Dear fellow STEM major,
A year ago, I had no idea I would be here. I also had no idea what I wanted to do with my career. As a high school student or even a university student, that is completely okay! The past year has seen many growth opportunities, and if there’s one lesson I have learned as a first-year student, it is that change can be uncomfortable. You are not always going to want to participate in a class or ask for help, but life as a university student requires initiative and independence. This past year, I have learned to step outside of my comfort zone and more often than not, it has brought me closer to new friends, opportunities, and experiences.
Exploring Your Options
I planned on studying science from the moment I started high school. Coming from a family of engineers and researchers, I have always been interested in the STEM field, which is why choosing the Medical Sciences program at Western was a no-brainer for me.
Still, I have also embraced new ventures. Being a well-rounded student has always been a focus of mine, and especially this year, I have been persistent in developing my business and writing skills, even as a science student. The key is to start small.
Something seemingly minute, such as working with a real estate agent, has developed my communication skills and enhanced my knowledge of the industry considerably. Just because you may be a science student does not mean you do not have the option to explore careers in various domains. Too many students come into university as firm believers that they will enter a specific occupation, like becoming a doctor or a lawyer. The truth is, pathways change, attitudes change, and career outlooks change. So, never be afraid to test new waters and transfer your skills to a plethora of potential careers.
Get Involved
Like many first-year students, I was also worried about adjusting to a new academic environment and finding a sense of belonging. That turned out not to be worrisome because, at Western, clubs revolve around anything from Harry Potter to HOSA. I became involved with clubs dedicated to healthcare, fundraising, and advocacy, which stem from a personal exigence. My advice is to take part in something you see yourself contributing to more in future years. Something you envision yourself having fun in. Something you see yourself thriving in. If you don’t want to join a business club, there’s no pressure to do so!
Work experience is also a fantastic way to get involved with your local community. For the past two years, I gained work experience as a pharmacist assistant at local pharmacies in my community. These experiences have shaped who I am as they completely changed my perspective on the pharmaceutical industry. I communicated with customers daily and had the chance to learn from professionals in the healthcare field. As a student interested in the pharmaceutical and healthcare consulting industry, I have learned from my previous pharmacy work experience that the pharmaceutical industry is much more than just a STEM-related field. A seemingly healthcare-centred role such as working as a pharmacist requires ample business skills to run a retail pharmacy, manage daily inventory, and sort out insurance matters. Remember, intersectional careers exist in every industry!
Develop a Support System
One of the most important lessons I have learned in university is never to forget where you came from. After four years of high school, I had conceived a great support system comprising exceptional teachers who encouraged me through all my ambitions. So, every once in a while, don’t forget to look back and see how far you have come. After all, the quality of your support system will determine your growth as a student and as a person. Your support system can look like anything. It includes your family, friends, mentors, instructors, counsellors, and way more people than you think.
I always knew that as a university student, I would have to take more initiative in advocating for my academic needs. In high school, much of my focus as a student leader was making resources and information more accessible and transparent for students to comprehend. It can be hard to find your support system when you are in a brand new environment. You may feel intimidated around people in your program who are just as committed and hardworking as you are. You may begin to doubt yourself and your abilities. I know I felt all of that. Yet, after a long day of classes and labs, my roommates were always there for me. Something as simple as eating dinner, watching a movie, and going over homework assignments together was meaningful because it motivated me to face the next day. Away from home, you need the best supporters by your side. University is not a journey meant to be experienced alone. It is a shared experience.
Senior students are also an excellent resource for obtaining advice and tips. University is about knowing when to ask for help, and senior students love meeting younger students to talk about their personal experiences. A simple way to start talking to senior students is through the clubs you join. Often, they will be studying towards a similar degree or are in the same program, so their advice is worth a listen!
Lastly, always try to make friends outside of your program. The diversity in your social circles can prove refreshing. Having friends is not always about comparing your grades or discussing the upcoming exam. It’s about having fun and taking mental health breaks! People outside of your program will also often push you to think creatively and shed light on a different perspective to approach the same problems.
Take Care of Yourself
Finally, for those of you like myself who cope with burnout, it is imperative to lead a balanced lifestyle. Western University is home to seriously high achievers! But, university is not about studying 24/7. Successful students don’t stay in their dorms all day to study.
It’s important to set boundaries. Believe it or not, there’s a limit to how much you can study for that one exam. You, like anyone else, need mental health breaks. Indulge in that novel, create a new playlist to listen to, go for a run, or my personal favourite, stress-colour some periodic tables!
Never risk your sleep schedule for a grade or an extracurricular. School is not just a mental feat but also a physically draining one. So, let your body recharge, and you might find that the gruesome physics homework question you were stumbling and panicking to solve the night before wasn’t as outlandish as it seemed after a good night’s sleep.
Ultimately, learning is the priority. Be creative and bold in your career explorations. Take advantage of university services when you recognize you’re struggling with your mental or physical health. Don’t let your future scare you because everything and beyond awaits you at Western. Welcome to the Mustang family.
Sincerely,
A First-Year Science Major