My Journey: Part 1

Arriving in Canada as an international transfer student from Baskent University in Turkey, I faced the challenge of adapting to a new country and school. Navigating English in writing, I actively participated in workshops and classes to enhance my language skills.

Balancing work with my studies as an international student was no easy feat. The struggle to secure a decent job with working restrictions was real. Amidst this, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic led me to take on the role of a frontline worker in a grocery store warehouse. Here, I gained valuable insights into various foods, from vegetables and fruits to dry goods.

Over the course of two and a half years, I faced a setback with a back injury while simultaneously navigating Master's program applications. Seeking lower back physical therapy through workplace insurance presented its own challenges.

Despite these hurdles, I triumphed by being accepted into the MPH program at UofT. The shift to online learning for the past two years culminated in quitting my warehouse job to focus on the master's program. Transitioning to in-person classes after two years of online schooling, I took on a rigorous schedule with six classes in the first semester.

The journey continued with the search for a job on campus, leading to the role of a Grad Peer mentor at Accessibility Services. Juggling work and a full-time practicum, I learned to stand up for myself in challenging situations and with individuals of diverse characteristics.

My practicum experiences were diverse, spanning rehab hospitals, kinesiology research labs, long-term care settings, and community health centers. Working with various populations, including children, babies, the elderly, and adults, broadened my perspective.

In my second year, I concurrently served as a research assistant at the Kinesiology lab while tackling 4 to 5 classes and dedicating time to a year-long culminating project.

Check back for more details on my journey in Part 2: My Experience as an International Transfer Student