It’s hard to believe that I’m already finishing my second year at Toronto Metropolitan University. It’s corny, but it truly feels like yesterday that I nervously accepted my offer of admission.
I knew I would enjoy the freedom and independence of university, but I wasn’t prepared for how much I would feel at home. University is so much better than high school.
The ability to choose most of my classes and study the topics I am genuinely interested in has made my education enjoyable. I loved studying English in high school, and I absolutely adore being an English major now.
My interest in higher academia has been enhanced as I slowly gravitate toward specific topics and concepts I want to explore. I was so worried that I’d stop finding school enjoyable before attending university. Even though it’s had its ups and downs, I’m relieved that I’ve only become more of an academic person.
Academics aside, I also feel how I’ve grown and changed for the better over these past two years. University tends to push you into grown-up life much quicker than you think you can manage, but I’ve been nothing but grateful.
I think about the person I was two years ago — about to graduate high school and equally excited and terrified about what university would bring.
I couldn’t feel further from the person I was before university. I look at photos and find it slightly difficult to believe that’s me. I think to myself, was that really only two years ago?
When I visit the places I frequented in high school, I feel like an alien there. Being there makes me realize exactly how much I’ve shed my old skin and outgrown that old life.
I actually feel like a semi-adult now. Even though I know I’m still just a baby in the grand scheme of things, I can physically feel my life expanding, day by day, into the life I dreamed of having as a child.
It’s strange how two years can feel like a lifetime. I’ve grown so much in such a short time, and this realization excites me to see who I’ll become another two years from now.
I wish I could tell past-me that this era of her life will treat her so well. I think she’d be proud of me if she knew where I’d end up. I know I’m proud of her.