I immigrated to Canada 18 years ago. I didn't have higher education and was working as a nanny for few years. I wanted a better life and decided to go back to school. Unfortunately, that was not easy as I didn't have any educational background in Canada. Many people told me that it will be too hard, that I will not be successful and that I should focus on getting a job and be happy where I was. But I was determined to fulfill my dreams and prove to myself that I could do it.
I started by taking various English courses in college. I graduated with an Honours one-year certificate and applied to university. My dream was to study at the University of Waterloo, but again, there were other requirements that I needed to fulfill before being accepted. Finally, after nearly four years of preparation, I was studying Psychology at the University of Waterloo. English is my second language, so it was not easy making notes and studying for many classes.
I also didn't have many friends at school as I was the "mature" one :) I nearly failed my third Stats course and withdrew from one required course twice before completing it!
However, in the end, I was able to graduate with Honours! During my educational journey I've learned few things: if you want something- you can do it, but be prepared that it may require from you a lot of sacrifice, hard work and tears...you will realize that you are not perfect in every subject and that's okay! Lastly, even if your colleagues seem to do better at school, it doesn't mean that you won’t both be successful after graduation. Do what you love, follow your dreams, work hard and believe in yourself!
- Katarzyna Satora, Academic Advisor in SPHHS
