First-year success stories

Nikesha Sampson

Business Management

“I’m really proud of stepping out of my comfort zone and challenging myself by constantly engaging with students, staff and industry professionals at various events thanks to Fit for Business. Notably, I attended two conferences in one weekend and they were my first conference and case competitions ever! It was less scary than I imagined because I thought everyone was 100 steps ahead of me in terms of knowledge, but I realized that everyone there was still in the learning process. I now live by two quotes 'The journey might change, but the destination stays the same' and 'Become uncomfortable with the uncomfortable.'”

Huzaifa Syed Mohammad

Business Technology Management

“2020 was a difficult year for students. Our last day of school was on a random Friday in March, where we were planning for the graduation and prom that we never had. This was truly disappointing, and took a heavy toll on a lot of us. And as the pandemic continued, our first-year experience slowly slipped away. It took a while for me to understand that me and my peers are the leaders of tomorrow and I truly believe that a great leader shines when faced with adversity. Which is why, from day one, I was determined to capitalize on every opportunity presented to me.

I took part in several Bootcamps which taught me an immense amount of skills and information that I can use in my future workplace. I got involved in the TRSM ecosystem by becoming an Ambassador in the Ted Rogers Outreach Program and the TRSS Ambassador Program. Both of these initiatives allowed me to promote events and opportunities to the student body, while networking with like-minded individuals. Their main goals were to help bridge the gap between high school and university, and create a sense of belonging for students. I also chose to become a TedPack Leader, guiding a group of 45 students through socials and study sessions, and providing them with a safe place to talk, seek advice and create connections. While doing all of this, I was able to maintain an incredible GPA.

My first-year experience was very empowering, and I hope that I left a positive impact everywhere I went. Although this wasn't the introduction to university we all hoped for, I am grateful for the opportunities that were given to me, and I hope to accomplish more in the coming years!”

Vitaliy Yushvaev

Accounting and Finance

“Those who started their university journeys in fall 2020 had two options: Simply adapt to the online environment, or THRIVE in the online environment. Personally, I chose to thrive. It all started with me becoming a TedPack Leader at Fit for Business, where I led a group of first-year students in my program through the challenging task of making friends and connections in a virtual setting. By the end of my first year, I hold many positions, including Vice President of Events at Ryerson Financial Planning Association (RFPA), Vice President of Events at Ted Rogers Outreach Program, Co-Facilitator and Project Coordinator of Bootcamps at the Business Career Hub , Conference Associate at Toronto Metropolitan University Finance Society and Team Lead at Ted Rogers Student Society Ambassador Program.”

Myuri Mohan

Business Management

“Miraculously I've thrived in my online community more than I ever expected to. I became part of a large community, not just by being a Ted Rogers School student, but by being a leader for students. I take pride in knowing students come to me for advice and resources, but most of all, just to make friends. Over the course of this year, I have also joined many student groups. I am an LBSA Ambassador, a TedPack Leader, a DECA delegate and Breakthrough mentee. I have competed in many conferences that have broadened my view of the world. Most importantly though, I've gotten involved in my student community and I've formed a strong group of friends. I know that regardless of what major we end up picking, we'll still remain friends. I consider the first-year community I am in and helped to build valuable beyond words.

I worried in my first year that I, and many other students, would feel isolated. I worried I would be unable to handle the workload. This first year, I've found my worries to be null.”

Asad Salman

Business Management

“This has been a strange year. Since I started at Toronto Metropolitan University, I've been studying from my bedroom in Dubai, trying to manage a sizable time difference while remaining a functional human being. After some time I saw this as yet another challenge for me to overcome, helping me grow and become more adaptable.

In looking back, these challenges never prevented me from becoming more engaged in our schools community. In fact, I had the huge honour of sharing my story in front of a panel of Deans and Directors at a ceremony celebrating the top 10% of first-year students at the Ted Rogers School  in terms of engagement where I found I was over four times as engaged as the average first-year.

A huge thank you has to go out to Fit for Business for providing me with the opportunities and the tools necessary to facilitate my growth and successes during this academic year. It's been a wild one, but I couldn't think of a more meaningful way to end the year than by sharing my story.”