I had the pleasure of being part of Vanier College Productions (VCP) for a two years and it continued to be one of the most rewarding and grounding experiences during my time at York. It gave me a sense of community and belonging, which made a huge difference as an international student far away from home. The program is more than just theatre. It's a vibrant, inclusive space that brings people together and strengthens the spirit of York University.

My experience with Vanier College Productions (VCP) has been one of the most impactful parts of my time at York University. I initially joined looking for a creative outlet, but it quickly became a supportive community where I could express myself, build confidence and connect with others. VCP gave me a sense of balance alongside my academic life, helping me develop practical skills like time management, teamwork and leadership, all of which translated into my studies.

I work as an International Student Success Ambassador, and this work-study position has allowed me to gain more confidence in my skills and develop new ones. I have had the opportunity to meet many people who have supported me in one way or another. The work-study program is amazing! It’s helped me understand what a real work environment is like and has prepared me with the skills and experience I’ll need moving forward.

As a work-study student at LA&PS, I serve as a Student Communications Assistant, where I manage social media content, support strategy development and oversee the LA&PS Voices Blog. This role is immensely beneficial as it allows me to hone my communication skills, deepen my understanding of digital media and gain practical experience in a professional setting. The work-study position not only supports me financially but also provides a platform to apply my academic learning in a real-world context.

Working at Social Planning Toronto this past summer had a big impact on both my life and studies. It gave me hands-on experience in how research, policy and social issues come together in Toronto. Overall, I’ve developed stronger organizational and communication skills, and it’s reinforced my commitment to tackling social inequities in my studies and career.

Our co-op student made an excellent contribution to the research, policy, coalition-building and community engagement work in our organization. Her work helped to advance our research, policy and community engagement initiatives. We value the opportunity to participate in York's Co-op Program and appreciate the generous contribution of donors who make it possible for us to employ and mentor a York University student, while providing the student with a living wage.

Through my co-op at Pratt & Whitney, I was able to apply content I learned in my various HR courses in legitimate business scenarios. Participating in a co-op has been such an enriching experience, as it has equipped me with the skills and knowledge I need to succeed in the workplace.

The Writer-in-Residence program has been a wonderful supplement to the creative writing program, providing students with opportunities to consult with working, professional writers on their stories and poems, and to attend talks, panels and other events about writing and publishing in Canada.

I had a wonderful experience working with Professor Wu for my DARE research because he gave me the opportunity to present my proposal amongst peers, professors and academics. This encouraged me to engage with other research and provide my thoughts in a safe and welcoming space. The feedback I received guided me throughout the project.

The DARE research project gave me an invaluable opportunity to independently conduct an analysis that will benefit my future career in finance. I got to explore how to read and utilize databases and how to work with software to create results from a regression analysis. It’s my first introduction to how computer programs can help with complex problems. Finally, I realized the importance of effectively communicating findings through a comprehensive literature review using credible sources and focusing on explaining material information.