Through the looking glass...

A recent alum with everything you need to know about the wonderful world of Glendon

[gallifreyanwritings]

"Glendon" , i..e, Glendon campus, York University

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[alisonogl]

Combining three of my loves: Glendon, Graphemics within Linguistics and Doctor Who

[alisonogl]

Jobs after Graduation

Since I started university, I have been worried about what would happen next.  Would I find a job?  Where would I work?  What would be my career?  Yes, even since first year, this has been on my mind and it only got worse the further I went in my degree.  So I worked a lot of jobs, gained experience, made connections and built up my resume.  But would it be enough?

When I began working at the Legislative Assembly for the summer, I was very happy as I love the job.  But my nerves didn’t go away.  It was still a contract position.  In a little over four months, I’d be back where I started looking for work.   Maybe I would be lucky and something awesome would open up at the Leg.  Or at York?  Or at Glendon?  Or anywhere really?  And I really wanted full time which is getting harder and harder to find these days.  Would I be able to support myself?

I was constantly searching and applying.  Everyone recommended apply, apply, apply and relax.  Although I couldn’t help but be stressed, my stress wasn’t helping me find a job any faster.  So I tried my best to stay calm and think of what I would do if nothing came up.  Widen my search.  Take on two part time jobs.  If I really didn’t find anything, take my graduation trip (a gift from my parents).  I haven’t had a vacation in a long time.

But something did come up.  

I got a job at York as a Recruitment Officer.

So, it’ll all work out.  Whether your mind is going a mile a minute over university or finding a job, you can relax a little.

[alisonogl]

You Never Stop Learning

After finishing my studies in April, I find myself with a lot of free time.  Although I do have a full time job, I still have a lot more down time than during the school year.  So what do I get up to?  Hours of TV and movies and hanging with friends?  Well, sometimes, especially since I got Netflix, but a good portion of my time is still devoted to languages.

Wait, didn’t I just spend an entire four year degree on those?  Haven’t I had enough of cramming vocab and grammar?  Aren’t I fluent yet??

Oui, je parle français couramment.  Je suis une guide bilingue au parlement ontarien où je donne les visites en les deux langues officielles du Canada.  También, hablo español con fluidez que no es necesita a mi empleo pero es muy útil.  Hay muchas turistas que son hispanohablantes en Toronto.

But that’s not enough.

Yes, I am fluent in English, French and Spanish, but I won't stay fluent without consistently using and improving my languages.  I take advantage of every opportunity at work to use them and read a lot to expand my vocabulary.  Both my sister and father are trying to improve their French, so I have partners to practice with via skype.  I also have Duolingo on my phone which is an app to learn/improve languages.

But that’s not it.  I always want to know more.  I want to master the other languages available on Duolingo as well as finally learn ASL.  I want to relearn Romanian and Latin eventually.  But right now, my focus is Mandarin.

Mandarin is the most widely spoken language in the world.  It only makes sense to me to try it out, especially since I plan to take a trip to China.  Mandarin is quite a challenge with its tones and characters and it is nothing like the other languages I know.  But I am excited!  I have met so many tourists who speak Mandarin and I want to be able to converse with them.

I’m learning via Rosetta Stone.  I’ve only gotten through section one of CD one, so I don’t know much yet.  But when someone uses numbers or says yes or no, I understand!  It’s very exciting.

Regardless of when my studies officially finished, my love of languages and learning did not.  I will continue to expand my mind and my tongue.

Happy days and see you later.

[alisonogl]

Understanding Entrance Scholarships

What are entrance scholarships?

York Renewable Entrance Scholarships are scholarships awarded to incoming Canadian students who have applied directly out of high school.  Unfortunately, mature, transfer and international students are not eligible.  They are awarded based off of your final admissions average (Your top 6 4U/M courses including any prerequisites). They are also renewable meaning you can continue to receive the scholarship for four years of university.

How much as they worth?

Your scholarship is dependant on your final marks.  If your final admissions average is:

80%-84.9% you can receive $500 a year for up to four years.  (Potentially worth $2,000)

85%-89.9% you can receive $1,000 a year for up to four years.  (Potentially worth $4,000)

90%-94.5% you can receive $2,000 a year for up to four years.  (Potentially worth $8,000)

95% and above you can receive $3,000 a year for up to four years.  (Potentially worth $12,000)

How do I get one?

These scholarships are automatically awarded.  No application is necessary!  Work hard and do your absolute best in your high school courses to be considered eligible.  When you are first given an offer of admission, the university will also send a letter letting you know which scholarship you will receive.  However, even if your final marks dramatically increase or decrease from when you first received your offer, a new letter will not be sent notifying you of the final amount of the scholarship.

How do I renew the money?

