I chose to attend the University of Toronto for a variety
of reasons including its world renowned reputation, its large size and many
resources, its excellent professors and courses, and its vast opportunities for
students to get involved in both academic and social/cultural activities, among
other things. I chose the Mississauga campus specifically because I wanted to
get my UofT education without confronting the size of the St. George campus
right out of high school.
Besides my academics, I have also gotten involved in a
lot of different things here at UTM. I have been dancing every year since I was
4 years old, so when I got to UofT Mississauga I was pleased to find out that
they had a dance team. Now in my fourth year on the team, I am an executive
member! Being able to continue on with dance on the team has allowed me to be
active in a way that I am used to and enjoy, and being on the team has
introduced me to many great people with whom I share that interest. We dance 4
hours a week (Tuesdays and Wednesdays 9-11 pm), and throughout the year we put on a dance pub,
participate in Arts Fest, and attend two competitions.
In my first year of university I chose to live in
residence and that provided me with another amazing way to get involved with
campus life. In my second year I applied to be a don in residence and
was hired! I loved my position so much that I was a don again in my third year
and this year I am working as a programming assistant for the Department of
Student Housing and Residence Life. My role as a member of the RLS (Residence
Life Staff) team has been so rewarding and it has allowed me to meet really
incredible people and make friends, and allowed me to develop both personally
and professionally!
In addition, in my third year (last year), I applied
for a work study position (which are campus jobs that are reserved for students
eligible for OSAP) with the Office of Admissions and Recruitment and was hired
as a student ambassador. That too has been a great experience (which I have
continued into my fourth year) as it allows me to meet a variety of different
people as well as talk about how much I have loved my time here at UTM to
prospective students such as you!
So if I could give you one piece of advice (besides the
typical, stay on top of your academic work of course) it would be to get
involved! Investigate the numerous options available to you and
find some things that suit you.
Madison Peters is a fourth year student working toward an
Honours Bachelor of Science with a Double Major in Psychology and Criminology
and a Minor in Sociology. She lives and works on residence as a Programming
Assistant for one of the Community Development Coordinators.
