Options Solutions is excited to introduce you to our newest student blogger! Over the summer, she will offer incoming first-year university students an informative perspective on the realities of university life.
If you’re reading this, you are probably at some stage in your university career—from researching schools to your first “Thirsty Thursday.” You’ve read all the pamphlets, seen all the YouTube videos, and have made a list of the clubs your want to join. University is a far away land where life is good: no parents, a lot of friends, and flash mobs… lots of flash mobs. It is true: university is awesome. However, there are some things that those spirited spokespeople don’t tell you—and that is what I’m here for.
Name: Kinsey Powell; @kinseypowell
Age: 18
Education: Collingwood School 2011 Grad, First Year: Carleton, Second Year: UBC
Work Experience: Sale Representative at Nike, Social Media Intern at Own the Podium (financial division of Canadian Olympic Committee), Public Relations Intern at Citizen Optimum Public Relations
Motto: Clear eyes. Full Hearts. Can’t Lose!
I spent my first year of university in Ottawa studying Journalism at one of the most competitive schools in North America. J-School ruled the campus. We had our own societies; we had our own parties; we even had our own university sweaters! I landed a spot writing for the sports section at the school newspaper and got an internship at Own the Podium, the financial division of the Canadian Olympic Committee, in downtown Ottawa. I was kickboxing at the school gym every week and had made awesome friends. I was in the top percentage of my classes academically and was well on my way to clearing the cut off for second year. So, many people wonder why I left.
In order to tell this story properly, I need to take you one step back: to grade 12. I was in the position that many of you are: deciding where to go, deciding what to study, all while trying to figure out who your date to Grad will be. I had a chat with Melinda to discuss all my post-secondary options and she taught me the most important university, and maybe life, lesson: Be Realistic. Now, that doesn’t mean take your dream school off your list because you may not get in. It means assessing yourself, your current academic capabilities, and maturity level accurately. As much as I liked the idea of business school and becoming a media mogul, I just wasn’t there. I wasn’t there academically and I wasn’t there mentally. I knew one day I would get a business degree, but I needed some time to mature as a student before I undertook accounting, economics, and statistics. What I didn’t know is that I would grow up so fast.
So, the reason I left to study business is because I had changed. I made my decision to go to Carleton in January of grade 12. A full year later, a lot had happened. I had gone to Kenya for half of my summer, I moved out of my parents’ house, and I built a life for myself in a new city. I wasn’t the same person, so the decision past-Kinsey made didn’t work for present-Kinsey. So, instead of waiting around for three year and treating Carleton like a jail sentence, I took action and applied to UBC.
One of the main themes of this blog is, “There is no wrong way to get a university degree.” If you change schools, if you change programs, or go on exchange, or live at home, there is no wrong way to get a university degree.
As you move through your life, you will evolve. It may take five-years, or, in my case, five-months. The important thing is recognizing and acknowledging these changes, as well as being brave enough to do what is right for you, when it’s right for you.
So, that’s my story! I’ll be blogging regularly over the summer, so check back here for everything you need to know about first year!
