Everyone always talks about how overwhelming the start of university can be however it’s a statement I most definitely underestimated as I embarked on my first year at University of Toronto, Rotman Commerce. Within the first few months I was definitely beyond overwhelmed and questioning my abilities to continue through the program, yet thanks to the support of my family and friends I hustled through and finished stronger than I could have ever imagined as I started that first week.

Amidst the endless conversations and pep talks with my parents I also felt extremely blessed to be able to head back to my second home where I was able to speak with my teachers and Mrs. Tesoro about everything I was experiencing. It’s truly special to be able to receive such candid advice from people who know me the best and also who were integral in shaping who I am and inspiring who I want to become.

At Holy Name it truly was a second home and I was able to genuinely flourish to my greatest potential. For some people the thought of starting fresh with a blank slate in university is entirely appealing and one they can’t wait for, however for myself, this blank slate was quite terrifying as I was extremely comfortable with who I had become at Holy Name and I was scared I wouldn’t be able to build this back up. However I knew I had to push myself no matter what the circumstances were and I am so glad I did as now looking back and gearing up to enter second year, I am quite proud of what I was able to accomplish.

Entering first year I was awarded the President’s Scholar of Excellence due to high academic and personal achievements which is awarded to the top 100 students entering University of Toronto. This scholarship came with some great additional opportunities including a mentorship with a professor of my choice which has been a great experience and I am looking forward to the doors this relationship may open in my future.

I applied to and received a first year internship position with the Rotman Commerce Consulting Association and I am proudly returning to the group as the Director of Finance for my second year while also taking on the role of leading the first year internship program which is so bittersweet for me to be able to give back in a way that was so integral to my first year.

After her first year of Business at St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia, Kate Walker ’17 travelled to Europe to visit family and gain work experience. She is doing a summer work assignment at IPSEN Pharmaceuticals, a global company offering life-saving medications to patients in over 44 countries. She has been working with the Business Team in the UK office and recently spent time at the head office in Paris, France. Kate is one of a very few international students at IPSEN to secure a coveted summer placement position.