Do something different this school year

Taking risks to follow your dreams is an important part of university life.

Brett Luft, Web Editor

Here I am back at The Reflector, nearly one year after I embarked on the most exciting adventure of my life, writing yet another “Back to School” story. As I sit here preparing for my final year of undergraduate studies, I can’t help but reflect on how I made it to this point.

A recap for those who forgot who I am – or for those who never even knew – last year I wrote about what I expected to be the most terrifying, but rewarding, journey of my life. Last Sept. I took an opportunity to study abroad in Hirosaki, Japan.

While my journey wasn’t short of scary moments – at one point I ended up in a Japanese hospital for 10 days (!) – taking that first step ushered in some of the highest points in my life. I met amazing people, I overcame incredible odds and I became more humble from every mistake I made along the way.

I also learned a language that I never expected to learn, and created opportunities to extend my career internationally once I finish university. At this point it might sound like I’m bragging, but there is a lesson to be learned from my university story: post-secondary doesn’t have to be a boring chore.

My story is one of many exciting stories at Mount Royal University, and like other students doing crazy things, my story reached its peak because I challenged myself and did something unexpected.

I didn’t sit down on the first day of university and say, “I’m going to study hard for three years, maintain a good GPA and study abroad in my third year.” In fact, I didn’t even know what program I wanted to be in when I started university.

So how does this relate back to you, dear Reader? Well, it’s simple. Whether you’re an Open Studies freshman or a senior student ready to enter the workforce, take an opportunity to do something exciting for yourself.

In my first few years at MRU, I found I was always doing what others expected of me. I would spent hours writing a paper that I wasn’t passionate about so I could pretend to be as smart as the next person, or outside of school I’d take extra shifts so my coworkers might appreciate me a little bit more.

But I never took opportunities to do things I wanted to do. Now I know better, because I’ve realized that my university life is my story.

So I’d like to echo that previous sentiment: do something crazy this year. Attend a study abroad seminar so you can live your dream in the United Kingdom, join that Smash Bros. club that you’ve always wanted to or take a day off work to see your favourite band.

Whatever you decide to do, make 2016/17 about you, because your friends will still be there to support you along the way, and you might even make a few new ones in the process.