Hometown Volunteer - Airianna Mapp (Waterloo)

My first experience with Western University was excitement and apprehension. Excitement because I wanted to move on from my high school and ready for the new challenge of university. The apprehension was due to the idea that I had never lived away from home or been in such a large school. When I arrived at Western I was greeted by so many spirited and excited upper years. I was moved into my residence Saugeen-Maitland Hall with my fellow "frosh" first years. My adrenaline was pumping and I was so excited to meet new friends and get settled in. O-week was fantastic, it took a while to find my niche of friends and when that was done I moved into the habitual act of attending classes and keeping up with course work. 

 University is not difficult because the work is different or more than what was given in high school. It is the idea that you are solely responsible for your course work. No longer will a teacher be constantly reminding you of your assignments. However, should you seek the help your professors and teaching assistants (graduate students in the field of study) are always willing to meet you and go over course work. Essentially what I am trying to say is that being proactive with your work becomes so important. You will do well if you get work done early and have your teaching assistant check it. You will be successful if you begin studying for an exam 2-3 weeks in advance. 

 Studying is not everything, on the other hand, keeping up with course work is just as important as getting involved in various activities at Western and keeping up with your friend group. The most successful to leave Western, I have noticed, are the ones that study hard, as well as keep up socially. Get out and have fun with friends, just know when to stay in and prepare. 

 If you can do all of this you will have an amazing time a Western. If you have trouble then just go and ask for help. Ask your Residence Advisor or Residence Don, your Sophs, your Professors, staff at the Student Development Centre or Student Success Centre or even friends. You are never alone when you come to university, there is a web of people wanting to help you if you only take the initiative to ask. 

 - Airianna Mapp, HBA'14

Hometown Volunteer - Iman Kanji (Waterloo)

Western will truly be the greatest four years of your life. In deciding to come here for your undergraduate studies, you are embracing so much more than just a school – you’re embracing a whole new way of life. From the trials and tribulations of communal living in your first year, to the wonderful opportunities available to you throughout your university career, Western provides an environment within which anyone can flourish. The key is to be able to identify those opportunities, and capitalize on them. You’re going to have the chance to experience everything that you’ve ever dreamed of here, while getting a world-renowned education at the same time.

My best advice would be to, first and foremost, meet as many different people as you can. Get out there, whether it’s through campus-organized activities, or social events that you organize on your own, make sure you meet and become friends with absolutely anyone that you can. This is the heart of the Western experience – building your social network. Once you start to do this, everything else just seems to fall into place. But you have to prioritize your activities as well; it can be quite easy to get overwhelmed by the amount of things going on around you at all times, and to make sure you get the best Western experience possible, you have to strike a fine balance between work and play. Focus on getting good grades, and building smart study habits within the first two years of school. If you can accomplish this, then there’s nothing you won’t be able to do while you’re here.

Lastly, have fun while you’re here. If you don’t take the time to have fun, and discover who you truly are and what you like, then no matter how hard you work, you’ll never truly get to experience Western. So work hard, play hard, and get ready to have the time of your life!

-Iman Kanji, BMOS’11

 

Hometown Volunteer - Jasmine Baker (Oakville)

There are so many great things that can be said about Western and all the people that make it what it is. Being that I am going into the last year of my undergrad, I can say that I could not imagine myself being anywhere else. One of the best things about Western is the variety that it offers. There is absolutely something for everyone. Western satisfies everyone’s interests no matter what they may be. The most important point is that you have to take those opportunities. One of the most crucial pieces of advice I can give is to get involved. Do not get discouraged by the size of the school, Western is incredibly welcoming. Getting involved not only ensures that you are staying busy and enjoying your interests, but it really gives you a chance to meet new people and get the most out of your Western experience. 

In my years at Western I have had the pleasure of being an executive member on the Political Science Association, a student initiative Get REAL, the Sociology Student Association, and a member of the Social Science Student Council. Making the decision to join these clubs has been the best decision I could have made. It is so important to stay focused on academics, but ultimately university has a lot to do with learning experiences as a whole. This is your chance to learn about yourself and to learn about life, not just to learn things in the classroom. 

Coming into Western may be very intimidating at first, but it is important to remember that it is your four years and it is only going to be as great as you make it. Take chances, try new things, and always remain open to new experiences- it will only make your years at Western better.

- Jasmine Baker BA'13

Hometown Volunteer - Galina Kashkina (Toronto)

Western will be the best four years of your life. You’ll hear this about 100 times before you even get to your first class. This is absolutely true but in the end, it will be what you make of it. You are becoming a member of the Western Community, something that is hard to explain to somebody that hasn’t had the privilege of experiencing it. Take every opportunity you can to experience the different aspects that are available. This varies from intramurals, student government, dance teams, residence staff, sophing (look forward to learning about this in your first week at school), charity initiatives, and the list keeps going on.

One other thing to keep in mind: never be afraid to ask questions. Western offers a ton of resources. First year is absolutely overwhelming. You are going to be juggling life in a new city, meeting 10 new people an hour, new classes, new teachers, laundry, and lack of parents. First thing you’ll need to do is learn to prioritize. Figuring out how to manage your time will be the most important lesson you’ll learn. Second thing, is ask for help if you need it! You’ll have upper year students eager to help out as well as resource centres for all your needs all around campus.

Lastly, be absolutely stoked to arrive! Everyone is already waiting for you to step on to campus.

