiting for me at home. As I step off the train at day’s end, the sky already painted in twilight hues, I’m reminded that this is a season of growth. Busy, stressful, and beautiful; it is a chapter of my story that I’m grateful to write at TMU.

Mahdi Nekahi, Mechanical, Industrial, and Mechatronics Engineering Postdoctoral Fellow

Each day I rise with a hopeful embrace, That life may unfold in its vibrant pace. Though tasks are set upon my slate, My plans stay flexible to dance with fate.

Unexpected calls from the teams I aid, A machine to mend, or a task delayed.
Perhaps a class to cover with care, Or guiding a student through academic flair.

A swift breakfast, then I chart my day, Diving deep where knowledge lay.
Mornings lost in research’s lore, Seeking the known and craving more.

By noon, with colleagues, a meal is shared, Thoughts exchanged, and minds repaired. Afternoons hum with a rhythmic tune, Microscopes, models, discoveries in bloom.

As dusk descends, my papers call, Drafts and edits—making sense of it all. To and fro, I retreat within, Podcasts weaving where my thoughts begin.

Homeward bound, I shed the weight, Of academic quests and mental freight. To a loving space, I gently glide, To find my peace by my partner's side.

Sariya Adnan, Literatures of Modernity MA

Class is at 9:00am, so I wake up at 6:00am. Functioning on roughly five hours of sleep, I do my morning routine, eat breakfast (maybe), then get driven to the subway station. (Thanks, Ami!) Riding the loud, bumpy, and sometimes too slow train, I read what I can, anything from *Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland* to *Cakes and Ale*. (Welcome to being a LitMod student.)

One hour later, I bend under the weight of my backpack as I walk from Dundas Station to Jorgenson Hall. (Out of breath, I realize for the hundredth time that I should start exercising.) On my way to the tenth floor, I fix my headscarf in the elevator mirror. (Look at those tired eyes!)

Upon reaching the (*boiling* hot) boardroom, I sit in my usual spot, trying not to sweat. For three hours, we discuss and dissect our latest reading. Fun as it is, I’m drained: as soon as the clock strikes 12:00pm, I’m out of there.

Of course, just because class is over doesn’t mean I’m off the clock: like every day, I have papers to write, presentations to plan, assignments to grade, books to read, and eyes to strain.

Midnight already?

Ryan Allardyce, Media Production MA

Wake up.
Get dressed.
Have breakfast.
Leave home.
Get on the train.
Get on the subway.
Get to class.
Try to change the world.
Do not change the world.
But maybe get just a little bit closer...
Talk to friends and classmates.
""I will see you all tomorrow.""
Leave class.
Get on the subway.
Get on the train.
Arrive home.
Have dinner.
Pajama time.
Go to sleep.

Isla Cowan, Fashion MA

I wake up, put on the coffee and prepare for the day ahead. After eating breakfast, it’s time for the quick journey downtown. The subway is quiet and everyone moves around the car to get to their stops. I get off at Dundas station surrounded by other students who shuffle impatiently to the exits. When I turn down Gould Street, I start feeling excitement about joining the class. I tap my student ID on the doors of Kerr Hall West and head to the MA room. I try to sit with a new person each day in the hopes of learning more about my classmate’s experiences. Our class begins and we share ideas sparked through our readings. Sometimes the discussions are fruitful and sometimes they are slow, but I always walk out of the room thinking differently than I had when I walked in. After returning home from campus, I take a break with cooking. I try to finish my readings before I can feel myself getting too tired and have to get ready for bed. I plug my laptop in to charge for the next day.

James de Oliveira, Literatures of Modernity MA

There is a city on a hill, It will take you time to find your way,
To a place of self fulfillment. 'though my friends told me I knew the way.

I still don't know if I'll find my place, In a world of screaming hate. Make ties that weigh me down, Anchors that keep me drowned, Frowning people who have too much on their plate, I wonder too if they'll find their place.

