CREDIT: HANNAH THEODORE
A note to my younger self as I leave Fanshawe with great knowledge, new friends and skills.

As I finalize all my assignments and tests and as I wrap up my final year at Fanshawe, I’ve realized that the road to success is always under construction.

If I could turn back the hands of time to my first year, there would be so many things that I would’ve changed.

Your priority is not my emergency


To begin with, during my studies I was working a part-time job. Often, I was undertaking full-time hours while being a part-time salesperson. I took on hours immediately after and before classes, leaving myself with very little room for studying. Why? I was incredibly intimidated by my manager and coworkers. During times when we were short-staffed, I felt pressured to step in and take on hours that I couldn’t afford, especially during exams. I felt that I could take on as many responsibilities as possible. As a result, I was often burnt out, drained, dispassionate, and scattered.

If I could, I’d tell myself to take time, every day, to relax and accomplish things that wouldn’t cause me any further stress. I would prioritize my responsibilities that had the greatest influence on my life first.

Just do it!

In no way am I being sponsored to say this, but one of the best moments of my time here at Fanshawe was being employed by Fanshawe Student Union (FSU) as a writer and reporter for Interrobang.

It was the summer of 2021, when I was searching for a co-op position both on and off campus (due to the initial lockdown, many program- related co-op employers were rejecting students, especially because they were unable to be in the office).

I viewed a post for a summer position as a writer and reporter for FSU. I was very anxious when I applied. I knew I required a co-op credit for that summer; however, I had no experience in journalism, interviewing, and writing articles.

At the end of my four-month contract, I was greatly informed about the multiple communities within my city and college. I had interviewed members from the Indigenous and LBGQT2S+ communities. As well, I recorded and documented stories on several scholars, artists, award-winning musicians, student talents, and more.

I appreciated every moment an individual allowed me to interview them. Through laughs and cries, I felt very privileged to have learned from their stories.

In the absence of a pandemic, I don’t believe I would have ever applied for this position. I would have never learned and appreciated the work of members in the city and students and faculty of Fanshawe College, as well as learning and improving my skills in journalism from my editor and her guidance.

In the end, I believe that it is important to research for opportunities on-campus. Even if you feel unqualified, apply! Because there is a high chance that you will walk out with great knowledge and new skills at the end of your work term.

Happy mind, happy life

Disclaimer: “Fake it till you make it” works for most things, but should not be applied for every situation in life.

If I designed the world, I would make it repetitive and predictable. As a Taurus, any type of change in our daily lives whether it is meeting different people or being situated in new environments intimidates us.

My secret to handling ongoing changes in life, has been to “fake it till I make it.” Before my first day at work, or before an exam, to ease my nerves, I practice being grateful and welcoming any changes.

At last, it took being employed with companies I admire and developing new friendships for me to realize how capable I truly am. I would advise anyone to genuinely believe in themselves and if things don’t work out, there is always another route that unlocks many doors, even doors you never knew you needed opened.
Editorial opinions or comments expressed in this online edition of Interrobang newspaper reflect the views of the writer and are not those of the Interrobang or the Fanshawe Student Union. The Interrobang is published weekly by the Fanshawe Student Union at 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd., P.O. Box 7005, London, Ontario, N5Y 5R6 and distributed through the Fanshawe College community. Letters to the editor are welcome. All letters are subject to editing and should be emailed. All letters must be accompanied by contact information. Letters can also be submitted online by clicking here.