From library to class, to student center, to class again- the life of a university student revolves heavily around the university campus. At times it is so easy to get caught up in the world of backpacks, school colours, and library study halls that you forget that outside the borders of campus there is a city waiting to be explored.
Over the past year, I have had the wonderful opportunity to discover the city of Hamilton. From art and music festivals to waterfront bike trails, I am always discovering something new and am always surprised by what I find. In many ways, one’s university city is like a friendly host that takes you in for four to five years (or sometimes more!) of your life and really doesn’t ask for much else in return. That’s why I feel it is so important to give back to one’s university city. As university students we possess many skills and knowledge that can be of great value to others. Whether it be volunteering at a local organization, or picking up a piece of garbage on the way to class, there are always ways to give back. This year I’ve been lucky enough to volunteer as a tutor for high-school students, allowing me to pass on the knowledge I’ve learned in school to others and to feel like I’m making a tangible contribution to the city I now c all home.
Challenging oneself is an important part of university. In fact, university classes are designed to challenge you academically and make you think critically- I’ve attached a photo of myself running an experiment in the electrical engineering lab! But another important part of university is challenging yourself as a person, and giving back to the community is a great way to do this.