I think one of the best things about writing for HerCampus is being able to—when I get assigned a topic—brag about how great my friends are. I knew for a while who I wanted to write as my first “Campus Cutie” when I got the assignment, as this person truly brightens up the lives of those around him, which is a hard thing to do in a university setting where all we seem to do is go to class, study, sleep for two hours at most, and repeat. He’s someone that, no matter what life’s thrown at him, can spread such happiness to those around him. I’m very proud to have met and gotten to know him during my time at U of T. Folks, meet my best friend: Imad Abdulkadir.
So how is this not just an article about me bragging about how cool my friends are? Well, not only does Imad have such a warm personality, his story is inspiring and empowering. Imad went into the University of Toronto at 16 years old, studying Engineering Science. He lived in Chestnut Residence with me during first year, which is how we met and became friends. After months of personal and academic hurdles, he decided that the discipline wasn’t for him and took the semester off to figure out what he truly wanted to do. Now he’s back with a more concrete idea of what he wants to do and a resolve that’s difficult to break. After small convincing, Imad shared with me a bit more about his experiences at University and what it feels like going back to school as a first year once again.
How did you react when I told you I intended to use you as my “Campus Cutie”?
I felt honoured to be considered, I guess.
How did it feel going to University at sixteen?
It was a little nerve-wracking, but altogether I was just excited. I certainly got a few double takes when people first found out how young I was, but I never thought anything of it myself. Age is just a number—to two or three years—is how I see it.
What advice can you give to anyone struggling at University, not sure whether their POSt is right for them or not?
It’s a tricky thing, trying to figure out what path is right for you that even I still deliberate about. I think it’s a balance of the path that will make you the most happy and the path that’s the healthiest and most feasible for you. Ultimately, the only wrong decision you can make is one where you aren’t being completely honest with yourself.
Can you describe your experience in taking the six months off of school, and then coming back?
The six months were rejuvenating. Like most students I had never had a period of time off, and it was enlightening to explore a side of me that wasn’t preoccupied towards school or work. I learned a lot about what I want and more importantly what I need out of my life, and it has really empowered me to come back to U of T.
How is it like pretty much re-living first year again, but in a different discipline of Engineering?
It’s surprisingly new; I feel like I’m taking on first year for the first time somehow. Switching disciplines has certainly provided me with a different atmosphere, but I still get that invigorating rush of being in a new environment. My new discipline has allowed me to see and experience more of U of T and university life, so I feel pretty blessed to be on a new path.
What kept you motivated to come back to U of T so strong?
U of T really felt like a home to me when I first came, which is part of the reason I was saddened to leave it. Everything that Toronto and the University offered made me so excited to be a part of it, and I knew that I had to do everything I could to experience it to the fullest extent.
You’re technically a first year not living on residence anymore, what’s different about it?
While I miss the residence atmosphere, renting a place has grounded me in a way that’s indescribable. Where I’m staying now feels more like a home, between cooking and cleaning and just having a room to myself. It now feels as though the place I live is where the business happens, and the fun exists outside.
What things are you doing now that are different from last year?
I meditate now. But the biggest change is my perspective. I’m more honest with myself now about what I want and what my limitations are. I feel as though I know myself more, and what I don’t know about me, I acknowledge and try to learn.