To renew the scholarship, ie, keep receiving the money, you must maintain an 8.00 GPA and be enrolled in a minimum of 24 credits.  This GPA only includes the previous year’s marks, so every year you must do well.  If your marks drop and you lose the scholarship one year, you cannot receive it again the following year.

But what if my marks go up or down throughout university?  Will I receive more or less money?

Regardless where your GPA lies throughout your university career, as long as it stays above 8.00, you will renew your original entrance scholarship.  For example, let’s say you came in with a 98% and you started with the $3,000 renewable scholarship.  Although your average dropped to an 8.1 in first year, you are still eligible to renew the $3,000 for the next year.  However, if you come in with an 80% and your average rises to a 8.9, you can only renew the $500 as that was your original scholarship.  As university is harder than high school, this works in the favour of students.  Your average will likely drop (See my past posts on Marks and the The Freshman 15).

When will I receive the money in my student account?

The money is typically deposited in your student account sometime between late July to early September.  Looking back, my entrance scholarship usually came in around mid August.

Hopefully, York Entrance Scholarships are a lot clearer now.  Congratulations if you’ve received one and keep up the good marks!

Happy days and see you later.

[alisonogl]

On Class Size

One of the most common differences between high school and university is class size.  While high schools often have 30-35 students per class, you’re warned that in university your classes are going to be big...like 100s of people big.  Like 1000 person lectures big.

Glendon, however, is small.  Our student population is about 2700 and our average class size is 26...but what does that all mean?

It certainly does NOT mean that every class has 26 students.  It means, that some classes have more than 26 and some have less, but as a whole, if you added all the class sizes up and divided it by the number of classes, you’d get 26.

To put this in easier terminology, the largest lecture hall at Glendon seats 250 people.  On the Glendon campus, you cannot have a class larger than this because a lecture hall does not exist that is bigger!  I don’t know the official smallest class, but a few years ago I was in a class of 6, that due to the few people who dropped the course, became a class of 3.  So that’s a good idea of a range: 3-250 people (but on average 26).

Taking classes at the Keele campus might be larger as they have bigger lecture halls.  General Education courses and first year lectures tend to be the biggest classes as they don’t require prerequisites.  The more advanced and specialized classes will be smaller typically.  Your major also determines your class size.  Linguistics was a very small program with an even smaller set taking classes in French...which was why I was able to have a class of 3.

Even if you find yourself in a massive lecture hall on the first day: don’t panic.  Large lectures split off into tutorials which are much smaller and you can have one on one interactions with your Teaching Assistant (TA) who runs the tutorial.

Regardless of a big or small class, you will be able to find the support you need to succeed.

Happy days and see you later.

[alisonogl]

Convocation

It’s official.  I’ve graduated.

I am so happy to have studied at Glendon and finished my degree.  I have always wanted to speak another language and Glendon gave me the gift of fluency in two.  Thank you, Glendon.  Thank you for the friends, the memories and the hard work.  It was totally worth it.

[alisonogl]

Just got your residence room and curious where it is in the building?  Check out my handy maps!

[alisonogl]

Food at university

During my time as a Glendon tour guide, there were certain questions that came up on every tour.  One of the most common themes was food.

And no wonder people were interested!  If you’re moving away from home, this could be the first time you’ll not be eating your parents’ food.  So what are your choices?  What is there to eat?

Residence

All residence students must get a meal plan.  The smallest one is $2500, but that is your food for the entire year.  I typically went through $3500 a year.  Yes, I lived on residence and ate cafeteria food for four years and I never got tired of it!  I think that demonstrates how much variety the Glendon Kitchen offers.  Also, the caf was constantly changing its menu to reflect the dietary needs of students!  You can get vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or halal options at every station.  Also, most of the food is made in house, so it’s easy to find out exactly what you’re eating.  All the stations had choice too, so my sandwiches, stirfrys, pastas and grilled food never got boring.  But, if you get cabin fever, the Glendon Kitchen is not the only source of food.  You can also eat at Tim Horton’s, Revvup (My go-to lunch place) or Lunik Coop.  And your meal plan works at Keele which means you have access to over 50 restaurants.

Commuting - Living at home

Great way to save money!  I suggest bringing your meals from home as you can warm it up in the microwaves in the cafeteria.  Also, someone else at home might be cooking for free, so enjoy it while you can!  I would recommend putting a little bit of money (say $20) on your student card though.  This allows you to quickly grab a snack/coffee/meal on a day when you just want some sugar or forgot your lunch.

Commuting - Living away from home

I’m only just in this boat now that I have my own apartment.  It can be tough, having to make all your own meals every day and it takes time!  But buying food out can get costly and you’ve probably got a lot of bills to pay.  I have found that I am actually an okay cook now that I have my own kitchen.  I often prepare two servings of everything at dinner so I’m ready for lunch the next day.  That saves time for precious sleep in the morning.  It also saves money in my precious wallet.  However, I once again recommend putting a little bit of money on your student card just in case you want to buy something occasionally.

