Ugolina Ituba

Current City: Halifax, Nova Scotia

Year arrived in Canada: 2015

School: United World Colleges - Pearson College, Mount Saint Vincent University

Academic program: International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, 2017. BBA Accounting and Marketing, 2021.

1.      What inspired you to pursue your studies in Accounting & Marketing of all the academic programs that were available to you? 

I did a BBA In Accounting and Marketing concentration. I would say my interest and curiosity for the business world have contributed to my career choice. Before narrowing down to Accounting and Marketing, I had always enjoyed business classes since high school, and it is an area I look to explore even more.

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

I believe a career should be something you enjoy, a passion you wouldn’t mind spending late nights on assignments. Family and friends might try to influence your choices or pressure you into fulfilling the family legacy but know that there is nothing wrong with following your dreams.

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

A lack of social and professional networks could influence the number of opportunities and knowledge of life here in Canada. Joining your local communities in your areas is one way to expand your social life.

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

During your first year, you will most likely live on campus, this, in my opinion, is one place you could maximize your engagement at your resident and campus to make new friends. Some of the best friends and connections I made were during my residence life.

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

I had academic advisors during my undergrad years with whom I am still in contact.  Selecting yearly courses is one of the challenging tasks especially if you are still trying to figure things out during your first year or just need an academic direction in general. Having someone to guide you through this is important.

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

A strong social and professional network are an asset.

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

There must be instances where I felt I failed to get an opportunity because of my race, but I do not keep that in my head when going after an opportunity because the real ones will see your skills, potential, and experience.

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

• Your first priority is yourself.

• Go for what you are passionate about rather than careers people expect you to do.

9.      Seeing how credit scores are important in Canada, do you have any tips on managing money or building a strong credit profile?

One of the oldest tricks in the book is to not spend more than 50% of your credit limit and always try to pay more than the minimum amount required if you can. These, among other ways, can build better credit.

10.  What do you know now that you wished you had known before you enrolled in your first year of university?

It has probably changed over the past couple of years or so for the new students, but I wish I had known the nature of my scholarship beforehand, that way, I can mentally prepare for what is expected of me in terms of tuition fees, and housing among others.

11.  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?

Like many of the WUSC students, it’s been quite a journey from culture shock to starting a whole new life far away from home. Completing my first undergrad was a milestone and a motivation to achieve more. I am not sure what I could do differently, but it’s been a fun experience altogether.

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

Be ready to learn and adjust to different cultures and environments. This doesn’t mean you should forget who you are and what your initial goals were. You will realize your school is more diverse than you expected. Many students are just like you, far away from home and struggling to adjust in their new life.