Lisa Samuel is a first-year student at St. Michael’s College here at the University of Toronto, studying Life Sciences. As she settles in at the college, she has become a member of the Arts Committee of the St. Mike’s Students Union, and is an active participant in Dean’s Cup and SMC Intramurals.
Although I was born in Toronto, I was raised in Calgary, Alberta and my backyard view consisted of lush trees and the Rocky Mountains. Now, experiencing the busy city as a semi-grown adult, I have had to acclimate both as a fresh university student as well as a new Toronto resident.
One of the various reasons that informed my decision to come to U of T was the exciting nightlife, and going to the mall or trying a new restaurant every now and then has definitely made the transition a lot easier. However, most of my time at university so far has been spent walking between classes, or staying near residence in order to go to the Canada Room, just in case I get hungry. Because I spend a lot of time at St. Mike’s, I have grown to love certain aspects of the college. Whether it be studying with some other first-year friends in the COOP late at night or attending the events planned by the St. Mike’s Student Union, the college has provided me with many opportunities to network and find a good support system.
Since I was coming from another province, one of my biggest fears of stepping onto such a large campus was having to find a new group of friends. Although orientation week was a great start to get to know people, St. Mike’s also provided me with so many other supports, including events set up through the St. Michael’s College Student Union (SMCSU). As a member of the Arts Committee, it has been a pleasure to come together with other students to create plans and parties that cater to the college’s diverse population. I have made friends with not only other first years, but I have also been able to connect with upper years. Whether I need to vent about courses, need help navigating the campus, or even want to gossip, I always have someone to turn to.
Of all these opportunities, I have definitely had the most fun attending the Dean’s Cup events at St. Mike’s. Similar to the House Cup in Harry Potter, different residences at the college form a team to compete in various activities, such as Ultimate Frisbee or trivia. Dean’s Cup has been a great way for me to get to know people on my floor, and also relive my days as a kid running wild in a field! Throughout all the competition, one thing always remains: everyone is extremely supportive of each other. As a first-year student, events like these genuinely feel like I am stepping into one big welcoming family.
All in all, I have loved getting settled into St. Mike’s. Before coming to live in the college, I would hear stories from my older sister about the unparalleled school and college spirit at St. Mike’s. Of course I initially thought this was pure advertisement. It was only when I experienced the Canada Room that I truly understood what my sister was trying to show me. The energy of various students sitting together, some of whom were just meeting for the first time, is one of the experiences that I feel lucky to be a part of. In all my nervousness about coming to a new school, and adjusting to the fast-paced nature of university, I have never once doubted that I have a place at St. Mike’s. As I continue to move forward in finding my bearings at St. Mike’s, I am proud that the college has become a home away from home.
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