First-year success stories

Matteo Santaluce

Business Technology Management  

“When I began the Business Technology Management program, I was excited for the new opportunities and challenges university would present, but also nervous for what lay ahead. In the summer, I participated in some of the TRSM Essentials events hosted by Fit For Business. 

One of the first groups I joined was TRACE, a case competition team where participants quickly craft a solution to a business problem or scenario to present in role-play to a judge. I placed first in the Management Consulting category at TRACE’s Aspire conference and competed in the ACE Canada Nationals as well. 

As a commuter student, it can be difficult to make friends when you just attend class and go home at the end of the day. Being involved in extracurriculars is one of the best ways to build lasting relationships with other students. The TedPack program was also really helpful; when you have the same classmates for all your first-semester classes, you get to know them quickly! TedPacks was one of the reasons I chose TRSM, and I can credit many of my friendships to them."

Sena Yuce 

Accounting and Finance

"I am proud to say that I have experienced "the uni experience" as a first-year student at TRSM. One of my biggest concerns was adjusting to the lifestyle and schedule of a university student. However, thanks to the numerous resources provided by TRSM, notably Ted Packs, I swiftly adapted to the significant changes that university life presented. Not only did my Ted Pack equip me with helpful resources, but it also facilitated the opportunity to meet many new people.

I have a keen interest in learning about others' journeys and experiences, so I actively participated in events organized by TRSM to meet new people. Undoubtedly, I have encountered numerous fantastic individuals throughout my first year at TRSM, and engaging with the community has been instrumental in achieving both personal and academic goals. Among the various events I attended, one of my favourites was the Charity Week Auction Gala hosted by Islamic Relief TMU. This event fostered a sense of community that brought me immense joy as I connected with like-minded individuals whom I share many common attributes with. It strengthened my sense of cultural and religious identity, providing a comforting feeling in a new environment and also providing me with a platform to help individuals in need.

Despite encountering some challenges, I have accomplished a great deal in my first year, from adapting to the new environment to forming new friendships and achieving academic success in my program. As I progress in my university journey, I am committed to further engaging with the remarkable community at TRSM and making a positive impact on those around me. The greatest lesson I've learned on this journey is to embrace the odds stacked against me and the accompanying pressure, as in the end, it's those who can withstand the most pressure that shines the brightest."

Kylie Chen 

Business Technology Management

"I would be lying if I said I was confident heading into my first year. However, I knew that taking the initiative early on would benefit me in the long run and thankfully, I was right. This year was filled with being uncomfortable and taking risks. Whether that was applying for roles in student groups, networking with industry professionals, raising my hand in class, attending student events or just making conversation with the classmate beside me, it all came together naturally. I'm proud to say that I've been able to make a difference outside of the lecture hall by joining multiple student groups. I hold positions in student groups such as Enactus TMU, WITM, TMUCSA, and FFB, all of which have provided me with the opportunity to learn, develop transferable skills, and create meaningful connections.

I've been able to find my close friends within TRSM, all being people I look forward to seeing in class and outside of the campus environment.
Although there are still 4 years to go, I have a feeling it will go by quicker than expected. I look forward to seeing how my professional and academic journey turns out. I was stressed about a lot of things in September, but I've learned that
with the resources provided by TMU and the student community, the right people to surround yourself with, and your effort, it all works out in the end."

Omar Ardromli 

Business Technology Management 

"My first year at Toronto Metropolitan University, in the Business Technology Management (BTM) program has been a learning adventure full of difficulties and achievements. Among the countless possibilities I've taken, attending several bootcamps stands out as a critical component of my development. The sessions helped me improve my Excel abilities. The greatest success was passing the Excel challenge, which earned me a badge.  However, the year was not without its challenges. ITM100 was a huge challenge that tested my drive and ability to adapt to remembering different kinds of information technology. Understanding and efficiently applying the complicated topics was difficult. Nevertheless, I did not tackle these problems alone. The encouragement of close friends and the collaborative setting inside TRSM gave me reasons to continue, transforming almost overwhelming challenges into wonderful learning opportunities by just having the right mindset. Also, all of the professors at TMU are really helpful, which I believe is what makes TMU stand out. A memorable experience from my first year was participating in an event especially intended for earning Ted points. This event was more than just a random event; it offered deep life lessons that will stay with me forever. Kevin, one of the presenters, made a lasting impression with his wise advice on creating and accomplishing life objectives, my personal favourite was " live like an athlete". His advice was motivating, offering a perspective on how to approach personal and academic goals at TMU. Big thanks to Fit for Business for the opportunities I had during my first year at TMU. Your encouragement has been essential in helping me improve and setting me up for success."

Christ-Vie Phoba

Business Management

"Starting my first year, I experienced a mix of feelings. While I felt some apprehension about juggling a full-time job and coursework, I was also confident in my ability to succeed. I recognized that this year would be different and perhaps challenging initially. However, with discipline, motivation, perseverance, and support, I knew I could navigate it successfully. To ensure I stayed on track, I familiarized myself with the university's support services and made the most of them. I enrolled in the Navigate TMU Program, which not only introduced me to new people but also taught me valuable techniques for thriving in my university experience. One key lesson I learned was the importance of being intentional about my time at university. University is not just about academics; it is about defining what I want to achieve during this period. I would advise incoming first-year students to give meaning to their university experience by identifying their goals. What do they want to accomplish during their time here? It’s more than just earning a degree; it's about exploration and growth. This is the time to build various forms of capital—human, social, and more. It is an opportunity to try new things because, after graduation, time becomes limited as we enter the workforce. Exploring the university's services and leveraging those that align with your goals can significantly enhance your journey.

Looking back on my first year fills me with immense pride. Despite the demands of my job, I not only managed to excel academically but also immersed myself in campus life. It's been a rewarding experience, and I look forward to continuing this journey of growth and accomplishment."