I’m sure you’ve heard people say, “The next four years will fly by.” Parents, family members and friends will tell you to slow down and enjoy this time, because there’s no getting it back. While it becomes redundant to hear, they’re absolutely right.
When I started my first year at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), I couldn’t have been more excited. For years, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in journalism. From the moment I started reading the morning announcements and producing monthly newscasts in elementary school, my future was set in stone.
Looking back, it feels like Orientation Week happened just yesterday and a million years ago, all at the same time. Those first few weeks were filled with meeting countless people whose names I’ll never remember, getting used to new surroundings and dealing with the overwhelming feelings that come with starting a new chapter.
I’d be lying if I told you I didn’t initially struggle with being away from my family, or fear I’d never find my place. However, I found comfort in knowing everyone around me was experiencing similar emotions. No matter who looks like they have it all figured out, I promise you—they don’t.
I’m lucky enough to say I’ve experienced nearly all of university with my best friends. Between late nights in the city, cramming assignments and travelling across the world during our semester abroad, I can’t help but smile when I think about all of the adventures I’ve experienced with the best group of people.
Some of us met by chance during Frosh week, and others during one of the many classes we’ve taken throughout our degree. This was the first time in my life when I truly had the opportunity to surround myself with people who made me feel like the absolute best version of myself. It’s my hope I did the same for them.
Your time in university gives you the space to figure out who you are as a person, not someone’s definition of who you should be. One of the best things you can do for yourself is to get involved in at least one social activity. It could be a club, a part-time job, a sport, or something else that piques your interest. It’s a great way to meet new people you may never have had the opportunity to meet otherwise. It also allows you to explore what interests you and fill your spare time with something that excites you.
During my first year, I became involved with various TMU campus publications, including our student-run radio station, Met Radio. I started as a volunteer, then an editor for our film-focused radio show. Before long, I was reporting on the red carpet at the Toronto International Film Festival, interviewing celebrities like Ben Stiller and Hugh Grant. Not only did these experiences allow me to grow as a journalist, but they also allowed me the opportunity to do things that seemed absolutely terrifying.
Never let fear or self-doubt stop you from pushing outside of your comfort zone. You’ll never know what opportunities may come your way if you never take a chance on yourself.
Whether you’re starting university with your lifelong best friend or moving to an entirely new place all on your own, the university experience will feel both terrifying and exciting. The world completely opens up around you. Some people thrive in new situations, while others take a bit more time to adjust.
But it’s not a race. In fact, there’s no finish line at all. One of the most interesting things about university is how everyone is operating on their own timeline, even if you’re sitting right next to each other in class. Between careers, relationships, family, and friends, everyone is focusing on what matters most to them.
It’s true when people say that “comparison is the thief of joy.” It’s easy to feel as though you’re falling behind when you see others racing ahead to their next goal. While it can be tough to remember, you are right where you’re meant to be.
Over the past few years, I’ve truly started to believe that everything happens when it’s meant to. Whether it’s a job offer or meeting someone new, time has its own agenda. It’s easy to jump ahead, plan for the future, rush through school and enter the “real world.” However, you’ll never fully appreciate the present if you’re constantly living in the future.
I can confidently say the person writing this article is not the same girl who started at TMU nearly four years ago. I’m ecstatic to graduate and begin working in the industry I’ve spent years longing to be part of. However, I know I will miss my time as a university student too.
I look back at these past four years fondly, leaving this school with memories, friends and experiences I wouldn’t trade for the world. I’ve learned how to stay true to myself, in both my work and every type of relationship. My personal goals at 21 are not the same as they were at 18, despite how sure I once was.
University is not for figuring out how you want to spend the rest of your life. That’s a big decision that will never stop evolving and changing with time. However, it does give you the opportunity to figure out the type of person you want to be, to have the confidence to set goals, and to have the tools to start chasing them.
If I leave you with any advice, it’s this: trust yourself to know what’s right for you. Take chances on yourself and try something new, even when it’s terrifying. Travel and discover new places. Maintain your friendships and ensure you make time for what’s most important in your life. Live for yourself, make mistakes and never apologize for making the future you dream of.