Michael Deng

Profile Info:

Current city of residence: Thunder Bay, Ontario

Year arrived in Canada: 2011

School(s): Lakehead University

Academic program(s): Chemical Engineering

Current or target occupation/profession: Mining Lab Technician

1. From your experience transitioning to Canadian life and culture, do you have any advice for new WUSC students?

It is challenging resettling to a far distant country knowing that you are not going to see your family anytime soon. And that you are going to miss your close friends. But you are not going to be alone. There has been a countless number of people who came ahead of you, and they will be there to give you the support you need to navigate the system until you get comfortable on your own. It is advisable that you take part in your local WUSC committee or other Multicultural student groups to help expose you to different types of people and their cultures. One may say, the hardships you will face pale in comparison to the ones you experiences in Kenyan boarding schools and adapting to east African life. I trust that you are going to do well.

2. Do you have any advice on choosing academic programs and careers for later success after school?

There are two or more aspects of choosing a career program, either you are choosing a career because the program you are choosing is so valuable in the current job market or you are choosing it because it is something you have always wanted to do. If you are choosing a program on the current job market basis, please read extra hard or get more material before you get into the that program so that you are well informed. When you are well informed, it will be easier to well because you will be prepared. Otherwise, always choose a program you are passionate about, something you have always wanted to become. If you choose your interest, you will be excited about learning new things not just for the sake of passing the exam.

3. How can new students cope with loneliness and feeling out of place when they first arrive in Canada?

The best way to cope with loneliness is to participate in extracurricular activities like multicultural clubs and student union activities etc. Also, make friends and venture out into your local city or school during your free time. There are always new things around you that you might not know. Be that person who is excited about learning about new things.

4. From your experience, what does it take to succeed in Canada?

• This is broad knowing that there is no formula for success. Being visionary, have a drive or being self-motivated can help you achieve your goals.

• Also managing your finances properly can enhance your life.

•   Participate in career fairs at school, apply for internships and co-ops. Starting as early as possible will help you build a professional network and increase your chances of getting a job in your field after undergrad.

5. What challenges do you think hinder new students from succeeding in Canada?

• Lack of information about what you want to do.

• Lack of motivation.

• Being shy and not asking for help.

6. Seeing how credit scores are important, do you have any advice on managing money or a credit profile?

It is important to keep your credit score “good” because it does help when taking loans for housing, buying car etc. In order, to keep your credit score good, always pay your credit card minimum payment or the full payment on time. Try to avoid late payment as much as possible. Also always borrow what you can payback easily and avoid going over limit on your credit card.

7.  Do you have any ideas on how new students can manage expectations from friends and family back home? ­­

Being honest with them about what you can manage and what you cannot do will make your life easier. Do not be that person who absorbs everything and take all the responsibilities. Just let them know what help is within your means.

8. Were your aspirations met? What would you do differently if you were to start over again in Canada?

If I were to start over again, I will start with college, do co-op or internship while still in school, start working on my credits score to be good because at this point, they are important.  Work hard during the summer to make money for tuition fees and do not take student loans. if you are fortunate enough to have a family here, it is important to work hard during the summer so that you can pay your own tuition fees and graduate debt free.