Reflecting on my TMU experience
I joined Toronto Metropolitan University in the fall of 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic. As an international student taking classes over Zoom, it was definitely strange to be studying at a Canadian institution while living in my home country India. While I had never seen the university in person, I remained excited to finally arrive at TMU.
I wanted to study at TMU because of the access to opportunities it provides students. Four years later, I can confidently say that TMU has definitely given me a wide range of opportunities throughout my time here.
I started at TMU as an English major and switched to Professional Communication (ProCom) after a year. I wasn’t planning on this, but after a year of exploring different classes and attending events, I realized that communications is what I wanted to pursue. At first, I was very nervous as to how a program switch would turn out, but it was actually quite simple! I had a lot of help from both English and ProCom advisors on the switch and they helped me every step of the way. This was when I realized how helpful and attentive TMU members are. I made the program switch in 2021 and started a new chapter.
Creative Exploration
What I love about being a TMU student is that along with what you learn in your program and faculty, you also have options to explore mediums outside of your coursework or polish your existing skills and interests! I have always had a passion for writing, so from early on when I started at TMU, I began to write for various student-owned publications such as The Eyeopener (external link) , New Wave (external link) and of course the International Student Blog (opens in new window) . I got to work with editors and great team members to create meaningful pieces that I am very proud of and grateful for!
Academic Growth
My Professional Communication (opens in new window) program is also something I am very grateful for. The help I received from my professors, advisors and peers has well-equipped me for my future in a field I love. As the semesters went by, I was always happy about what I had learned and the great resources that the program and faculty provided such as one-on-one advising sessions, personalized study plans and equipment rentals to pursue various communication projects.
Community
TMU is about community, and I really wanted to find a place where I found my people. From attending events to joining student groups or even chilling out at the study lounges, I met so many like-minded people. I can't tell you how many friends I made just because we were in the same study room cramming for finals together! I was also part of a club called the Visual Artists Association for two years and together we organized events, built awareness about the club and most importantly had so much fun and some great laughs. It is one of my highlights from my time here.
Professional Development and Networking Opportunities
People say that you enter “the real world” after you graduate from university and that it will be scary. As true as that statement may be, I already feel prepared to enter the “real world”. Thanks to all the events, industry nights and networking opportunities I had access to as a TMU student, I’m very confident and excited to graduate and use everything I learned to create my dream life!
Personal Growth
Despite my academic growth as a student, my biggest achievement has been the personal growth I experienced in the last three and a half years. I learned so much about myself; my strengths, my weaknesses, what I’m passionate about, my career aspirations, and so much more. I can proudly say that TMU has helped me realize my own grit! I am not the same person I was when I joined, and I am sure that 17 year-old me would love the person I am today.
To wrap up, my time at Toronto Metropolitan University has been a roller coaster ride! Sure, there were some difficult days along with the good but at the end of the day, it's the learning and the growth that matters the most to me. And every single day spent at TMU is one I will forever be grateful for.