There is a city on a hill, I made a promise, I make it still...
In the morning, In the evening,
Each night while I'm sleeping, That I can be better still.
Still keeping the dream alive while I try to make strides: In the place where dreams reside, In the place where dreams are realized, It is a place where dreams can die. There is a city on a hill.

Santiago Galvis, Master of Engineering Innovation and Entrepreneurship MEIE

A Day in My Life at TMU

I start my mornings at Balzac’s coffee, a cozy corner in the heart of campus, sipping a warm cup while autumn leaves dance on gusts of wind outside. Watching them swirl, I think back to the journey that brought me here as an international student and dream of where I’m heading next.

From there, I make my way to the MAC, where I prepare for the day ahead. Exercising both mind and body has become my ritual, a way to stay grounded and connected with myself and the friends who’ve become my support system here.

In the library, I immerse in preparation for lectures, soaking up every lesson TMU’s professors have to offer. Whereas for lunch, I head to the SLC building, where creativity flows freely. Overlooking the bustling streets below, I let my ideas take flight.

As classes wind down, the day’s learning and inspiration remain fresh. But the day isn’t over. At the Met pub, I unwind over food and games with friends, meeting fellow students and making memories that remind me why TMU feels like home.

Nicole Gordon, Urban Development MPI

As I open my eyes, my senses awaken, Awaken to the light and noise of urban activity, Life that is always busy and ever-moving, As I move to commute to campus, I collect my necessities for the busy day full of productivity.

Ahead of me lays a laptop, my lunch, chargers, a water bottle, student ID, and presto card, The sounds of rush hour fill my ears as bodies move fast to reach their destination, My destination is Dundas Station, known as Toronto’s version of Time Square, As an urban planning student, I look at Yonge and Dundas with a different appreciation.

A lens that sees the intersection as a commercial hub of activity, Activity that connects society to one another through shopping, food, and entertainment,
As I walk by Sankofa Square, I am reminded of the protests and cultural events taking place, Places that hold meaning during the commute to campus give me more enjoyment.

I stumble on a building known as home for planning students, The Bond building, where we all bond over projects and studio sessions, As an aspiring city builder, I join my first-class, Class ends in a flash as I am immersed in topics about the housing crisis that have left impressions.

Crises that we aim to fix, despite all the legislative challenges. As I wrap up classwork and eat my lunch, I step out of the Bond building and make my way home.

Sheharyar Hussain, Master of Digital Media MDM

My phone violently vibrates through my pillow as my morning alarm goes off. After gathering my thoughts and jumping out of bed before dawn, I wash myself for the morning Fajr prayer. The sun rises while hiding itself behind the grey clouds hovering over the city’s skyline.

“Beta, it has been so long since you called us”, my mother said to me last night. Her voice feels like warmth but uncovers a pain I have mastered all too well.

I shrug off this feeling and quickly lose myself to the bustling Toronto streets. The crisp winter air brushes against my face while I walk to TMU’s campus and find myself in a sea of strangers.

I see a familiar face and stop by to make conversation. Hours melt away as I refine my latest project, balancing creativity with our client’s demands. As I meet more and more people, I can feel my native tongue Urdu dying in my throat.

By nightfall, I’m home, exhausted but pensive. The soft humming of my laptop fades, replaced by my thoughts. I check my phone before closing my eyes, my mother’s voice echoing in my mind- a gentle pull back to what matters most.

Sara Khalil-Bayley, Media Production MA

Once upon a time I got off at St. Patrick Station

Now I'm across the street; far from home and yet

My old life is just a 5 minute ride on the 505 away.

Momentous life or death decisions! (Picking out clothes the night before.)

Alas, unpredictable Toronto weather; I have a 10 degree coat and a 5 degree coat and it’s been 20 degrees in November. I have been wearing neither.

Pack my bag: not allowed to use my iPad in Thursday's class. Must write notes by hand. Hopefully these ancient runes will be decipherable when preparing for the exam.

Now the real question: will I loop through Union north to Dundas?

Or hop off St. George, Bloor-Yonge, and then go south—bypass?

Made it! Beeline across Gould Street. (Achievement: didn’t trip in my heels.)

