3 Lessons from a Fourth-Year Life Science Student

Welcome to the big reveal of the three lessons I learned as a fourth-year student. Before you skim through these, please note that these have very little to do with studying, academia etc. Rather, these lessons were acquired through a lot of personal experience. I hope they give you a greater perspective to think outside the box and understand that university is much more than a program. The Life Science program is what you make of it, which begins with your relationship and understanding of yourself. How honest can you be about your goals and dreams and how hard you wish to work for them? 

Your university experience is more than just your program.

This mentality has allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and get involved! I joined the Student Engagement and Equity Team as a two-time Peer Leader and, more recently, a Senior Peer Leader. I have worked closely with professors on passion projects, been a Digital Community Assistant for two years, and performed at Pangea recently while a Life Science student. 

If all I was doing were schoolwork, then I would go crazy! Balance is needed because the mind demands rest and relaxation to recharge. Furthermore, consider all you would miss out on if you stay fixated on just school. For this reason, I encourage you to expand your bubble, live a little and have fun! Doing so will bring positive results as you won’t feel exhausted due to solely doing school work, and you will know you are an active participant at your school.  

Break up with imposter syndrome.  

“It is not what you are that holds you back; it is what you think you are not.” So if thoughts are the separation between who you are and who you can become, I encourage you to believe the right thoughts, believe in yourself and trust yourself and your ability to make all your goals and dreams possible. 

Negativity has no room in such an academically rigorous program. If you encounter a problem 99.9% of the time, there is a solution. I challenge you not to give up on yourself and slowly but surely keep moving forward. And, of course, please ask for help when needed. The professors are there to listen and support you. 

Life is too short to stay fixated in a bubble. If it was for imposter syndrome, we might as well sit in the corner of our room inside a box covered in bubble wrap, so we don’t get hurt.

But what kind of a life/school experience would that be? Not an immensely fulfilling one. Besides, check out how cool this sheep brain looks!

The Big Takeaway.

It’s essential to take responsibility for your life, look in the mirror occasionally, and tell yourself I will do my best and always work hard. This program is more than just about getting a degree; it is about my bright future and big dreams. I won’t stop until I have achieved my goals because I am worth it, and I deserve this. 

Then once you’ve said all this, don’t spend too much time asking yourself or others how it will happen; that’s not your problem. Just tell yourself that things will work out most divinely; end of discussion. And then get to work. 

Remember, you are in this program because you worked hard and earned your seat, and you are more than capable of finishing with flying colours. Never lose faith in yourself.