Sofia Minardi is a first-year student in the Faculty of Arts and Science who is interested in pursuing a double major in English and History. She is a recent graduate of Cardinal Carter Catholic High School in Aurora, where she served as the Mental Health Ambassador, and was later named Mental Health Champion, and recipient of the Guidance Department award. Having always held a passion for literature and reading, Sofia is actively involved in the writing community, in which she seizes any opportunity to challenge herself and her works. Just in this past year, she received an honourable mention for the Speaker’s Award for Youth Writers from the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. Aside from her academic pursuits, Sofia is also a student and instructor at Northern Karate Schools, in which she motivates students to pursue martial arts excellence, not only in their own training, but in their personal lives as well. Being the recipient of the 2025 Noah Kishinevsky Memorial Scholarship Award, she is looking forward to continuing her own academic journey at the University of Toronto.
On Saturday June 21st, I had the privilege of participating in St. Michael’s College Welcome Day at the University of Toronto. Having just been admitted into the Faculty of Arts and Science, I was both excited and anxious to begin to explore what was in store for me this September. I am a recent graduate of Cardinal Carter Catholic High School, based in Aurora, where I have spent the past four years uncovering my passions and interests, which ultimately led me to accepting my offer of admission to the Humanities field of study at U of T. In terms of the college selection process, St. Mike’s stood out to me because of its reputation as the only Catholic college on campus, and its rich history as such. I had also heard that it has been recognized for its unique programs in the liberal arts sector – two being the Gilson Seminar in Faith and Ideas, and Theatre as Revolution: From Melodrama to Modernity, which I was lucky enough to learn more about directly from the Professors leading said courses on Welcome Day.
Starting at 10 a.m. sharp, I was exposed to a variety of valuable information, spanning from degree requirements to university life, during which I had the chance to hear from both faculty staff and student leaders, who each offered their own distinct perspective into life at this college. Of all the presentations on this day, the section which eased most of my worries regarding my future academic life was the Degree and Course Requirement presentations. After being separated into the various fields of admission, students were given thorough presentations on how to examine their program or major(s) of interest for the upcoming term. Via extensive walk-throughs of the many weblinks found on the U of T site, future first-years were given helpful information in regards to preparing for course selection on July 17th. All the while, parents were being provided with the means to support their children during this university transition period.
Even though Welcome Day was directed for a student audience, St. Mike’s took the time to ensure that all parties were provided with as much detail as possible, guaranteeing a smooth start to life at the University of Toronto. Once the presentations had wrapped up, future St. Michael’s students were provided with a free lunch at the John M. Kelly Library, in which I was given the opportunity to socialize with others, both in and out of my field of study. It was amazing to be able to connect with so many different people, all of whom shared one thing in common – their affiliation with St. Michael’s College. Even after only a few hours, I could tell that the community was exemplary. During this time, there were also campus tours, library tours, and a resource fair, each provided their own distinctive views into campus life come September.
I was lucky enough to participate in one of the guided tours, where I was able to experience the stunning architecture this college has to offer. Ranging from a diverse breadth of modern, interpretive structures to old, historic sites. On Welcome Day, I learned that St. Mike’s campus flawlessly integrates its rich past with the ever-evolving present to create a gorgeous campus for all students of the University of Toronto to enjoy. Aside from the informational aspects of this day, some of my highlights included hearing from some of the Professors associated with St. Mike’s, such as Professors Michael O’Connor and Francesco Morriello. They provided invaluable insight on procedures like course selection and budgeting for the upcoming year, and after hearing their perspectives, I felt more prepared and comfortable than I had come. The faculty at St. Mike’s took the time to ensure we knew that they were there to support our academic journeys to come, and I definitely look forward to meeting more staff in the future. In addition, I especially appreciated hearing from the Principal and Vice-President of St. Michael’s College, Professor Irene Morra, who delivered a passionate and engaging introduction to all Welcome Day visitors to start off the morning. She really set the tone for such an inspiring day.
Going in, I was nervous, intimidated, and frankly, feeling unprepared for what September had to offer, but thanks to the consideration and generosity of St. Michael’s College, I left feeling ready to take it all on. It is safe to say that Welcome Day 2025 did not disappoint, it was a great experience, and I am so thrilled to share the space with my future peers in September.
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