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Chart your course
Got the first-day-of-school jitters? The transition to post-secondary is often painted with a mix of excitement and trepidation. The barrage of new faces, new environments and new experiences can be overwhelming.
Those with the privilege of hindsight are offering a compass to guide new MRU students as they chart their course on this next adventure.
Here is some advice for navigating university and getting the most out of your time on campus — all from members of the graduating class of 2025.
Put yourself out there
One of the biggest lessons former students learned while studying at MRU was the importance of getting out of comfort zones. If pressure creates diamonds, discomfort creates pearls.
“Be the one to initiate connections with other students and opportunities,” offers chemistry grad and former student mentor Caden Albright.
“There are so many ways to get engaged and become connected with the broader MRU Community.”
Former women’s basketball captain and Academic All-Canadian Jamie Lalor agrees
“Go meet new people. Go try out new things. Most people coming to university, this is their first time here. They have no idea what they're doing either,” shares the all-time MRU leader in women’s basketball assists.
“The people that you meet at university will change your life, and they will help you grow into the human that you're meant to be. So don't be afraid to put yourself out there … You never know. You could meet your best friend, or you could try something that you absolutely love.”
Give it your all
It may seem cliché, but alumni seem to agree that you get out of university what you put into it. So don’t hold back.
“In everything you do at MRU, go all in. Don't be afraid to jump into clubs, committees, job experiences, or any other opportunities with two feet, because it may end up changing your life,” offers education alumnus and former Students’ Association of MRU student governor and Education Undergraduate Society president Kyle Joseph.
Albright echoes Joseph’s sentiment.
“It’s important to commit to a work ethic and develop a community of peers that helps you to stay motivated. Keep up with classwork, research and volunteering.”
Joseph says if you feel like an imposter, you’ve just got to fake it till you make it.
“Just take a shot and see what happens. It has often worked out well for me.”
When you stumble, get back up
Transitional Vocational Program grad Isabel Melby tells new students not to let setbacks deter you — take it in stride, adapt and keep trucking on.
“Don't be afraid of making mistakes; sometimes that's the best way to learn,” she says.
“Keep learning and growing.”
Marcedes Moosewaypayo, who graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration and works as an administrative assistant at MRU’s Iniksim Centre, says overcoming the hardest obstacles becomes easier when you stay connected to who you are and where you come from.
“There will be tough days, but each one teaches you something valuable. You’ll get through it, and when you do, you’ll realize how much strength and resilience you’ve gained along the way,” she shares.
“Trust in yourself. You’ve got this.”
Be kind to yourself and take care
Moosewaypayo says she never expected the emotional and personal challenges that would be thrown at her when she started her studies.
“It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. It’s okay to not have everything figured out,” she says.
“Take it one step at a time and be kind to yourself.”
Get to know your professors
Derek Morgan, who graduated with a sociology degree, says having a good rapport with your educators is pivotal — especially if you have any learning challenges or disabilities.
“When you get to know your professors, then you really know what's possible and what flexibility is possible for you, and what accommodations can be made that are official or not official. I think that's been a big part of the journey.”
Other grads agree enthusiastically, each appreciating how integral the encouraging and supporting staff at MRU is in their success.