Please enable JavaScript to use file uploader.
I’m writing this on my very last day of college. Four years. That’s 1,460 days of laughter, stress, all-nighters, takeaway meals, and memories I’ll never forget.
Throughout this blog series, we’ve talked about everything from culture shock to winter hacks, budgeting, job hunting, and finding work-life balance. But this one? This final blog? It’s a love letter. A reflection. A collection of the best advice I’ve received from mentors, colleagues, and professors. It’s everything I wish I had known to become that student, the one who seems to do it all.
Closed mouths don’t get fed, and closed emails don’t get internships. Be proactive. Introduce yourself at networking events. Say yes to the opportunities that scare you. I didn’t become president of Enactus Seneca or get a co-op at Loblaw by waiting for someone to hand it to me. I showed up, even when I was nervous. Build doors if none open for you. Show people what you bring to the table.
You don’t have to be a superhero. You just have to keep showing up. There were days I was overwhelmed, running between classes, meetings, and work. But consistency, not perfection, is what moved the needle. You’ll get tired. You’ll fail sometimes. But if you keep going, if you just keep swimming, you’re still growing.
Time is your most valuable resource. In college, it’s easy to get caught up in everything and end up doing nothing. Learn what distracts you (for me, it was social media - so I deleted it). You won’t be able to do it all, but if you focus on what truly matters and give it your best, you’ll make the most of these prime years.
I would not be where I am today without the mentors and colleagues who believed in me when I doubted myself. So, seek people who inspire, challenge, and uplift you, and then learn from them. The people you meet will shape you. So don’t just collect LinkedIn requests. Build real relationships.
College is more than lectures. It’s learning how to adapt, pivot, and think for yourself. I learned how to speak up in rooms where I was the youngest. I unlearned what “success” was supposed to look like. And I relearned how to trust my instincts, especially when no one else seemed to be on the same path.
The most powerful individuals I know? They ask questions. Not just in class, but in life. Be endlessly curious. Why is this taught this way? How can I apply this? What’s the story behind that person’s career? Ask questions in coffee chats and during lectures. The more curious you are, the more your world expands. Learning doesn’t end with final exams. Ask questions. Dig deeper. Care more than expected.
Yes, study hard. But also learn how to manage your time, resolve conflicts, and advocate for yourself. The real world needs more than textbook definitions, it needs communicators, problem solvers, and collaborators. Every group project, email, or failed assignment will secretly train you for this.
You finished your reading? Amazing. You submitted that application? Iconic. College life moves fast, and if you don’t pause, you’ll miss your own growth. Have rituals that help you reset. For me, it was painting, long walks with music, and calling my grandma just to hear her laugh. Pause, reflect, and celebrate the small wins.
This isn’t just about grades and jobs. This is your life. Celebrate your festivals. Keep in touch with your people back home. Eat the food that reminds you of childhood. I promise, your cultural identity is not something you need to dilute; it’s your superpower. Being away from home is hard. No handbook can prepare you for missing Diwali nights, birthdays, or your mom’s cooking. But you adapt. You find pieces of home in playlists, WhatsApp calls, or your own version of a home-cooked meal.
Have a vision. Know why you chose your program. Let your values guide you. But also leave space for spontaneous opportunities and detours. Some of the best parts of my college journey, including starting this blog, weren’t planned. Let life surprise you.
You are not just your LinkedIn. Or your GPA. Or your resume. You’re a human being who’s trying. And that’s enough. You’re allowed to take breaks. You’re allowed to rest. You’re allowed to enjoy your college life without burning out for the sake of your “future self.”
By not chasing it. You live fully, courageously, and intentionally. You make the most of the mess and magic of these four years. And in doing so, you become that student. The main character. The one who made it count.
And if you’re reading this…thank you. Thank you for being part of my journey. Whether this blog helped you 1% or 100%, I hope you know you’re not alone.
Let’s stay connected on LinkedIn, and wherever your next chapter takes you, know that I’m cheering for you.
Take care,Krishma
Your session has expired. You are being logged out.