 - Galina Kashkina, HBA 2013

Hometown Volunteer - Kaiz Alarakyia (Calgary)

Why did you decide to come to Western? The best thing about Western is that if you ask this question to any student, you’re going to get a different answer for each person. However, it is incredibly easy to tell that every Western student you ask loves the university they have made their home. When you step onto Western’s campus, you’ll be completely surrounded by opportunities to make an impact. Western is so good at becoming a welcoming home for students because it’s virtually impossible to find something that doesn’t interest you.

However, even with the amount of support that Western provides first year students, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. With these three easy steps (sounds like an infomercial but it will work, trust me), you can ensure that you succeed in your first year of university and onwards.

1. Meet as many people as you can during Orientation Week and first year, and remember their names. Western ‘s foundation is built on the success of its students. Extraordinary, passionate, and motivated people attend Western, and it’s the best place possible to build your network.
2. Get involved in something; doesn’t matter what it is. There are over 200 clubs at Western. You will be handed opportunities to get involved left and right. Don’t turn them down.
3. Don’t forget what Western is- a place of academics. Even though Western offers you so much more than academics, it is still a university. Make academics your number one priority; grades matter. Develop good study habits early and you’ll do great!

 - Kaiz Alarakyia, BESc'15, HBA'15

Hometown Volunteer - Nick Ayling (Vancouver)

The first thing you need to know before you come to Western is that you will have the best time of your life. No school compares to Western. As one of the top schools in the world, it offers everything you want and need from a university: academics, social activities, extracurricular activities, community involvement, and memories for a lifetime.

I have three points of advice for any incoming student.

First, take the academic part of Western seriously. After all, you are paying money for a university degree so you should get the most out of it. Even if you are not sure of the career you intend to pursue after Western, it never hurts to study hard and have competitive grades in order to keep your options open for more schooling or job opportunities.

Secondly, have fun. Western is by far the most fun school in Canada. You will meet many people in your residence and classes, some of which will become life-long friends. Don't overdo it, but make sure to take time and have fun with your friends.

Thirdly, get involved. There are tons of school clubs (political, religious, sporting, and artistic) to join, so get involved. Western encourages students to also get involved in the London, Ontario community. Shinerama and Infusion, were two charity programs that I become involved in while at Western and I highly recommend everyone to volunteer in the community.

-Nick Ayling, Health Science '08

Hometown Volunteer - Kristen Wylie (Ottawa)

It is up to you to make the most of your time at school. The opportunities to be great and do things that are personally meaningful and fulfilling don't just happen, you have to reach out. So join a club, play an intramural sport, get involved with a student council, or even form a study group with your floormates or classmates.

I joined the Western Mustang Band so I could meet people who loved being in high school music programs but weren't necessarily taking music courses, though there were plenty of students studying music looking to get in on the school spirit too! It was a really wonderful way for me to help spread Western pride across campus and beyond, and many of my fondest memories of my time at Western were with the WMB. I also worked on campus and joined my graduate student council, so my extracurricular time was pretty busy.

I never forgot to study and hand in my assignments on time though! Speaking of academics, get to know your professors and teaching assistants: they're there to help you! Take the time to talk to them about your concerns and your questions, these people are experts and are passionate about their fields. Furthermore, it's important to make contact with them since they'll be invaluable references when you apply for graduate work or that first 'real world' job.

There's a sense of pride that comes with being a Western graduate. Whenever I talk with a fellow alumnus, no matter how long ago they graduated, there's always a moment when their face lights up as they begin to reminisce about their days on campus. That's really one of the best endorsements I can give Western: all those who are about to start their Western journeys in September have no idea what an amazing journey they've started.

-Kristen Wylie, BA '07, MLIS '09

Hometown Volunteer - Joey DeAgazio (Oakville)

It is hard to believe I am going into my final year of my undergraduate degree.  The years definitely flew by, but what I am most proud of is studying something that I love. During my first year I had every intention of pursuing a degree in medical science, but come second year I decided to take a more desirable route, Environmental Geoscience. With this change, came many opportunities. I have had the opportunity to help run our undergraduate club, sit on science council as our department representative and do research for a total of four different professors and two companies.

None of the aforementioned would have been possible without pursuing the things I enjoy. Western is a fantastic school with lots of opportunities. My advice to the prospective students, study what you enjoy and you will succeed.

Things may seem overwhelming when you first start your undergraduate career, but stay focused and remember your routines and practices that got you to Western!

Western has plenty of resources for its students; writing clinics, extra help sessions, academic oriented clubs, study groups, and more. Take advantage of as much as you can handle. 

Congratulations on picking Western, and best of luck with your undergraduate careers!

-Joey DeAgazio, Science Year 4

 

Interviews Continue This Week

To all the volunteers who have applied to be a hometown volunteer, thank you! Last week, I had the pleasure of interviewing many of you and it has been quite a treat. I have loved listening to every single one of your answers and learning about your experience as a Western student. For all of the applicants who haven't received a call yet, not to worry - with over 180 people who've applied, it's a time-consuming task. I will be in the office late a couple of times this week to ensure I get another large chunk of calls completed so keep your ears open for the phone to ring this week!

Only a few days left to apply!

Calling all current Western students and alumnus! Only a few days left to apply to be a Hometown Volunteer with Off to Western!

Off to Western events will be held in the following cities on the following dates:

August 4 - Hong Kong
August 8 - Vancouver, BC
August 14 - Ottawa, ON
August 16 - Cambridge, ON
August 18 - Toronto, ON
August 21 - St. Catharines, ON
August 22 - Oakville, ON
August 23 - Calgary, AB

Visit www.westernconnect.ca/htv-app to complete the online application.  Applications are due by June 15, 2012.

Note: Due to an overwhelming response in applications, Toronto is no longer listed as an option under the selection.