It seems like just yesterday we were drinking hot chocolate with our families as we sat around in our pajamas for two week straight. But in the blink of an eye, school has started back up again, and I have a pile of readings sitting next to my cup of coffee. University flies by faster than anyone could have imagined. With second year students wrapping up their Ivey applications and first years still recovering from their first university exams, this period of time has truly brought about a lot of reflection.
As most AEO students are well aware, AEO does not guarantee a place at Ivey. Academics and extra-curricular activities are just as important as they were before. With another year of university halfway over, it may seem like it is too late to boost your marks or polish up your resume. But I’m here to tell you it isn’t. Four months is more time than it seems. In fact, in four months you can…
- Learn a new language! With the current trend of globalization, it is more important than ever to have knowledge of other countries besides your own. The US Foreign Service Institute has shown that it takes roughly 480 hours to be fluent in languages such as French, German, Italian, and Spanish. While putting in a couple hours a day for four months may not have you at that 480-hour mark, it will provide you with the basic knowledge of the language you decide to pursue. Western also provides a variety of half-year language courses to get you started on your journey.
- Join a new club! While Clubs Week occurred back in September, many clubs have a winter recruiting session. If you saw a club doing interesting things during first semester, now is your chance to get involved and discover new passions! And if you still can’t find something you enjoy among the 200+ clubs offered at Western, New Club applications are due within the month.
- Study abroad. The Ivey application does have a section dedicated to international experience. Beside having an impact on your AEO application, studying abroad provides many personal benefits as well. As someone who has studied abroad in the past, immersing myself in a new culture has opened up new perspectives in my life. I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and experienced new situations that has changed the person I have become. Western encourages students to study abroad by providing bursaries and a plethora of options. While it is too late to study abroad during the current academic year, applications for summer programs are currently open.
- Ace that exam. A beginning of a new semester means an opportunity to learn from your mistakes. Discover that last minute cramming doesn’t work? This semester, give yourself extra time before an exam to truly understand the material. University itself is a learning experience. Western provides academic support for nearly every course offered as well as Learning Skills Services if you wish to improve upon your studying skills.
If your school year began with a rough start, don’t be discouraged! Making mistakes is the human way of learning. Take the next four months to discover new passions and make the most of your university experience.