Wherever you may live or whatever your taste, the choice is there at Glendon.  So expand your palate!

[alisonogl]

Hi! I'm currently looking to transfer to Glendon for the linguistics program, but I'm not exactly sure if it's what I want to do. Do you think you could give me an in depth view of the program and what it really entails? Thank you so much :)

Hello!

Glad to hear that you're interested in Linguistics.  At Glendon, the Linguistics program encourages you look at all aspects of language as well as study the linguistics of more than just English.  For example, we offer many language courses as a linguistic introduction including African Languages, Romanian, Aboriginal Languages and Persian. We have to take core courses in Phonetics, Phonology, Syntax, Morphology, Semantic, Sociolinguistics and Language Variation.  It can be done as a three year or four year program and as a BA or an iBA.  Linguistics classes are offered in English, French and Spanish.  The program is flexible and entirely what you make of it!  While I focused more on studying the mechanics of all languages, I have friends who focused much more on sociolinguistics and others who focused entirely on the science of the English language.  For more information, I encourage you to check out my posts on What is Linguistics and Why I Love Linguistics. 

I hope I answered your question!

[alisonogl]

The Alum Life

So I’ve finished my degree and all everyone seems to ask me is “What’s next?”  Not, “How’s the new apartment?”  Not, “Are you enjoying not having 5 courses and 3 jobs for once?”  No, just, “How do you plan to spend the rest of your life?”  As a young person, I love this question.  So much.

But they are just making conversation.  And some people are curious.  Some people are anxious about the job market and want some hope.  So what comes after the B.A.?

Well, I haven’t started the rest of my life yet.  I’m currently working a summer student position which ends in August at Ontario’s Parliament.  I love the work and it’s bilingual but it is not permanent.  So of course, I’m on the look out for what to do after August and am stressed out that I won’t find anything.  But that seems to be normal.

So, focus on the positive.  I do have a great job right after graduation.  I am using skills I learned at university (even my Spanish is paying off)!  I still hope for the day I’ll have a permanent position with benefits but it’s not that time yet.

So that is what I’m up to.  Making money, enjoying my work, relaxing in the fact that I’m finished a degree and searching for the career path.  It’s uncertain but it’s pretty nice.

Happy days and see you later.

[alisonogl]

The gorgeous Glendon campus in Spring

[alisonogl]

How to pay York University

Whether an enrollment deposit, your tuition or getting a transcript printed, you’ll need to know how to pay York University.  You can do this via telephone or online banking, which makes it somewhat of a new experience for many incoming Glendonites.  I myself had never used either of these methods prior to university and I was worried I would mess it up.  I was working with large quantities to money that was due and I didn’t want to accidentally send it to the wrong person!

I used online banking because I’m more of a visual person.  To use online banking, you need to:

1. Set up your online banking account with your bank.  Although you might already have an account with the bank, you will need to actually go to the website and register for the online account typically.  I find online banking super convenient, especially when I’m busy with university readings and can’t go off campus to a physical branch.

2. On your online account, set up York University as a bill.  Usually, this is very easy to do by yourself on the website.  When you set it up, the bill is “York University”.  It will ask for your account number.  This is your student number which usually a 9 digit number starting with a 21.

3. View your finances on Passport York.  Using your Passport York’s finance section, figure out what you owe.  Deposits (ie for Enrollments/Residence) will not be listed as something you owe but you still have to pay them.  Anything you owe is listed as a positive amount.  Anything you pay is listed as a negative amount.  Your statements tell you the total amount you owe and when it’s due.  Your transactions tell you each individual bit of activity.

4. Pay York.  Pay your bill using the online banking service.  A few days later, if you check your Passport York Finances, you will see a transaction that is a negative number.  The description is usually something like “Payment to York University, Thank you.”

If you ever pay too much or get a scholarship more than you need and have extra money on your York account, lucky you!  You can either leave it on the account to go toward the next fees you owe, or, request a refund from York and they will mail you a cheque.  However, this can take a few weeks.

Happy days and see you later!

[alisonogl]

7 Questions you had about university (But were too afraid too ask)

Do I have to go to class?

Technically, no.  You’re an adult and you’re paying for the class.  If you don’t want to go, don’t.  However, you are paying about $50 per lecture and getting a good mark is easier when you know what’s going on, so I do recommend going.

Do I have to ask to leave a lecture/tutorial?

Nope!  You may leave when you like whether it’s to go to the bathroom or just leave.  However, try to be courteous.  Some profs hate people arriving late or leaving early (even if your schedule requires it).  So keep in mind that although you can leave whenever you want, ask yourself if it’s a good time to get up.

