Yayo Vuni
Current city: Wolfville, Nova Scotia
Year arrived in Canada: 2018
Schools: Acadia University, BA. York University, MA.
Academic Programs(s): BA, Sociology & Political Science. MA, Development Studies.
1. What inspired you to pursue your studies in Sociology & Political Science of all the academic programs that were available to you?
I chose sociology because I enjoy looking at society objectively in terms of how different parts fit together. An education in sociology gives me the conceptual tools to understand it. Another reason is to better understand interactions within the society and the motivations of others around me, especially beliefs and practices which are dependent on specific societal norms. For political science, it is more about the nature of power and government and how it impacts society. Majoring in sociology and political science also gives me a sufficient foundation on the different areas which I aspire to focus on, ranging from international diplomacy, social work, and women and gender studies.
2. Do you have any advice to new students joining post-secondary institutions on choosing academic programs and careers for success after school?
Evaluate your skills and see how well they align with your interests; this is a good starting point. Research!!! Take your time to do adequate research and try to be as specific as possible. For instance, there are four main branches in engineering. Don't stop there; go to the specifics of what courses each program offers, keeping in mind if it interests you, the duration - how long are you willing to stay in school? Is internship something you are willing to explore? These are some critical questions you can focus on, and as you do your research, more questions will come to mind. A multidisciplinary approach can also be practical. You will have the opportunity to explore different ideas, after which you will pick the specific program that you feel comfortable and interested in studying.
3. Do you have a mentor? If so, how have they helped you in your academic or professional career so far?
I have an academic advisor assigned to me by my department that I meet at least twice each semester. This has had a significant impact on my understanding of my program and making sure my academic goals are met.
4. From your experience transitioning to Canadian life and culture, do you have any advice for new students?
Take time to explore the city you live in, starting from your university. Make friends and attend different events. Be open to new adventures and experiences, and keep in mind not to lose yourself in the process.
5. From your experience so far, what does it take to succeed in Canada? (Measuring success in academic and professional terms).
I am still in the process of trying to become successful, but so far, I am proud of my achievements. One thing I believe comes in handy is self-discipline, setting your own goals and working to accomplish them at your own pace. Success comes in different forms and means different things to different people.
6. Do you have any ideas on how new students can manage expectations from friends and family back home?
You are your first priority, and that should not change. Set boundaries about what they can expect from you and communicate it to them. Making them aware of your realities plays a huge role in their expectations and acceptance of your new life changes.
7. 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 have been able to meet some of my aspirations while some are still in progress. I am always finding ways to continually grow in different areas. I would improve, not change, my networking when it comes to the professional setup. I will branch out and connect with people that I haven't worked with directly at my part-time jobs and co-op position.
