06 — Challenge & Change
In my final year of high-school I took an elective called Challenge & Change that combined anthropology, sociology, and psychology. I enjoyed the social sciences, as it provided insight on the behavior of people. These disciplines would eventually influence my career values. Project BEAM has since been on hiatus due to personal reasons. However, as the environment continues to change I aim to continue to challenge myself.
Congratulations, you made it.
It is hard for me to believe that my undergraduate career has ended. As I submitted my final paper on the topic of the pandemic, it felt anticlimactic. The expectations I had celebrating with my friends and family were not realized. There is no graduation trip, gathering, or physical graduation ceremony. My final term in the city was abruptly ended, the exchange I planned to attend since second year was canceled, and the whole year in quarantine was one of my worst. However, this milestone was completed regardless of any of my personal feelings. Thus, instead of looking at the “what ifs” and potential of what could have happened I will choose to reflect on the components that went well. These moments may not have been my happiest, but they were definitely the most memorable.
Throughout the past five years, there were many amazing memories and people that I have met through school. I would have never thought that these years would be so exciting, fun, and short lasted. As a personal reflection and archive, I will limit myself to a brief overview of each year.
365 Days
I was very fortunate to have known a fair amount of people coming to Waterloo to study during the same year. However, most of my existing friends were in different faculty and departments. Their career focus and interests were not aligned with myself. Initially in my first term, I was not very close to the three featured in this photo. I would only see them briefly during classes, but noticed they lived in the same residence at Columbia Lake Village (CLV) when they took the bus or during community events. By coincidence, three of us joined the Planning Student Association and from there our friendship grew. With many grocery runs, late nights studying, cooking, watching shows, and yelling at Joe, there were many highlights together. Shoutout to Christina for being a fun neighbor and Don while connecting us through socials! This was where our journey to understanding our career choices and interests began.
730 Days
In my second year I signed a year lease but ended up subletting a different unit from Tim for four months because of his great offer at iCON. The most memorable moments from this year was the new family I connected with at the Chinese Christian Fellowship (CCF). This group of like-minded individuals helped encourage each other through faith and offered reassurance when needed. Conversations would vary from the newest sneaker drops, Minecraft servers, food adventures, fears, significant others, and insecurities. There were many people I met from different years providing wisdom and sharing their experiences on how to get through university. I am forever thankful for their guidance, companionship, and conversations. This photo was not taken in my second year, but the symbolism behind the house began here.
1095 Days
My third year at Waterloo was my first and last term to experience Summer in the city. Many people hate on the gloomy atmosphere throughout the year, but during the Summer it truly hits different. The iON (LRT) and Engineering 7 (E7) building just opened and provided many opportunities to explore and hangout in new areas. Many days were spent outside enjoying the beautiful weather, trying restaurants, and having conversations. I spent a considerable amount of time with my new friends from the previous years, as I saw them often during class or at church. However, I did not forget about my friends that I grew up with from high-school. Half of this year was intended to reconnect with them and cherish the journey we have gone through. This was when I began to understand the importance of being intentional and following up with friends. Sometimes those you spend the most time with may not be your closest friends, it takes commitment and sincerity.
1460 Days
The fourth year was a thrill in both the workplace and at school. I had landed an interesting position nearby home and they provided free transit around Toronto. I was enjoying summer hanging out and exploring foods and events around the city. During the school semester, I lived with some close friends, had Test Kitchen Thursdays (inspired by BA), and hid a roommate with a cat in the living room. Honestly, I was very happy reflecting back and very fortunate for everything. Despite the chaos of two urban design courses, the introduction of the pandemic, and losing my co-op, this was by far my favorite year of the five. Hard to choose one memory that stood out the most, but a spontaneous trip to New York right as the pandemic began might be close to the top.
1825 Days
The final year was the hardest. Ideally, it was suppose to start at my old co-op placement, followed by my exchange to Finland, and ending my final school term in Waterloo. Unfortunately, none of that happened. As much as I dreaded this year, this was a opportunity to connect deeper with my family and provided some time for self-reflection. The school work was hard, as I am someone who works well in different environments instead of staying at home. The time flew by at home and I am honestly not quite sure what eventful updates I had during the time. However, there is definitely a greater appreciation for my friends and spending time with others. Quality time is my top love language, and it still is. I am glad to be finished with this chapter and I look forward to the next.
Timestamp
It has been just over two years since I started this project. There is still plenty of room to grow, but the purpose is still the same. Refining not only my writing, but my ideas while reflecting on my character. I have written countless assignment or research papers throughout the past decade, and in the process lost my interest in creative writing. This is a commitment not at the same caliber and schedule as originally intended, but a commitment nonetheless. More to come!
