Last month I got an email from York International, telling me about a new activity they are planning to launch for which they would like volunteers, someone with an international experience, the purpose of the presentations is to remind our students and let them know of the opportunities and options they have as York students through the York International office i.e. exchange programs, International internships, summer study abroad program, Emerging Global Leaders Program, buddy program and Letter of Recognition (International). However, the main element of going in there is for us to inspire the students by telling them about our experience in any of above mentioned and how significant it was. So last Wednesday, was another busy day for me; between classes and an information session I attended, I gave two presentations about York International, and I really enjoyed doing it. However, when I read the email from York International I felt mostly proud of the staff that is behind this idea and taking the initiative. It particularly reminded me of the time I wanted to go on exchange or do an internship and how limited my choices and resources of help from university were. I still remember having Gawish run around campus with me, from the main building to the engineering and back to the main building, because I was trying to get someone to talk to and figure things out. Thankfully, it all worked out well and I ended up going to Iowa and it was quite the experience. Of course, thanks to Professor Isaac, who set up information session and put up posters about going on exchange, out of his own initiative and lucky I was to be able to find him. I was especially shocked and frustrated with the fact the person who was in charge of the exchange programs did not know that the "exchange agreement" we had only worked one way, students from abroad came through but we didn't. That same semester, as I was communicating with professor Pernille,(a professor whom I whole heartedly respect and admire and need to email) about my endeavor in the going on exchange affair, hearing about my ordeal she asked me to print the email and send it to her husband who just then started a new position at the main building, in charge of academic programs. Earlier this year, as I was looking through the AUS website I got a nice surprise to see a link to the exchange programs and agreements that AUS has established and an International Exchange office as well :)
However, the email from York International was a like a déjà vu as upon my return from that summer in Iowa, Professor Pernille and I had a long fun and fulfilling chat about how everything went that summer; the experience, people, classes, culture and incidents. At the end of it she suggested that I set sessions or a talk for students telling them about my experience and the importance going on exchange adds not only to academic education but life skills. It was a great idea; I am passionate about helping others and particularly students, just making them have faith in themselves and be confident in challenging themselves, trusting that they will be up for it. However, unfortunately at the time, there wasn’t a way I could do that.
So, last week 2 years after that conversation I was able to give a presentation with the same objective, right here in Canada but as a York student. Of course it wasn't like a presentation that I would be giving in AUS to a class of 25 students; I gave it in a lecture hall that holds 100 some students and through a microphone. I will not tell you that I didn’t get a tad nervous when I saw the class I was getting into. The professor was extremely nice and friendly and excited about what I had come to tell the students. I think the most interesting part was having students ask questions and seeing the excitement in some of their faces, some came up to me by the door as I was leaving telling me about what their specific cases and what they had in mind, unfortunately I couldn’t answer all their questions as I was not to take up time from their class. I did leave them with York International fliers and bookmarks that had the office’s website, address and information. My second presentation was also to a big class, but of course by the second one I felt better prepared. However, I tell you, it is difficult having that many people looking right at you, I just didn't know where to look :p I wonder if professors get trained for giving lectures to a big audience.
I notice that I ended up giving you what looks like memo here and would better get going. Please share your thoughts and experiences, I like to know what you have in mind and you have been up to!
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