My 2025 in a nutshell

2025 was an exciting year full of change, promises and lessons. I am in my final year, so this was the last full year I spent being a student. It’s been both exciting and sad to think about this journey coming to an end. When I look back on everything that happened this year, I feel proud about the experiences I had and connections I made. 

Here’s a recap of my year:

One of the year’s highlights was the in-depth learning about marketing and graphic design I was able to do through my final year courses. My favourite marketing courses were MKT 600 - Integrated Case Analysis and MKT 702 - Advanced Marketing Management. From analyzing and building solutions for real-life company marketing challenges to learning about the surveillance capitalism that prevails digital algorithms, my knowledge about my field strengthened. These courses helped me gain a sharper eye for marketing strategies and their ethical implications.

I also took my first Creative Industries course CRI 300 - Digital Design Studio, which was taught by student-favourite professor Dwight Alexander. While the course material was rigorous, with four Adobe Creative Cloud tools to be learned from scratch, Professor Alexander’s way of keeping his students engaged and inspired meant that no student was left behind! I finished this course with an understanding of design tools I have never used before, and a finished portfolio that I can use in my job applications.

This year, my pieces were published in TMU publications and each time, seeing my name in print made me excited. I worked with some amazing student editors from the School of Journalism whose professionalism and genuine passion for producing the best work possible inspired me so much to keep writing. I covered a lot of arts and cultural events around the city for these articles, and learned journalism protocol and standards.

I also am so proud of my work on the International Students Blog, where I write about my journey and lessons and also support other international students in sharing theirs. My personal goal this year was to gather as many bylines as possible to significantly expand my writing portfolio. In the summer break, I decided to start my own newsletter called Slightly Ajar Door (external link) , where I write personal and political pieces about the issues that move me.

In my upper years at the Ted Rogers School of Management, I have spent a lot of time cultivating strong relationships with industry professionals. Through consistent coffee chats with my mentors in the Top 200 program and the Sales Leadership program and networking events organized by the Business Career Hub, I learned of upcoming job opportunities in agencies and companies I would be very excited to work in. 

Another great opportunity I got this year was to work with one of my previous supervisors on her small business as my first freelance opportunity. I supported her in building her blog, using SEO strategies to drive organic traffic. This opportunity, received through networking, helped me kickstart my career as a freelance writer.

My main takeaway from networking conversations is that relationship-building is as important as developing my skills. As cutthroat as the job market can be, everyone is willing to share their knowledge and help you get ahead if you just ask! 

After three exciting years of living in the heart of downtown Toronto, across the street from the TMU campus, I finally decided to move! I didn’t realize it was possible to get so attached to a building, but I had lived in my previous home since my first week of being in Canada. Those years shaped me into who I am today and have been fundamental to my journey, which is why leaving felt bittersweet!

I now love my new home and its proximity to parks and the Harbourfront, the neighborhood near Lake Ontario. I also really enjoyed setting up the new place and making it feel cozy and comfortable. It felt like home soon after moving, much like Toronto did within a few days of me coming to TMU. 

Now entering my last semester, I spent this year embracing the 'last times' I get to enjoy with the privilege of being a student. I tried to be more present, enjoying the summer and fall with my friends as we explored the city and tried new activities. 

TMU has been home for me for so long that the idea of leaving it feels strange. But I am also ready for the next step and to embrace the change coming my way!