Photo cred: Angie, Gary, Jesilou and my parents.

On Monday, June 13, I became a graduate. After four years of study at Ryerson University, I received my degree in journalism and couldn’t have been prouder of my accomplishment. It has been a challenging, demanding and – at times – intimidating experience, but worth every second.

From overcoming the initial fear of first-year “streeters” and second-year television, to completing two amazing internships and writing for the Ryersonian – as well as doing some fun Ryersonian TV pieces – I learned a lot. My journalism classes pushed me mentally, forcing me to build confidence and persevere when stories weren’t coming together as planned, and for that, I am extremely grateful. Thanks to Ryerson, I no longer think I can complete an assignment- I know I can do it.

But the best part of my experience at Ryerson University is the amazing friends I’ve made. They are all funny, kind, intelligent people that have given me a sense of belonging that I had never felt before.

My roomates were motivators when I felt frustrated, they were TV buddies when I needed a homework break and they always left their doors open when I needed someone to talk to. We laughed until it hurt, ate until we felt disgusting and watched enough bizarre web series to last a lifetime.

My classmates, who experienced the challenges of this program with me, were the reason I always had a smile on my face at school. We complained together, laughed together, were (equally) stressed together and dreamed of graduating together- all since day one. Over the past four years I’ve found an amazing circle of friends that are the most thoughtful, silly and ambitious people. I know they will find success in whatever they pursue and can’t wait to watch their careers unfold.

Now that I have completed my undergraduate education, I’m excited to enter the work world. I want a career that is fast-paced, challenging and creative- and I think I can achieve it. While it may take a few months before I find employment, I am confident that I will work some place great because I have Ryerson – the top journalism school in Canada – on my resume.

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