Current City: Peterborough, Ontario

Year arrived in Canada: 2021

School: Trent University

Academic program: Bsc. Honors in Chemistry and Forensic Science

Email: nhialwal16@gmail.com

1. What inspired you to pursue your studies in Chemistry & Forensic Science of all the academic programs that are available to you?

“Choose a job you love , and you will never have to work a day in your life,” a famous quote by Confucius. This beautiful quote was always at the back of my mind when I was choosing my university programs. I wasn't quite sure about what I really wanted to be in life. I knew l wanted to do something in life sciences but I did not know what it really was. Switching between programs in my first semester, l realized l have always loved being a Pharmaceutical Scientist, so I narrowed down my list to Chemistry and Forensic science.

2. Do you have any advice to new students joining post-secondary institutions on choosing academic programs and careers for success after school?

Anyone who desires to make an impact (huge or small) in the world via any career path needs to do something they LOVE! Yes, do what you love because at the end, passion is all that will matter when you are faced by difficult challenges while chasing your dreams. I count myself lucky that I was decisive about my program of study fairly early.

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

I believe options vary, but l would say most young students find it hard adapting to the new environment, weather and Canadian culture. I am experiencing challenges trying to connect with new people, weather. I am also experiencing loneliness. Being a new student in a new country and being unable to make friends can affect your physical and emotional well-being.

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

I think moving out of our comfort zones can be a huge step towards adapting to a foreign place and meeting new people from different walks of life. I know the saying, “easier said than done,” but we need to give it a try. The bare minimum is to engage with different clubs and sign up for any volunteering activities on campus.

5. Do you have a mentor? If so, how have they helped you in your academic or professional career?

Yes, l do have a wonderful mentor. They have always given me tremendous support both in my academic and personal development. There come moments in our lives where we need people to give us a push towards our life goals.

 6. From your experience so far, what does it take to succeed in Canada? (Measuring success in academic and professional terms).

I think knowing what you want really takes the lion’s share. Stay focused and dedicated to your life goals. Challenges are part of the human journey, what differentiates people is how we respond and solve them.

 7. Is your racial profile helping or hindering your professional growth? That is, if race is a factor at all.

I think my racial profile is hindering my ability to form new healthy friendships with my fellow students. Because of my appearance, some students tend to distance themselves from me.

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

Yeah, there is always going to be pressure from people back home. This should only serve as a reminder to stay focused, a lot is expected of us. Never let this pressure control your decisions, you are going to lose yourself in the process. I would advise that you should always try to explain things to them. Set boundaries between your personal life and your family and friends.

9. If you can reflect on your personal journey, were your aspirations met? What would you do differently if you were to start over again in Canada?

I would definitely go directly into the program that l love because I took some courses that were unnecessary. That is the one thing that I would do differently.