Humber students and a faculty member shared their experiences and tips for the upcoming students.
“Take advantage of every resource you have available,” Eric Cator said.
This academic year is ending despite all the difficulties and COVID-19 restrictions. Humber students and a faculty member shared their tips for upcoming students to be prepared for the next year.
Cator, the program coordinator of Film and TV production at Humber College, recommends being punctual because it’s “unbelievably important” for any students coming in.
“Time management is going to be crucial in any program that you’re in,” he said.
Also, his next piece of advice is to be communicative.
“Sometimes you couldn’t manage your way out of an issue. So, communication, in that case, is the best option because the academic year could be overwhelming and you might need help,” Cator said.
“If you’re struggling, reach out early, talk to your faculty members and let them know what’s going on.”
Viktoriia Shpachenko, a second-year Humber student, is studying Film and TV production. Her recommendation is to remember deadlines and do the planning.
“You have to do everything before your due dates because the number of assignments will be more and more. If you don’t want to have anxiety, just plan everything beforehand,” she said.
In addition, she advised other students to not be afraid to talk if they don’t understand the assignment. Shpachenko said, “Don’t be scared to ask your classmates or teachers because they will always help you.”
Another student, Talita Rias, is graduating from the Business Accounting program and is “exciting” about her last month at school. Her tip is to be prepared to work hard from the beginning.
“Start working when your classes just started. I know, it sounds strange, but it is as it is. Many students are so relaxed and sometimes they need time to get used to everything, but it’s essential to be attentive from the beginning and to work hard on your first assignment because the next one will be more difficult,” Rias said.
Banisha Joseph, a student from the Baking and Pastry Arts Management program, is preparing for final exams before her graduation next month. Her advice to first-year Humber students is to not be afraid because the time at school is an “unforgettable” experience.
She said, “Go with your passion, and don’t be afraid to go to school no matter what age you are.”
“Just have fun because there are the best years of your life,” Joseph said.
According to Cator, the pandemic affected his students and their work, and he hopes that the upcoming students will have a better time.
“There’s a lot of emotional baggage that comes with that thinking that everything you’re doing has this extra threat to it. So, my hope is that we will be in the place where that threat is really legitimately diminished, where we can proceed a little more. A little more confidence that this is all, the worst of it, we’re past and everything is going to be okay,” he said.
He also mentioned available resources for students at college.
“Humber has the Accommodation Centre and a lot of other resources that are available for students,” Cator said.