Sit in the lecture, keen, poised. Don't starve; don't faint! Thank God: a 15 minute break.

Decisions must be made yet again: food court, food trucks, Balzac’s, Shake Shack. But what I could really use is a deluxe chicken sandwich from Jollibee.

Have to socialize with classmates. Tougher the class, tighter the bond. Let's all hide in the Vietnamese cafe (menu has ”pho coffee”; certainly sounds savory but surely isn’t real?)

The cohort has come to an agreement: the plan is to submit our papers 13 minutes before the deadline. Thought we left such bad habits back in undergrad.

TMU: the only higher education institution to still have a school bell. (Came free with the church.) It rings; means, 9 o'clock.

Good night, sleep tight,

Hold at St. Clair West (that's right)

Might be here for a while. Luckily I've got my

1. Deluxe chicken sandwich from Jollibee
2. Required reading about research ethics

to keep me company.

Kalysta Makimoto, Biomedical Physics PhD

I start my day before the winter sun rises, at 5:30am, and the first thing I always do is make my bed. Then I go to the gym to do an hour workout. Following my workout I go home to shower, eat breakfast (normally egg bites that I prepare every Sunday), and get ready to head out to commute to TMU. I take the Lakeshore East GO Train, where I spend my 1.5-hour commute reading books, mostly fiction novels. I get to my research space around 9am, where I start my day working on my research. Around noon I take a lunch break with some of my lab mates where we eat lunch together and chat. Most days I leave around 5pm to take the train back home, where I then make dinner for myself and my family. After dinner I make my lunch for the next day then spend time with my family watching TV shows together. I get ready for bed around 9pm, which includes getting my gym clothes ready for the next morning.

Daniel Martin, Film +Photography Preservation and Collections Management

Early bird rising
Catch the morning train
Hit the street, baptizing
In early morning rain

I beat the mad rush crowd
And take the back alley way
Out of breath, but far from death I start my Toronto day

Class is now in session
I sit humble in my place
I reap the daily lesson
And put on my Toronto face

With friends I do my learning dance And sing my knowledge song I love to wear my learning pants to college all along!

The people here are friendly
And the dew is never dry
At TMU, I know who
Gives me wings to fly!

Soroor Mazraeh, Master of Engineering Innovation and Entrepreurship MEIE

My day as a Master’s student at Toronto Metropolitan University starts early. With a long to-do list, I head to the university library, surrounded by resources on Canadian business and innovation that fuel both my coursework and personal projects.
By mid-morning, I check emails and talk virtually with my professors, seeking advice on project insights and career growth. Their guidance is invaluable as I navigate my studies and work to build a professional network in this competitive environment.

Afternoons are a time for meeting with my project group, where we refine our strategy, track progress, and brainstorm ways to make a real impact. By 2:30 PM, I’m in the Innovation Boost Zone, where ideas come alive. Then, I go to the engineering building, I catch up with classmates and prepare for our class. I stay fully engaged in class, taking notes and absorbing details, often staying back to ask questions or clarify ideas. Then it’s back home, where I unwind by cooking dinner and reflecting on the day.

Each day is filled with learning, growth, and a drive to build my future. As a graduate student, I juggle many responsibilities, but every step brings me closer to my dreams.

Julia McGolrick, Literatures of Modernity MA

sonnet - a day through the eyes of an english graduate student

the train guides my eager body onwards; treading across union station, tired; hope still lives behind my eyes, propelling me forward, knowledge a hair's-breadth away.

entering the classroom, students joyful; we meditate on the great poets, the ghost of Keats observing with a smile. time to transition to lecture, farewell!

now i feel the boardroom table under my hands, smooth wood; i gaze across and see my classmates, or rather, my friends; we pay close attention to the professor, joy

radiating, newfound discovery, my mind expanding, a new horizon.

Katherine McGuire, Clinical Psychology MA

The morning light breaks over Hamilton's bay, I rise with the city, on a commuter's way.

A woman, a student, a mind on the move, Chasing knowledge with purpose, I steadily improve.

