Yar Ateny
Current city: London, Ontario
Year arrived in Canada: 1999
School(s): University of Windsor
Academic program(s): Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
1. From your experience transitioning to Canadian life and culture, do you have any advice for new WUSC students?
I came to Canada when I was just under 10 years old, so I pretty much grew up in this country. I will say that it is all about being yourself and choosing a positive crowd to learn from. As we Canadians know, this country is multicultural and because of that, many people have different views of what is right and wrong. Do not follow everything you see. Instead, follow what you believe to be true.
2. Do you have any advice on choosing academic programs and careers for later success after school?
Advice? Not so much, but try to look at the workforce industry and see which jobs are in demand. For example, I studied Psychology with the intention that I would want to work in Human Resources Management sector. In other words, try to pick a program with a plan to land you to your dream job.
3. How can new students cope with loneliness and feeling out of place when they first arrive in Canada?
I believe you should understand that loneliness is part of life and we all get lonely. Now with that knowledge, you can sign up for many activities that can be rewarding. For me, I currently volunteer with Autism Ontario, going on 4 years now, and I love it because it allows me to spend time with individuals I can learn from; individuals who value my time and my assistance, which then makes me feel good. There are many activities in your community you can take advantage of, and they are free of charge.
4. From your experience, what does it take to succeed in Canada? (Measuring success in academic and professional terms).
I believe that you have to be outgoing. By outgoing, you have to make friends and do some sort of networking; for example, sign up for programs at your school and attend them. These could range from sorority, to religious alliances. Scan around your school and take advantage of those programs because it could open doors to many outlets for you.
5. What challenges do you think hinder new students from succeeding in Canada?
Everything begins and continues with motivation, so a lack of motivation and drive will hinder your success. Be willing to follow these wonderful THREE ethics: Patience, Discipline, and Persistence. Do not be willing to take NO for an answer because I feel like that is a big challenge with our students. Once we have been rejected, we settle, so please avoid settling and push yourself. Success is not an overnight accomplishment; it is slow and requires constant work.
6. Seeing how credit scores are important in Canada, do you have any advice on managing money or building up a credit profile?
I think a credit score is everything to a good life in this country and with that, try to use your credit card as a debit card and pay it off. Pay off your bills on time and do not sign up for services you are pressured to do. Be alert of your credit always. There are many free websites to check your score, which can offer you the ability to keep an eye on your score (i.e., creditkarma.ca)
7. Do you have any ideas on how new students can manage expectations from friends and family back home?
Our friends and family back home have a different understanding of the life we live here and sometimes it can interfere with our day to day commitments. My best advice is to keep in contact with them, and also be honest with them about situations that are affecting you here (i.e., money, bills). You need social support from your family and friends back home, so do not ignore them because you feel like you cannot financially support them. If you are honest with them about your situations, they will understand.
8. 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?
Yes, I am content with how my life is, so I would say that my aspirations have been met. I believe that the future is unpredictable but if you are consistent, things always work out for you. I would not do anything differently if I were to start over again in Canada because I believe this was the life I was meant to have.
