Michelle Wong is an SMC student entering her fourth year, majoring in Book & Media Studies (BMS) and double minoring in Women & Gender Studies and East Asian Studies. Beyond her academic life, Michelle loves to read, write, listen to different genres of music and discover hidden gems to eat around the GTA. She is currently serving as the The Book & Media Studies Student Association as well as the Student Representative for the SMC Senate. With her pen (or, technically, keyboard), Michelle is passionate and enthusiastic about storytelling and being a reliable mentor to those around her. She aspires to become a journalist—maybe even a museum/gallery curator—to showcase the experiences and emotions of others and help give spotlight to those who cannot have their voices heard.
If you ever approached the first-year me and told her that she would become the President of the Book & Media Studies Student Association, she would look at you with an obvious expression of confusion and laugh nervously while brainstorming a response. Clearly failing to do so, she might end up just nodding and smiling, while quietly replying with an ever-so-hesitant thank you.
Truthfully, I am still in a bit of disbelief—the girl who was once afraid of socializing with other students, and didn’t believe that she would be able to accomplish anything significant during her university career, has come so far.
When I finished my first year, like many other first-years, I had to choose my programs and how I wanted to continue my undergraduate degree. I was determined that I would be doing double majors in East Asian Studies and Women & Gender Studies, yet it felt like something was missing. I was not quite sure what, but I did not feel completed or satisfied doing these two majors; that was until a dear friend of mine introduced me to the Book & Media Studies program.
A bit hesitant at first, I was afraid that I might not have what it takes to excel in the program and that it would be too philosophical/theory-based. As you can tell, I was proven wrong. My choice to major in this program was probably one of the best choices I have ever made during my time at the University of Toronto.
You may think I am exaggerating (I would, too, if I were you!), but because I enrolled in the BMS program, I decided to transfer to St. Mike’s as well. These two decisions were really the ones that altered the direction of my academic career, allowing me to experience and take part in so many opportunities on the SMC campus.
Through the BMS program, I was able to find friends I instantly connected with and can spend hours talking to. Whether it was expressing our admiration and fondness for Prof. Kit MacNeil, or how much fun Prof. Iris Gildea’s classes were, or how many classes we want to take but can’t because of the immense competition during enrollment and needing to prioritize completing our other programs instead, I was able to experience these thanks to my decision to enrol in the BMS program.
For the first time, I truly felt like an actual university student with friends I can talk to about the courses and professors from whom I can seek academic guidance and feedback. I have had so many conversations with professors in the program, and they have demonstrated to me their passion for what they are doing and teaching it to students, all inspiring me to stay true to my passion and want to continue learning from them.
The Book & Media Studies program also introduced me to my love for printing, bookbinding, and learning about different types of medium beyond Western culture. Working with the letterpress machines in the Print Studio at the John Kelly Library will always be a fond memory of mine and something I would have never been introduced to if I had not enrolled in the BMS program.
As a commuter student, it is inevitable to feel like you do not belong anywhere on campus. Yet, transferring to St. Mike’s has really made me feel like I belong, that there is somewhere I can rest and seek help if needed. Moreover, I was able to partake in so many opportunities and meet so many new people because of such an accepting and welcoming community.
Prior to taking on the role as President of the BMSSA, I was the Journalism Editor for the Windrose SMC Yearbook and, through this role, I witnessed firsthand how inviting, uplifting and enthusiastic the SMC community is. I was able to attend my first-ever college formal (it was unbelievable) and connect with other like-minded individuals with whom I shared many laughs.
Now that I am given the opportunity to take on the role as the President of the BMSSA, I truly hope to share the same love and fondness I have for this program and the professors with all the other students who are part of Book & Media Studies. With the rest of the executive team, we hope to host many events for students to connect and truly see what makes Book & Media Studies so unique—the joys, potential and opportunities. There’s just so much to love about this program.
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