At TMU, a world of learning awaits, Where knowledge and culture weave through the gates.

In the ARCAI lab, we challenge the norm, Advancing our research to build and transform.

My cohort—a family, tight-knit and true, Each with a vision, a passion to pursue.

Research sharpens focus, clinical work brings heart, Two paths that converge, yet never depart.

In the clinic, I support; in the lab, I refine, Striving to merge practice with researchm design.

At the end of the day, the commute is long, But the work is fulfilling, my motivation remains strong.

A grad student’s journey, both messy and bright, A day filled with learning, with progress in sight.

Julia Menezes, Urban Planning MPI

It begins with a streetcar that appears 7 minutes late.

Lessons start outside the classroom as you scroll through the news on your phone, catching fragments of headlines like ‘crisis’ and ‘escalating.’ You take a breath; glance out the window.

The sun hits a high-rise at a peculiar angle and suddenly you’re thinking back to a lecture about bird-friendly glazing. You wonder when the building was built, and who lives there, and whether the development included affordable housing.

Time passes; the streetcar stops. You’re plunged into the square of noise and smells and lights.

A building appears. Familiar yellow brick, guiding your way.

A temporarily lost student card is soon found and scanned with a recognizable BEEP.

An elevator to the third floor. Two meetings; one lecture. Then, to the place with the green walls to study. A third cup of tea.

It's quiet here, or, supposed to be. But your friend whispers something and suddenly you're laughing, loudly, giggles turning to gasps as the laughter steals air from your lungs.

There’s a flimsy paper sign taped to the wall that reads “QUIET ZONE.”

Sometimes, in the space between studying and living, rules are meant to be broken.

Sarah Menezes, Master of Professional Communication MPC

Blink. Blink. Yawn.
Click.
Scroll, scroll, read.
Scroll, scroll, watch.
Get up slowly
To satisfy the watch.
Type, type, read.
Type, type, send.
Get all dressed
To hop in on the trend.
Vroom, vroom, pose.
Vroom, vroom, speak.
On handsfree,
Can’t lose my streaks.
Type, type, listen.
Type, type, sigh
Another assignment,
And can’t use AI
Scroll, scroll, lay.
Scroll, scroll sleep.
Use my phone
To lull myself asleep.
Click.
Blink. Blink. Yawn.

Anika Munir, Urban Development MPI

The City's Pull

I grew up in the city, Buses, trains, and buildings. There's something about it, something I loved, The way people came together, a community bound. Four years after high school—done?

But that city love, it never faded. It pulled me in like a force I couldn't resist, I was consumed by how the city kept growing, evolving. I couldn't stop thinking about it, I wanted more, to be part of something bigger. Two more years couldn't hurt.

But it became more than that. I fell in love with it. Meeting others who craved that love for cities, Those who wanted to build, design, lead— Cities. We all wanted to be part of something bigger. Lectures, long nights, and jugs of coffee, All to be part of something bigger—

Cities.

Abby Muriella, Nutrition Communication MHSc

Sometimes it’s chaos. Sometimes it’s calm. Being a grad student and being a mom. The sun starts to rise as I catch my train. Walk from Union to Dundas, sun, snow and rain.

My backpack weighs heavy with work and my snacks.  Arriving to lecture, no time to relax.  Seminars and deadlines, blur into one. The days just begun and there’s more to be done. 

Nutrition communication is a balance and art.  Learning to share it with passion and heart. From policy briefings to podcasts with flair. Each lesson and discussion will help me prepare. 

Reflections to write and tasks to complete.  Presentations. Meetings. Finish. Repeat. 
The calendars crowded. The pace never slows. But somehow onward the semester, it goes. 

I’m tired. I’m learning. I’m trying my best. Goals of my placement are fuelling the rest.  Walk from Dundas to Union, sun, snow and rain. The sun starts to set, as I catch my train. 

Fiona Murray, Master of Professional Communication MPC

Without Limits

Waking up, I’m reminded of all before me. The first day I skipped up three floors,
Bouncing to class. A garden of new minds to flourish with
The space I’ll call home. Where my mind runs without limitations.
 
