A typo got me into Ivey.
In high school, I knew I wanted to get involved in extracurriculars. Something about the way the school newspaper reached the entire community drew me to it. In grade 10, I started as a lowly copy editor, writing everything from pieces on de-streaming education to funny pop culture moments. When my first article was published, there was a misprint. It read Sophie Ratner, Editor-in-Chief. This was a mistake — because I shared the same first name as the editor—but this typo inspired me to one day reach that goal of becoming Editor-in-Chief.
When I eventually took on the role in Grade 12, I enjoyed how being in the newspaper supported my journalistic interests while still contributing to the school community. In my other extracurriculars, I pursued a similar goal by being a camp counsellor and Peer Assistant Leader for younger students at my school.
I worked as a camp counsellor at two summer camps. One was very established and had a big budget with a strictly set schedule. The other was a new camp that was underfunded and in a church basement with little to do to entertain the campers. This is where I really had to overcome challenges and work to ensure the kids had a great summer. I had to get creative, doing things like making a foosball table out of a cardboard box and decorating the originally bland space using items from home to create a fun, welcoming environment for the kids. This experience is what I wrote about in one of my long-form responses on my Ivey application, because I knew it showed the skills that I valued in myself and hoped Ivey would value too.
Ivey seemed out of reach for me, I always viewed the program as something that I was not good enough to get into, something that was for students who had achieved extremely impressive things like starting their own business. However, the one productive side of my imposter syndrome is that it allowed me to push myself. I studied hard and went to my teachers for extra help. Every late-night study session and every scramble for newspaper interviews was an attempt to quiet the voice in my head telling me that I wasn’t good enough.
As I made my application, I tried to represent the best version of myself, describing my accomplishments without over-glamorizing my situation. My advice to future AEO applicants is the same, always trying to be the best version of themselves in the moments that matter.
When I did eventually get my offer, I knew I was going to pick Western and Ivey. I could study Social Sciences and Business, the former being a subject area I loved studying throughout my time in school and the latter being a new subject of interest for me that I knew would be helpful for my future in the workforce.
The truth is, even as an AEO, imposter syndrome doesn’t disappear. It’s hard not to compare myself to others and feel inferior, but working hard and surrounding myself with supportive people is a good way to overcome self-doubt.