The scholastic year of 2020-2021 was no ordinary year for any Mount Allison student. From a first-year point of view, it turned out to be a great year for me as I am not aware of what a typical year for a first-year student looks like; I am only left with the tales of how differently several upper-year students lived through their first year. Despite the numerous changes and restrictions in place throughout town and on campus, many first-year students were able to pull through with the aid and support of upper year mentors and the well-reputed Mount A faculty. No doubt, each first year had their own set of challenges to face during these past eight months but we learnt a lot through our mistakes and failures which enabled us to grow as stronger individuals capable of fighting any obstacle.  

The most important tip to any prospective student reading this is that by the end of year one, you will learn how valuable it is to seek and form connections.  The town of Sackville is quite small, so one must be willing to pull up their socks and free themselves from their own comfort zone to use their talent for the greater good. This may not be that simple for everyone but eventually one will be able to push through the barriers they set for themselves. For instance, when I first moved here in August, I was terrified as I was not familiar with this place, its people, the culture; my initial experience was nerve wracking. I had absolutely no clue as to how I would get myself around, familiarize myself with this new land, this new education system, how to form friendships, it felt like a huge burden I unnecessarily took upon myself which made my transition even harder than it already was. Considering that many of my classes were held online, it was yet another hindrance for me to form connections. All I could hear was the professor delivering the lecture and observe the black screen on Teams with all the microphones muted. One might wonder, “how did you form a good relationship with your fellow mates if you did not know anyone form your class?” 

Even though online schooling became the new norm this year which made meeting new people especially in one’s first year incredibly hard, one must learn to use the challenges to their advantage. For instance, several of my physics and math online labs required us to communicate with our group members to discuss potential answers to the questions. While many students are too nervous or shy to speak up in breakout rooms, one must take an initiative to lead the team to success. This is one way through which I managed to get acquainted with many folks on campus. Interaction and stepping up to be a group leader are vital when placed into online breakout rooms as some may admire your courage and determination and this bravery may motivate your fellow team mates to break out of their shell and interact as well. Taking the initiative to be a group leader and guide the team may also prove to be beneficial in the long run when professors are considering students for TA positions.  

As a first year, it is advisable to engage in university events and activities. These events are perfect opportunities for new students to become involved on campus and learn more about what their university journey will look like in the coming years. As a first year, I was motivated to grasp opportunities which presented itself at my doorstep; for instance, I starred in an online production titled, “Connections” for which I received an award from the Drama Studies Society. One small step can turn your first year into a truly memorable experience. Seeking employment on campus as a note taker, or working in the pub, as well as joining three to four clubs and societies can truly help a first year find their way around campus and form connections without any hassles.