My best advice for prospective grad students would be to not be afraid to put yourself out there to the individuals you want to work with or those you believe to be the best sources of information. You are your best advocate! I would suggest doing as much research as possible on different graduate programs at various institutions, as well as the research being conducted to find the best fit for yourself. In my experience, asking current grad students how their experience was and how they achieved their goals was extremely helpful as they provided their authentic opinion.
A right step taken at a right time completely changes your identity. I won't say that your academic journey will be easy, but I am sure it will be worthy.
The University of Guelph is a small family in itself with a lot of support to facilitate different types of lifestyles. My ability to feel safe and learn without worry is something I have admired.
I have always followed my gut and trusted my instincts. I truly believe I wouldn’t have had the opportunities I have had if I didn’t trust that what was meant to happen, would happen at the right time for me. From the short internship that has become a career, to waiting for this program to exist to pursue my masters – timing is everything.
“Since I immigrated to Canada from Bangladesh in 2001 I have been living in Guelph. I cannot think of a city better than Guelph. People here are very friendly and dedicated to making their city a better place Guelph has a nice blend of rural and urban atmosphere; it's not too big or too small.”
Get involved in the community. Grad school is more than your research project; expand your contributions beyond your field of research and into the community where you are working.