The following weeks, we’ll be warned
To tend our flame,
Not let the wind blow it out.
But my mind didn’t listen and in swiftest my flame dimmed.
I first felt it in my body, the slow decrypt cracks in my back
Then my ego,
I’d sit and stare
Waiting for the world to care,
About neurotic problems of surveillance in open air.
My peers emerge as part of the panopticon
We rush to beat the word counts before our will is beat.
It won’t be long until our minds are lined with words from class,
Pursuing our ideas, the space to learn will never be in defeat

Tiffany Ngo, Social Work MSW

Imposter Syndrome

The night before, I tossed and turned, A restless mind, a beating heart that burned.
My alarm disrupts anxious sleep, I rise too tired, my promises deep,
Of goals unmet, piles of work to do, A day of doubt now creeps into my view.

I walk into class and faces surround, That seem so sure, with confidence unbound.
Wondering where I fit in such a place, As my peers speak with wisdom, poise, and grace.

The warmth of the room makes it all worthwhile, A glance, a wave, a nod, a friendly smile. Thank you, to all my peers, for keeping near, For grounding me when doubts start to appear. Your words, your laughter, help me find my pace,
And steady me, when fear I must replace.

Day ends softly; my head rests, thoughts grow still, Tomorrow’s tasks, I’ll greet with certain will. No longer lost, no longer filled with fear, The student I am proud to be is here.

Alexandra Novitchkova, Communication and Culture PhD 

I imagined my grad time differently
Get up, dressed up, coffee,
A misty Dundas air
I’m finally wake up
A class, a book, an article,
A pint with friends at night…
But instead
I avoid news from home
If I’ve read I am done for the day
I try not to worry and live my best time
I read and I listen but at the same time
How do not think of the elephant in the room?
The land of my ancestors is violating my home
I despise people I used to belong
I make photos and donate
I am fine, and I appreciate
All the best of my ComCult
And the fiercest fight
For my Ukraine
I am part of

Kathy Porter, Communication and Culture PhD

PhD Calling

Belly gnawing
Re – cognition
White lies subsuming
Re – member
Reveal.

Pages gnaw
Long dreamscapes
Demanding
Questioning, examining.

Now what, know,
So what?
Breathe in
Ink smeared tears
Connect, submerge
Emerge, you are here
For a reason, a season.

A journey
Well traveled
Revealing
Responses.

Shafiq Qaadri, Literatures of Modernity MA

I’m the father, he’s the son,” I had to explain to the Dean’s Office. When my son, S.Qaadri, Jr. got into law school at TMU, S.Qaadri, Sr.—that’s me--started to explore course options.

My love of language and literature wouldn’t rest, and the question kept posing itself: could I possibly go back to university at this late date—a practising MD for 25 years, with kids, a wife, and no dog?

But the MA Literatures of Modernity offerings were too compelling, and JB’s guidance was supremely helpful. So, when both Junior and Senior had been accepted, the Powers that Be contacted us in distress. The urgent messages were wholly polite, but basically asked, “How many damn S.Qaadris are there from the same address, and how many degrees do you think you can do simultaneously?”

So I had to clarify, I’m the pater familias; he’s the filius familiae. Now I’ve switched from briefcase to camouflage backpack, and business-professional to deal-with-it-I’m-in-university.

And who knew that studying Writers on Writing, Decolonialism, and Artificial Intelligence as Author would help me in my upcoming gig, being a prof at the new TMU School of Medicine in 2025?

What a university…Thanks, TMU—from us both.

Christopher Randall, Environmental Applied Science and Management MASc

Grad School, One Step at a Time

Wake up, quick breakfast, and I’m out the door, A short walk to campus, legs stretched, spirits soar. At the RAC, a workout, a sauna escape, Where friends and updates start to take shape.

My office, my “thinking space” stacked high with books, My desk overflowing – it gets curious looks. Emails, part-time work, the steady routine, Crossing tasks off my list, feeling serene.

