Ajang Manyok
Current city: Toronto, Ontario
Year arrived in Canada: 2021
School: University of Toronto
Academic program: Economics with Data Analytics, Minors in Statistics and Mathematics.
1. What inspired you to pursue your studies in Economics with Data Analytics of all the academic programs that were available to you?
Coming out of high school, I had a deep love for chemistry and initially planned to pursue a chemistry program. But after my first year of university, I realized that while I love it, I didn’t see myself in a life sciences career anymore, discovering what I didn’t want was a moment of joy and pushed me to what I loved and wanted. I had always been interested in learning how the financial systems and the general business cycle work and that is why I decided to study Economics. I also wanted to learn the intersection of politics and economics particularly how our resource-rich African countries have stayed poor with weak underdeveloped economies. I decided to add the data analytics minor because data analysis equips you with skills to deal with big data and forecasting, partly because I love infographics. Economics has a range of disciplines, from financial economics and econometrics to labour and developmental economics, it combines both arts and science so well and the knowledge itself is just a thing of beauty.
2. Do you have any advice to new students joining post-secondary institutions on choosing academic programs and careers for success after school?
Be gentle on yourself and take time to think about what you really want. Most of the time, excellent high school grades in particular subjects cloud our judgment and prevent us from exploring our other interests. Being fixated on a dream makes you blind to other equally rewarding opportunities, and it is essential that you let it go at the right time - not that you give up on your dreams but keep them realistic. Reach out to those already in the institution or program you want to study and get insights from them.
3. What challenges do you think hinder new students from succeeding in Canada?
The inability to adapt and evolve to an unfamiliar environment makes it harder to succeed or be in positions that unlock success. Trying to keep the same homogenous friendships instead of creating new friendships that reflect the new environment means missing out on diverse minds which could enrich you more. The rigidity to maintain the same first year institution or program that someone was admitted to probably does more harm. There is nothing wrong with changing schools. Venturing out of your comfort zone and being open will surely open more doors for you.
4. How can new students cope with loneliness and feeling out of place when they first arrive in Canada?
Loneliness and a lack of sense of belonging are two things you will likely encounter or experience during your first months here. Being involved with your local committee is a good start because they understand your situation and will help you navigate the place before you mature and do your own stuff. Meet people from your background at your University/College and exchange experiences, online platforms like this are incredibly helpful, register and attend the events. Sports and co-curricular activities are a no brainer, the organic bonding that occur from these activities will help you find a community.
5. Do you have a mentor? If so, how have they helped you in your academic or professional career?
Currently I don't have a mentor, but I have always had people I admire and look up to. It is easier to incorporate advice from someone you admire and having a mentor will help you navigate uncertain waters more calmly. I have folks that work in the industry and that has help me make sound decisions.
6. Do you have any ideas on how new students can manage expectations from friends and family back home?
You need to be brutally honest with them that you are not suddenly a savior overnight. It never hurts to let them know that you don’t have what they need. Anyway, genuine friends and family will always understand your situation. Plan for the long term and they will probably be okay. Disappoint them occasionally and keep expectations at bay.
7. Seeing how credit scores are important in Canada, do you have any tips on managing money or building a strong credit profile?
You know when you wouldn’t lend a certain friend money because they have a reputation of not paying back on time or paying less than the agreed amount or simply because you don’t trust them? Well, the credit score is your financial reputation, and you will need to keep it healthy. At the end of the 30-day period, always review your statements and reflect on your purchases. Pay it on time, cancel unnecessary recurring subscriptions and always stay within your means. A good credit score will help you when you want to make major purchases like buying a house, grad school abroad, a car or wedding (wouldn’t recommend that though).
8. What do you know now that you wished you had known before you enrolled in first year of university?
I wish I knew the brilliant support available to me. Maisha Canada and the WUSC network have brilliant minds who genuinely want to help. I wish I had reached out before I started school or immediately after I did. With almost identical journeys I feel they will offer any newcomer the best relevant advice available.
9. From your experience transitioning to Canadian life and culture, do you have any advice for new students?
Canada, eh? learning about Canada is the first step, throw yourself out and learn about the history of your town/city, province and the whole country, the local politics, sports and make local friends. It will become easier to make conversations and have opinions on a diverse range of Canadian topics.