Is it bad if I need to switch my program...or university?

Not at all!  In fact, it’s really common.  A lot of people don’t know what they want to do right away.  Make your best guess now and if you have to change it later, do so.  Juan has switched his major while Michelle is a transfer student and can give you some advice on changing universities.

What if I fail a course?

You don’t get the credit or meet any requirements and it lowers your average.  You also don’t get a refund.  But, you can always repeat the class.  Just get back up and try again.  Failure happens and it’s only a true failure if you don’t learn anything from your experience.

Do I have to take a full course load?

Nope!  Take as many courses as you feel comfortable.  However, your number of courses does affect your funding so keep that in mind.

Do I have to pay for all the courses right away?

Yes.  Fees have due dates.  If you don’t, they charge you interest.  If you need a payment plan, contact Financial Services and they can help you out.  Don’t just assume not paying is okay.

What happens if it’s too hard/stressful?

It’s okay.  A lot of people find university to be a difficult, stressful time.  Talk to your support network of peers, parents, or counsellors at Counselling and Disability Services.  It’ll be okay.

Happy days and see you later :)

[alisonogl]

Hello :) I saw you went to york u. I am 99% sure I'm going to be going there, but I'm terrified of how large it is and if I can make friends :3 were you able toxins very close friends? If so, how did you do that??

Hello :)

I just finished my degree at the Glendon campus of York University! 

Yes, York is a big school and it can be intimidating.  However, the big environment means you're more likely to find people with common interests!  I myself went to the Glendon campus which is considerably smaller as I like smaller groups. 

I was able to make close friends.  I found it easier to do this by connecting with people on my floor or in seminar/tutorial classes as they are quite a bit smaller than the big lectures.  Also, joining clubs helps too! 

Check out my post on meeting people for more tips. 

I hope this helps!

[alisonogl]

The End...sort of

So, here we are.  Just over a year since my first post on this blog.  But I'm no longer a Glendon student.  Although I haven't had the official ceremony yet, I am done my degree.  So, it's time to say goodbye to my student blog.

I will of course leave up the blog as a resource for all future and current Glendonites, but I will no longer be posting on a regular basis.  Feel free to ask questions and I will happily answer them.  I'll even give you an update or a post now and again.  Just not as often.

Thank you for checking out my blog and your interest in Glendon!  I hope I've been able to help you out.  Glendon has been my home for long time now and I hope you find a home in it too :)

Dès que une Coeur-de-Lion, toujours une Coeur-de-Lion.

[bilabialdontstop]

This video is interesting and cute.  However, the primary reason I am sharing it is this quote he slips in at the end:

"All these fantastic features are one of the reasons why keeping minor languages alive is important.  If English had utterly dominated the world, and stamped out every other tongue then we’d lose, not only these rich languages, but we’d lose the insights we’d gain of what the human mind is capable of."

Preserving endangered languages is one of the issues nearest and dearest to my heart. But it deserves a larger, more eloquent explanation of its importance than I can fit in this post - so for now enjoy the video and try to revel in this small taste of the wonders of linguistic diversity.

[alisonogl]

What I got out of my degree

So it’s official.  I’m done my exams and I’ve handed in all my assignments.  After 4 years, 24 classes and 33 textbooks, I’m finally a university graduate.

I did all the work and now it’s time to start a career.  But was it worth it?  What’s really the point of a B.A.?  When I initially applied to university, I sort of thought I was paying for a fancy piece of paper.  I now know that a university degree is a lot more than just that.  So, to give you an idea, here’s what I personally got out of my university degree:

- The ability to speak French fluently and work in both an academic and professional environment in my second language

- The ability to speak Spanish fluently and work with my third language inside the classroom and out.

- Figuring out what I don’t want to do with my life

- Discovering what I love and what I want to do with my life

- Exploring my passion of how languages work and how society and linguistics interacts

- Developing marketable interpersonal and communication skills

- Gaining the independence of living alone and planning my own life

- Moving out of my parents' house

- Gaining office work experience while doing what I love

- Creating lifelong friendships with people from around the world

- Learning about different cultures and ways of life I never would have experienced at home

- Fulfilling a lifelong dream of multilingualism.

- Traveling

- Developing critical thinking, reasoning and argumentation skills that are applicable to everyday life

- Learning how to manage loans and bills with a big organization

- Discovering new perspectives and outlooks on life

- Working and interacting with colleagues and superiors in an effective way

- Trying out and studying more than seven languages

- Knowing how to sort through vast quantities of information and research to find what I need

- Running and managing a student club

- Managing my own money

- Further developing my organization and time management skills especially in stressful situations

- Getting the piece of paper that proves it

So when it comes down to it, I am definitely happy that I went to university.  Even though it was scary, expensive and stressful, it’s all worth it in the end.

Happy days and see you later!