Lunch at the Caf, a Friendly Fiver delight, With friends, sharing laughs – makes the day bright. By late afternoon, I’m grading now, Trying not to nod off, furrowed brow.

Home with groceries, mac and cheese on my mind, YouTube in the background, my relaxation aligned. Trivia at the pub, we didn’t win, that’s fine – Just another grad school day, in this hopeful, funny grind.

Andrew Roberts, Master of Journalism MJ

The Hums; a master’s student interlude

The hums have become almost synonymous with the master’s program. The persistent floating incorporeal entity rattles through our brains for the entire school year.

They could imply productivity, but the action of being productive is coupled with so many different contradicting emotions, including inspiration and doubt.

The hums visit me when I wake up, sharing everything I plan to accomplish but eventually don't.

The hums are heard through the screeching of the subway tracks as I write this reflection.

The hums are seen this morning as a homeless man runs up and down the subway car, which I later switch out of.

All my peers' hums amass in the classroom. We share updates on how ours have changed in pitch or volume. The hums then play in reverse order on my way home.

I have been introduced to the hums since starting the master's program. It's different how the work permeates every inch of our lives compared to undergrad, where there is more flexibility.

I look forward to when I can reconnect with the hums years down the line like an old friend. I'd thank them for what they taught me about perseverance and improvisation.

Bayan Sabagh, Energy and Innovation Professional Master's Diploma (PMDip)

Every morning starts with a heart-shaped latte, lovingly crafted, brightening my day as I prepare for a fulfilling journey ahead. As a Chemical Engineering graduate from TMU ('22) and current Professional Master’s Diploma student in Energy and Innovation, I spend my mornings self-learning through Coursera, focusing on sustainability. I’m thrilled to apply this knowledge during my upcoming internship as a Sustainability Analyst at Oxford Properties this winter—exciting, right? My mornings also include assignments like exploring Smart Grid technology challenges—a perfect blend of knowledge and practical applications, paving the way for my dream of launching a sustainability-focused startup with guidance from professors, industry leaders, and research.

At lunch, I prepare shawarma and enjoy it with my husband, then connect with my parents for a heartfelt conversation that warms my heart. In the afternoons, I take a walk while listening to 'If That’s Leading, I’m In' a motivating audiobook on female empowerment. Evenings are filled with engaging classes, where I learn from professors and collaborate with colleagues, applying these lessons to my internship and entrepreneurial goals. By day’s end, I ride the streetcar home, taking in the serene downtown lights, listening to my favourite music, praying and reciting ""God won’t give you more than you can handle."" I unwind with a episode of The Office, hibiscus tea, and a snack, feeling inspired and ready to embrace tomorrow.

Rahul Singh, Master of Engineering Innovation & Entrepreneurship MEIE

My alarm rings at 5:25
Ten snoozes later, I’m barely alive
At six, I rise, ""Enough already!"" I yell
Private room saves my roommate from this hell

Freshened up, I dial India’s line
Long distance-it’s bitter yet divine
We talk as I whip up my breakfast plate
4 eggs, 2 breads & a smoothie first-rate

Then it’s gym time, I sweat like a pig
Dreaming of biceps obnoxiously big
Protein shake, Greek yogurt on the go
To IBZ I head, my favorite show

At the IBZ, I’m chatty and loud
Networking, applying, lost in the crowd
Lunch is chicken, broccoli, brown rice on a side
Healthy but-no chef’s pride

By 6 it’s class, Arctic Monkeys in my ear
But focusing for 3 hours? Let’s be clear
I try, I swear, till 9 ticks around
Then TTC takes me homeward bound

Dinner reheated, calling Dad for advice
15 minutes of wisdom, always concise Grandma chimes in, her stories bring cheer
LDR with my girl wraps the night clear

A warm glass of milk, then it’s Case in Point
Consulting dreams keep my study on point
Before sleep claims me, I pause & say
It’s chaos, but I like it this way

Narendra Sookram, Occupational and Public Health MSc

Living with Gratitude at TMU

My mom always says, “The secret to having it all is knowing that you already do.” This phrase helped me through high school and undergrad, and it will continue to guide me through grad school. As a graduate student at TMU, I reflect on it daily.

