My name is Evelyn, and I am an upper year student in the Math/CPA program at the University of Waterloo.
As an upper year, the most critical piece of advice I can give to my peers is to take the opportunity to organize events outside of class. While most friendships and connections are sparked in the classroom, they will only grow if you take the initiative to fuel them. Invite that friend for an Iced Cap between classes. Coordinate a games night with people on your floor. Invite someone to try a new food place in Uptown Waterloo. Your success in university heavily relies on the connections you build. Connecting with one person can lead to connecting with their friends, and before you know it, you are sitting in the SAF lounge with people you barely knew a week before. In a blink of an eye, you too will be an upper year, and graduation is within reach. Time goes by fast, so seizing every opportunity presented is essential. Push yourself to step out of your comfort zone, and connect with classmates, upper years, and employers. That first conversation you have with someone could be a fond memory you come back to in the future. Finding a network of friends in Waterloo boils down to finding the courage to start a simple conversation.