My 2024 in a nutshell

With my third year halfway done and less time left in university than I have already spent, this is a good time for me to reflect on 2024. I moved to Toronto two years ago and had no clue what was in store for me. This environment was completely different from what I was used to and I soon learned that adapting to it and meeting new people will be the most special part of my journey!

2024 brought a lot of unique experiences. Even though it felt challenging at times, I am proud of myself for staying patient and embracing my mistakes. It was all made worth it because it shaped my journey in a way I couldn’t have imagined. 

When I was first applying to TMU, I talked to a lot of current international students to ask about their experience. These conversations are what made me realise that TMU is exactly the place I am meant to be. Ever since then, I wanted to do the same thing for other students and help them find their place in TMU!

This was made possible over the summer in my Career Boost role as an International Student Ambassador with the International Enrolment team. One of my major tasks was to give campus tours to prospective students and their families. Walking around campus on bright, sunny days and getting to talk about my favorite buildings was incredibly exciting. I came to know the campus in new ways and learnt about its many amenities and resources. I also had the chance to have virtual conversations with students from around the world who wanted to learn about TMU and its unique offerings. 

At the end of this role, what stood out to me was the conversations I had with students excited to embark on their university journey. Every time I gave a campus tour, I mirrored their enthusiasm. It felt like I was in high school all over again, applying to universities myself! 

This fall, I transitioned into the Marketing division of the International Enrolment team and now work as a Content and Communications Assistant. This role is particularly rewarding because it relates to my field of study of marketing. I also get to spend my time doing what I love most— writing! 

As a Marketing major, I love to take full advantage of my liberal studies courses to learn about new subjects that intrigue me. This year, I dabbled in art, geography, and philosophy. 

IRL 100 (Intro to World Art) looks at art within the context of social, political, and economic systems. We had exciting conversations in this class about historic and contemporary art pieces, the ideas and meanings attached to them, and the way they impact society. We also visited the Image Centre (external link)  on campus to look at the Black Star Collection (external link)  which holds more than 300,000 original pictures across the twentieth century from around the world. 

GEO 793 (The Geography of Toronto) covers the history of Toronto, starting from its foundation on First Nations Territories to its industrial expansion and development as one of the biggest metropolitan cities in the world. This course ended up being one of the most interesting courses I have taken so far. As an international student, this knowledge has helped me get better at navigating the city and understanding its intricacies. The final essay was very fun to work on, as I went in depth about the background and landscape of my favorite neighbourhood!

PHL 544 (Feminist Philosophy) breaks down and critically analyzes all different sects of feminist philosophy, from radical to psychoanalytic. We read famous feminist authors and philosophers such as Simone de Beauvoir and Judith Butler. What I particularly enjoyed in this course was our class discussions. It was exciting to hear different perspectives and examine the social and political impact of different philosophical schools of thinking. This course was the furthest from the business courses I usually take, but I enjoyed the way it broadened my horizons and introduced me to a lot of intriguing ideas.

While I have been living in Toronto for more than two years, I still love to explore the city like a tourist. From tubing in Elora Gorge to picking apples in orchards, I tried to visit a new place every few months so I could enjoy the beauty of each season at its peak! It is also a great opportunity to escape the city bustle every now and then to enjoy the quiet peace of nature.

My favorite place that I visited this year was Unionville, a town that is about an hour drive away from Toronto. This is where the first episode of Gilmore Girls was filmed! From picturesque backgrounds to quaint coffee shops, I felt like I was in the show as I walked around the town during a snowy day in April.

International Education Week 2024

This year, TMU hosted its very first International Education Week (IEW) to celebrate its diverse community of students and staff. Through workshops, embassy visits, and global fairs, IEW aimed to highlight the importance of global education and developing an intercultural mindset.

My favorite event of the week was the International Arts and Culture Festival facilitated by TMU Global, International Student Support & the Tri-Mentoring Program. Held at the DMZ Sandbox, their annual event- 1 Ingredient, 100 Ways- highlights the way different ingredients are enjoyed in different cuisines. This year, the ingredient was potato which meant exciting dishes such as Samosas and Makloubeh! 

These events are the perfect way to connect with the community and make new friends from all around the world. This year, they also had a Kahoot game which had exciting prizes for students including a brand new air fryer!

My year wrapped up in the best way possible with the most anticipated Eras Tour! Having been a fan of Taylor Swift’s music for many years, I had always wanted to see her in concert. This year, that dream came true! The city’s atmosphere completely changed the week she performed in Toronto with many Taylor Swift themed events around the city. Being able to watch the magic live was a memory I will never forget! The best part is that I was able to get the tickets through someone I knew on campus who was kind enough to sell them to me after learning what a big fan I was. Networking has many benefits and you never know the opportunities that await you because of it!

2024 was a whirlwind of a year, each month was unique and filled with memories I will treasure forever! My favorite thing to do at the last leg of any journey is to look back on the things I have learned. Each time, I am struck with the realization that no matter how challenging it has been, I would be happy to do it all over again.