So, I have a confession. I started doing something this month that many students don’t get around to in their university career.
You guessed it. I…
Have been taking advantage of our campus resources. The RAWC, the Career Centre, the Office of the Registrar – even the student centre. Some might call this a resource-binge. Or I just created a super-cool, super-relevant, super-new word. Either way, in my first year I had no idea that UTM had so much to offer, and that I was already paying for. This year, I’ve been exploring our resources.
One of my New Year’s resolutions was to pick up a weekly class at the RAWC. January was hectic (not an excuse, I swear!), so this month I’ve taken up Cycle-Yoga Fusion on Tuesdays at 5:10pm. Admittedly, I have to run from North to Davis to make it on time, but the class is definitely worth it. The instructor, Cindy, is really clear on how to do yoga poses. I’ve even ventured onto the elliptical and into the weights, and after only three weeks of gym time, I feel healthier and de-stressed every time I stumble out through the turnstile and climb back up the 58 stairs to the Meeting Place. My goal is to be able to touch my toes by the end of the month!
A few weeks ago, I saw an academic advisor at the Office of the Registrar. One of my friends suggested I talk to an advisor because I’m thinking about switching majors. And it’s easy! All you have to do is walk in, scan your T-Card on the screen to the left of the doors, touch some buttons, and bam: You’re waiting your turn to talk to an advisor. The advisor I spoke with helped me find clarity and direction for my degree, taught me about deregulated program fees, and pointed me towards the Career Centre located at DV3094. So, I went upstairs and made an appointment with a career counselor.
I kid you not, I waltzed out of my career counseling appointment with even more clarity towards my degree. The Career Centre is full of career catalogues by major, career and volunteer ads on their bulletin board, and experienced people. The counselor obliterated all of my degree-related questions such as the difference between a BA and a BBA to an employer, and trends in the job market today. She even opened my eyes to programs with internships and encouraged me to come back and touch base with her in a few weeks.
Now the student centre. It has never been a prime option for me to hang out or study. Until now. Not only can you grab bubble tea or chicken wings from the Blind Duck, you can browse flyers for upcoming events while you procrasti—I mean, while you take a break from studying. Events happen at the pub too! Just this month, I’ve been to UTM’s Got Talent, the Multifaith Dinner, UTMAC’s Laughter Therapy, and Leafs Night, and they were all packed with students. I felt refreshed to see spirit on campus, and I made a couple of friends while I studied and ate and attended these events.
The last three weeks have absolutely opened my eyes to campus resources and have helped me feel more at home on campus. I can’t wait to explore more tuition-included resources on campus during my time here, and I hope you will too.
Have any campus resources you think I should check out? Let me know, comment below!
