The first step in a new adventure is both menacing and alluring. To say that we have worked hard would be an understatement. We have led students, led our community, studied and, overall developed a well-rounded character. It’s relying on this foundation that can present challenges. Coming into orientation week, I thought I was going to be taking this important step in my life alone. It’s difficult going from being a very independent person, comfortable in her surroundings to someone who now has to search for the answers.
Entering a new town with that mentality of thinking “you know everything you need to know” can be its own challenge. We have to accept that we may not always know everything and that we rely on each other. New experiences present challenges that cause us to question our perspectives, our ideologies and, in the end strengthen us as people. Moving away from home is one of those challenges. Leaving the familiar streets, people and landmarks, like the park in front of my childhood home, to move to a new city has been an odd experience. We have said goodbye to family and friends and welcomed a new family, the Western family. Despite the change in location, landmarks and friends, I have met more people who share the same interests and passions as me. More people who can relate to me and some that make me question my previous opinions. Each day, I encounter another AEO student, with the same level of achievement and well-rounded behaviour, but so diverse in skills and opinions. There are so many different backgrounds, from students who are studying English, Social Science to those who have a passion for Science. All of these diverse passions and interests demonstrate the breadth of the conversations to come, in upper years when we finally come together with our own unique views developed over the course of these first two years here at Western.
I have found that each student subscribes to a personalized set of ideas that differ from others and makes me question my own set of ideas. Although that may seem like a challenge, I think in starting this new chapter of our lives we have to redefine challenge. Challenges mean that we are growing and as much as we do not like difficult situations, in the end we are becoming better people. As AEO students we have to accept that we may not always be right, our peers are just as well-rounded as we are. Because of how important I think it is that we all challenge ourselves I have come up with 3 challenges for my fellow AEO and Western Students.
Explore Campus
Although this may seem like a general and normal thing to do, there’s a sort of hesitation to leave what we are familiar with, like our residences. Try out something new, whether it be a different route to your classes or a new lunch spot. Familiarize yourself with your new home and maybe search for some hidden tunnels along the way!
Make a New Friend Everyday
We all know our own levels of social interaction in high school. Get out of your own bubble of friends you have made in the first few days of your Western Orientation Week and sit with someone new. Staying social and networking is just as important as it was in high school. No matter the added course load, it’s still vital to work on our interpersonal skills.
Ask for Help
Although the new environment will be challenging, you can always ask someone for help. No matter how successful you were in high school, it’s important to remember that you can only stay successful if you get help when you need it. Whether it be knowing where a class is, having problems fitting in or understanding course material, it’s important to remember that asking is never a sign of weakness and that when starting a new chapter everyone needs help.
All in all, it’s safe to say that this orientation week has been nothing but jam packed and very memorable. With the final couple of items unpacked and in place it’s safe to say that we have arrived.
- Samira Adus – BMSc Year 1