A Lookback on our year at Humber
Wow, April already? I know it’s pretty hard to believe but 8 months later here we are. It’s been a whirlwind but there is a lot to look back on. Classes, tests, assignments, and finals have come and gone (mostly) meaning it’s almost time to move on to our next steps. Don’t freak out, I know the words “next steps” can be really daunting but opportunities can appear when you least expect them. Trust me, I’m the least likely to give a cheesy pep-talk but my past month has left me believing that things do happen for a reason.
Starting a new program can be overwhelming. A new school, maybe a new city or for some of the most daring students, a new country means double the levels of uncertainty. Attending this post-graduate program in fashion was something I had never pictured in my future, after completing my undergraduate in sociology. To say that the topics aren’t similar is an understatement. Learning about trends, visual merchandising and wholesale seemed like a dream come true. Which it was – until October came and suddenly our whole year was on pause. Whether you go to Humber, another Ontario College or just don’t live under a rock, then you will have heard of the road bump we had during the first semester. Just as our momentum had started, it was swept out from under us. I know personally, it was often hard to stay motivated and hopeful during this break. Being in limbo is one of my least favorite feelings. Just when it seemed like our semester was going to be lost, we were back in the classrooms trying to pick up where we left off. I know most of us students would agree that it was a strange feeling during those first few days. Although it may have been a challenging time, those of us who are finishing our years or maybe programs in the next week can be that much prouder of ourselves.
Sometimes you need to look back at an experience to really feel like you lived it. When I used to go to summer camp, the two weeks would fly by. Like these times in my childhood I found that my undergrad and now this postgrad have felt like they almost didn’t happen. My lack of sleep and maybe a few grey hairs say otherwise, because without those I might have to pinch myself. The older we get; the faster life events seem to pass us by. In just one short week, I will write my last exam as a student and finish my educational years forever. As much as I’ve looked forward to this day, it’s also terrifying. Being a student is a certain type of security blanket that many of us have come to rely on. We’ve been rushing for this finish line, but once it’s here I’m left with mixed feelings.
This program left me with more knowledge about the fashion industry than I could have previously hoped for. I’m lucky enough to be leaving with a job offer from a company that I could only dream of ever noticing me. Yes, it was stressful and yes there were moments where I lost sight of the end goal, but I think that’s part of adulthood. You need to struggle a bit to really feel fulfilled coming out the other side. I never understood the importance of balance between school and social life till I started post-secondary education. Sometimes you need to know when to call it a night, when to take a break and when to reward yourself with that study snack you’re craving. Being a student is a learning experience, something that I felt I was finally getting good at. Whether I’m ready or not, it’s time to close yet another chapter. I need to step out of my comfort zone once more and face the future head-on. Maybe looking back on this year is actually reflecting on something bigger than I thought. I hope others can relate to this fear of the unknown, but also the excitement of moving onto to bigger and better things.
