Casey Desjarlais
Vancouver, British Columbia
"All of the trials and tribulations make you a stronger person, as long as you're able to to learn from them. And yeah, I think all I would say to my younger self is just, "Just keep what you're doing. Just trust yourself, embrace the failures, but don't ever be afraid to get back up and try again."
"You have to be very patient with yourself, and be very kind to yourself because even though these challenges come up, you are more than capable of success. You just have to be kind to yourself, be patient, take those breaks when you need to."
Mahasi Nateela
Baker Lake, Nunavut
Mahasi shares her experience of being shy but learning the importance of asking questions to professors and classmates in order to do the best in her studies.
"You create the opportunity because you prepare yourself for something you don't even know you're ready for. And then at the same time, you don't know what's going to come. So you prepare yourself to have conversations here, and talk to these people there, and connect all the time with people. But be ready. Because if the opportunity hits you, take it. Take it when it comes."
Everyone's schooling experience is different. Everyone comes to post secondary with various levels of "prior knowledge" (stuff you have learned through school or life). No matter where you come from you have gained knowledge from your family, your community and lastly your education. All this knowledge will help you succeed in different ways.
If you find yourself not knowing what the professor is talking about, but they seem to think everyone "should" know this, raise your hand to ask them to explain. I would bet that at least 40% of your class has no idea but are too afraid to ask. If you are afraid to ask, then ask a classmate, Teaching Assistant or Professor to explain after class. "Common Knowledge" is not actually common.
Having trouble with essays, research papers, tests? Visit the Writing Center. Every post secondary has one and it is free. They are there to support students at all levels of the writing process. The service is there for first year students all the way to students at the graduate level. They will help you learn how to write, edit and revise your paper. If you have never written a research paper before, they can walk you through the process. Also look for Student Support/Academic Success for support.
The academic counsellors (Indigenous Student Center or Academic Advising Center) can help you navigate course selection, changes, where to go for academic help and much more.
Check their schedules or social media. Many ISC have weekly activities for students including shared meals, movie nights, beading circles, etc. A great way to connect and make friends.
Depending on the ISC they could have free printing, a lounge or place to study, tutors who come weekly. Talk to the team at your ISC to find out what resources are available to you.
You have spent the last 13 years of your schooling being reminded of due dates, having classes scheduled for you, and parents to get you up in the morning. That all changes now. Check out the following article from two University students who explain the 7 differences you will notice between High School and Post Secondary to help you prepare for your new school life.
Seven differences between high school and university | Beyond Ideas
