Zicky Achuoth Deng
Profile Info:
Current city of residence: Toronto
Year arrived in Canada: 2014
School(s): University of Toronto
Academic program(s): Geophysics/Physics {Software Dev}
Occupation/profession: Lab Technician/Academic research Assistant
1. From your experience transitioning to Canadian life and culture, do you have any advice for new WUSC students?
Be happy you made it!! Consider Canada a clean slate and understand that you are starting over (sounds ridiculous, I know). Learn as much as you can from former Wusc students or from your local committee members. Don’t get rushed or pressured into making decisions, pace yourself, gather thorough information on your options and consult other people where necessary.
2. Do you have any advice on choosing academic programs and careers for later success after school?
Do your research and choose something that you’re comfortable doing. While making that decision, consider the hire-ability(job prospects) in your field. Being gainfully employed after graduation should be part of your consideration when making academic decisions. Money matters at the end of the day, especially for an immigrant like yourself. In whatever program you choose, begin with the end in mind i.e start with a clear understanding of your profession so that every step you take leads you to that end goal. In short, be intentional about the profession you want to end up in. Last but not least, nothing beats advices from people currently in your future profession [mirror effect].
3. How can new students cope with loneliness and feeling out of place when they first arrive in Canada?
Coping with loneliness means you’ve got to go out of your way to make new friends. While that’s not gonna come easy for some people, a place to always start is reaching out to fellow WUSCs students, your local committee members or attend most of the on-campus events. This way, you will meet a lot of people that have similar interests or in the same academic program etc. Aside, most first year students will be lonely as well, just like yourself. They are looking for friends too, so don’t be shy talking to them. Last but not least, always remember home is a phone call away [call home often, it helps a lot sometimes].
5. What challenges do you think hinder new students from succeeding in Canada?
Poor choices in education programs - sticking where you’re not doing well and not being able to venture out i.e settling for less. And maybe not knowing that networking doesn’t have to be on hold until after graduation. Networking should be an on-going process, the earlier you start the better.
6. Seeing how credit scores are important in Canada, do you have any advice on managing money or building up a credit profile?
Understand finance/Money!! If everything goes well, it will ultimately boils down to how good your credit scores are. Needless to say, don’t worry too much about it because you can improve/rebuild your scores if you mess up.
First off, do your research on credit cards before applying for one {there are tons of info about them on the internet; always compare and go for the better one that is in line with your financial situation and planned usage}.
Most importantly, if you can invest as little as $250 or more every year in some stocks, that money can grow. By the time you graduate, it can provide a good buffer financially. If you do it right you will be pleasantly surprised.
There are so many reasons as to why doing this could be hard, however, in 4-5 years down the road this is the right thing to do as far as money goes. Again there are tons of information about stocks on the internet i.g browse Yahoo finance, street insyder, finviz, Bloomberg, marketWatch, Morning Star, The Online Investor etc. Browse these websites just for fun until you’re comfortable to invest.
I don’t see a point having money $$$ sitting in your savings account - unless you’re Jeff Bezos.
7. Do you have any ideas on how new students can manage expectations from friends and family back home?
Communicate how things are on the ground here to your family. Give them a dose of your reality. There is nothing to be ashamed of. After all, what brought you here is education. Many families already understand this and as long as you keep an honest communication with them all is good. Better yet, them knowing that you are doing all that you humanly possibly can/giving it your best and that everyone has their timeline, will help ease the pressure on your shoulders.
8. If you can reflect on your personal journey, were your aspirations met? What would you do differently if you were to start over again in Canada?
Dream in progress….[yes/no J]
I would definitely focus on networking (I should have started ASAP). It opens one up to more opportunities and set oneself up for future success. People don’t bite, talk to more people, especially the ones in your area of interest i.e your profs, industry experts, senior students etc.
Knowing school as a safe environment that it is, I’d have invested a lil bit of Mulla $$$ in the stock market (4-5yrs is a good time for growth). Own some shares in Tech and Healthcare or whatever pays much. Lastly, I’d be more intentional with things I spend my time on and be more pro-active than ever [Certain energy is required to get thing done!]
