Sisters at TMU: lessons we've learned in Journalism and Social Work

Going to the same university as my sister is unique, but it also has some perks. Even though we have those annoying sister moments, we’ve supported each other from our first years to our last. We know we can rely on each other and know exactly what the other is talking about. We’ve joined the same clubs and even shared the same elective class at one point. Despite all of this, attending the same school together for the last three years hasn’t stopped us from growing individually into our own people with separate interests!

Hadiqah: Hearing people’s stories and understanding what makes them who they are is one of my favourite things. Also, I love sharing these experiences with readers to make them feel heard. I like to focus on social issues that don’t get enough attention over the media. Journalism doesn’t have to only be writing all the time—it comes in many forms through film, radio and graphic design. The way Journalism at TMU integrates all of my creative interests into one program is something I truly love.

On top of this, TMU has given me the opportunity to make friends, while feeling comfortable on campus right from the beginning. I wouldn’t have the friends I do if it weren’t for TMU’s encouragement on celebrating each other's cultures, no matter who you are or where you’re from. There are so many places to explore and bond with your social circle. Thinking about all of these factors, it’s what makes me excited to come to campus every week.

Hadiyah: I would say that TMU is the right fit for me as a school because it’s so multicultural and diverse. The culture at TMU is alive—there’s always something going on, and it’s a lot of fun, especially for those who want to step out of their comfort zone and learn how to navigate the city on their own. It's also great for meeting people from similar cultures and ethnicities. There's a large Muslim community on campus, as well as a sizable South-Asian community, which really helps me with building friendships, relationships and a sense of community.

As for my program at TMU, I believe it's the right fit because it provides a unique experience that other universities don’t offer. For example, at TMU our Social Work program is really collaborative. I remember having a class literally outside in the Quad (a green space in the middle of campus)—my professor took us there, and it was so beautiful and engaging. Within my program, there are professors who truly take a holistic approach to learning. Professors at TMU are open-minded and willing to explore different cultural practices. Overall, I would say that my program offers a wide range of learning opportunities, which is extremely beneficial for future social workers, as it allows us to think on a broader scale.

Hadiqah: One of the main things I can say is that my program has helped me develop my confidence in going out and talking to people. In my first year, most of our early assignments involved interviewing others for stories. I remember going to the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) by myself and feeling terrified at first. But, after I went and talked to other visitors, the trust I had in myself grew. That’s what I love about TMU—from protests, to film festivals and art galleries, everything I need as a journalist and the stories I cover are all around the city and accessible for me to report on. 

Hadiyah: I feel like TMU has made me more ambitious about my future. It’s provided me with more hands-on learning related to what I would actually experience in the field. Just like the practices of my own faith, I learned that other cultures have their own practices which is important when working with all kinds of people in Social Work. In my class, SWP 435: Indigenous Approaches to Social Work, we were included by our Indigenous professor to start off every class in a collaborative circle, where we’d purify ourselves with sage—a common practice in their culture. 

Also, since TMU is located in the heart of downtown, we’re able to learn from the many societal issues that take place in a major city. We can observe the different forms of oppression happening, which allows us to further connect and learn about real world issues within our program.

Hadiqah: I would love to learn about child development and the support that’s needed to keep them safe. I’ve always been interested in families in crisis, especially in protecting children and giving them the space to grow and thrive in a comfortable environment. I think learning about their mental health, behavioural issues and the way families interact with one another would be really eye opening. 

Hadiyah: I feel like I’d want to learn how to use Journalism as a tool for social change. A lot of the time, I feel like the news is very misleading. As a Journalism student, I’d want to learn how to work with larger organizations while also speaking the truth about what’s really going on in the world, rather than taking a Western approach, which often fails to tell the full truth.

Hadiqah: I don’t think I would’ve done anything differently now that I’m looking back at it. But, I would tell myself not to be afraid to explore and do things alone! Although I’m so grateful to have people by my side at all times now, I wouldn’t have found my confidence without exploring the city and spending time in my own silence. With this, I’m glad I got the chance to find myself before meeting my best friends, and I’m thankful I had the opportunity to truly get to know myself back when I was 18.

Hadiyah: I would say to just not skip class and enjoy the experience while you’re at it because going to campus is the best part about being at TMU. It’s actually so much fun, even when you don’t have friends on campus or feel like you have nothing to do during your breaks between classes. Trust me, it’s a lot of fun to grab some coffee, run to H-Mart and just relax at the library while studying. Take full advantage of your experience because university might be something you only get to experience once in your life!

Hadiqah: You’ve encouraged me to stand up for myself and what I believe in, despite being walked over by the people around me. As someone who often has their own narrative told about them and what they believe in, it’s comforting to know that another person on campus who looks like I do is by my side. This reminds me of when we both applied for a club at TMU together called Islamic Relief at TMU (IRC) (external link, opens in new window) , which aims to raise money for countries in need while also sponsoring orphans around the world. I wouldn’t have continued my marketing role with the club if you hadn’t originally joined with me! By attending TMU together, I’ve created some cool memories with awesome people, while also finding others who stand for our same values.

Hadiyah: I’ve learned the importance of joining different clubs and staying committed to them, even when it feels like you don’t have the time. Trust me, student clubs allow you to build so many friendships, and they really make you feel like you’re part of something. Whether it’s different cultural associations or charity organizations on campus, being involved really makes you feel connected. 

I would also say that you are more motivated than me to go to class, and you don't procrastinate and have fun. Sometimes I’m too lazy to wake up early for my 8 a.m. classes, but I see you and the way you show up. So, I’ve learned to keep going because of you.

Talking about the lessons we've learned at TMU felt like a chapter’s closing as we both get ready to move on to our Journalism and Social Work careers! I’m glad we got to share this time and connect before Hadiyah graduates this year. We wouldn’t have been able to if we weren’t at the same university!

Bye for now,

Hadiqah