I spend my days grateful for the small things: the first breath I take when I open my eyes, the clean water I use to wash my face, and the laptop I’m fortunate enough to carry in my backpack. I’m thankful for the secure public transit that takes me to campus and for the friends in my cohort who share laughs and conversations as we walk to class. After class, I appreciate the quiet study spaces and internet access that allows me to host my thesis supervision meetings. Above all, as a queer individual, I am grateful for the safe, welcoming environment at TMU.

My day as a grad student is more than just a routine; it’s rooted in gratitude for the privileges I have. This gratitude shapes my perspective, and it is this perspective that will carry me through grad school, just as it has in the past.

Kristina Tsvygun, Master of Nursing MN

November 10th, 2024. 6:30 am. Alarm is ringing. So many plans ahead. But first, I reach for my phone. Nothing new has happened for the last two years. It is still February 2022 on my phone - a hospital in Ukraine was bombed. Rockets, sirens, children crying… I lock my phone. 

It is November again. I need to head to my nursing class. We talk about solving Canadian healthcare issues when hospitals get blown to dust somewhere. Paradox.

My class is done. I get a call from my mom after two days of silence.
-Mom, how are you? Do you guys finally have electricity? Are you safe?
Images of rockets, sirens, children crying… it feels like February again. Time to hang up.

I put on my jacket and ran to the meetings. I get to learn something new from incredible people today. Again. So many great things are happening to you when you look for them, right? I get home to finally rest. I open my phone from tens of messages… ”your home town is bombed. Again.”

I freeze on the spot, unable to breathe and move, as if I had spent hours in the snowstorm. Is it February again? 

Maryama Ulusow, Child and Youth Care MA

A Day in the Life of CYC Grad Student - Maryama Ulusow

Coffee brews, a tired sigh, Textbooks piled, a mountain high. Deadlines loom, a heavy weight, But passion burns, steadfast and straight.

A classroom filled, with hopeful eyes, Shared stories, whispered sighs Case studies dance, a complex art, A future's shaped, a beating heart.

The field work calls, a different stage, Young lives unfold, page by page. Challenges rise, a testing ground, Resilience grows, firmly grounded.

Though stress may press, a weary mind, A greater purpose, I will find. To heal the hurt, to mend the tear, A brighter future, drawing near.

Victor Vilela, Master of Spatial Analysis MSA

At 4:00 a.m., I wake up and begin preparing for the day. After getting ready, I enjoy a light breakfast to fuel my morning. Once I have eaten, I organize my tasks by priority, focusing on deadlines. I start working on assignments at home until 9:00 a.m.

By 9:30 a.m., I pack my belongings and head to the TTC stop, waiting for the streetcar to take me to campus. The trip usually takes about 40 minutes, though delays are common. Upon arriving, I head to Jorgensen Hall through the SLC entrance, take the elevator to the Geography and Environmental Studies department on the sixth floor, and settle into the MSA Lab. There, I continue to work on assignments until lunchtime.

Around 1:00 p.m., I take a break, visit TMU Café for lunch, and support my university community. I return to the lab to continue working until 3:50 p.m., when I save my files and prepare for class at 4:00 p.m. During lectures, I stay focused and take thorough notes. After class ends at 6:00 p.m., I go to Dundas Station and take the subway home.

Andrew Zwaniga, Physics PhD

Title: PhDifficulty Class = 20

It’s on my mind
I feel like a husk or rind
Sometimes out of groove
While myself I try to prove.
Like the Ring so heavily returned
To fiery Mount Doom
This PhD might well consume
Me before it's earned.

But not all is sorrow
With some feelings borrowed
My People in my heart keep
Me in theirs quite deep
That Love saves my soul
And fills that circle hole
This degree a thousand degrees burned
Me through all I’ve learned.

Let’s make a PhDeal:
Stop working through the meal!
Take more time to heal
And Play, Love, and Feel.