Photo from the blogUT Flickr pool by coolnalu
So, as the new school year rolls around and students once again fill the campus in a flurry of activity, I’m in a strangely different position. This Tuesday, I finally handed in all the paper work necessary for the completion of my Master’s degree, wrapping up a 6 year stint here at the University of Toronto. I can’t help but feel a little nostalgic already. It’s been quite a learning experience indeed, and I know I’m going to miss it. So, before I leave, let me share with you 6 things I learned in my 6 years here. It took me a while to figure these things out… but you know what they say, better late then never.
Well, better earlier than late! You get to know them now if you read on.
1. Marks don’t matter… for most things. First, let me tell you the things for which marks do matter: grad school, med school, law school & other graduate programs, in addition to some prestigious jobs fresh from graduation (e.g. investment banking and management consulting). Yes, marks matter for the above things. And by matter, I mean, they are part of the evaluation criteria (but certainly not the only evaluation criteria).
So sure, study hard and get good marks. I certainly tried to. Good marks are not going to hurt you. However, if you’re so focused on getting good marks that you’re afraid to do anything else while in school, then you’re definitely hurting yourself. This was what I did for a good part of my undergrad at U of T, and I am very sorry for the lost time.
For just about everything else in the real world after school, your marks are not going to hold any weight. The other skills you pick up while you’re in school are what’s going to help you. There are things you need to learn outside of the classroom. This leads me to my next point.
2. The most important things you learn are usually not taught in class. Classes are great, and through course work and classes, you will certainly learn a lot. But the most important things you’ll need to learn are usually not in the notes on the black board. How to interact in social situations, how to definite and achieve your own goals, how to work in a team, how to communicate a message… these are all essential life skills. The best way to learn them is to engage your environment. Don’t be content to go from classroom to library to your room. Be open and receptive to getting involved in activities outside of classes. Actually, be proactive about it. Go seek them out. Ten years from now, you’re not going to remember what you learned in MAT359, and it’s not going matter. However, the skills you pick up in school will stay with you for life.
3. Always challenge yourself. University is the best place to do it. Step out of your comfort zone. Try something you’ve never tried before and do for kicks. Nothing catastrophic is going to happen if you screw up. Hell, how do you think blogUT started? I just decided to go ahead and do it one day. I didn’t have any “experience” of any sort to speak of, but I am damn glad I went ahead and did it anyway. The sense of accomplishment, the learning opportunities, and the fun I had were all because of that decision.
4. Keep an open mind. You’re likely going to encounter a lot of new things in university. You’ll get the most out of these new experiences if you keep an open mind. Try to understand something, give it a chance and try it out before making a judgment. You’re only limiting yourself if you stick to your prejudices.
5. It’s really about who you know. From professors, to mentors, to friends, who you know is going to greatly shape your future. They are your sources of information and your sources of opportunities. Looking for a job? Well, it’s going to be a lot easier if your professor or your friend has an industry connection and recommends you. You learn from the people you know. Know a friend who’s exceptionally good at managing her time? Talk to her and learn. Know someone who’s very fit and athletic? Ask him to show you around the gym and get you into a workout routine. People are probably the most important resource in your life.
6. Have fun. This sounds simple enough, but to be honest, having fun takes effort. To really have fun, you can’t just veg out in front of the TV or get smashed, puke and then pass out. You’ll need to cultivate your interests, which takes times and effort. You need to plug yourself into what’s happening and keep updated about events. You like films? Well, then you should keep a tab on the film festivals round town and seek out special screenings. Like music? You’ll want to discover new bands and find out when they’re playing live. Fashion, art, food, and culture all require similar investments on your part. Or if you’re like me and your interests cover just about everything… well, good luck! In that case, maybe you should write for blogUT. 😉
That was awesome! 🙂
I tried dance and swimming, and I am really glad I did. But that is almost about all I tried there. The problem is that I don’t know what else I can do (given the social difficulties of a newcomer international student)
Can you share your personal stories of what you have done and learned out of classrooms?
Sure.
I’d have to say starting blogUT was probably the biggest learning experience. It’s a real test: managing priorities, motivating people, communicating a vision, publicising etc. etc.
Aside from that, I was part of Leaders of Tomorrow Graduate group, a leadership development organization within Engineering. I learned a lot there. I had always brushed leadership off as some sort of buzz word “skill” before. But it really is a skill that people need to learn and develop.
I also attended any events at U of T that interested me… from music, to theatre, to talks or seminars.
Outside of U of T, I took a improvisational comedy class at Second City. That was a lot of fun, in addition to a great learning experience. Learned about how to be in the moment, be in a scene, create a story.
Oh, I also took Japanese lessons outside of school. That was just for personal interest.
So, I agree, having fun and being active is actually a lot of work. This is what I’ve done. You can try asking other people and see if they have some additional suggestions.
Thanks, this article is very motivating. I hope I can begin to have a more positive outlook on university life!
Inspirational! When an individual usually studies at UofT they hope to learn as much as they can. Moreover, a lot of these individuals miss the point of learning as they spend endless hours at the library. This article has made me rethink next year, thanks JP.
A great post….
I was wondering if you could write about some tips to getting good marks. I’ve discovered that every year you learn new tricks (eg. looking over previous exams or going to every class) can assist – and I wish I knew in first year that I do now. I’m trying to get into law school, and this upcoming year is crucial for me – any tips in your wisdom of 6 years at U of T that you could share in regards to smart tips to increase your marks?
A most excellent set commandments!
#5 is somewhat difficult. It’s understandably important to “get to know” your professors but that’s a bit tough to do when all your courses are being taught by either part-time lecturers, TAs (not just for Tutorials), and MA/Ph.D candidates. It might just be a Commerce (or my course selection) issue. Last year I had a the dubious privilege of being taught Commercial Law by a newly graduated law student who just started in a firm. Help? Any ideas?
This was a great post. It contained stuff I can definately relate to as a first year… I hope I can go through with those 6 things in 2nd year!
Totally agree, JP! Congrats on the completion of that Masters degree!
That improv class from Second City sounds cool — gives me an idea! =)
Any luck finding a new home or cool roomates, JP?
really good