St. Mike's Orientation 2017

Already missing Orientation...
Thank you class of 2021 for an incredible week💙🎉

St. Mike's Orientation 2017

Hey everyone! Orientation is TOMORROW AND WE’RE SO EXCITED WE CAN’T REALLY CONTAIN IT ANYMORE AHHHHHH!!!! We just can’t WAIT to get to know you so we want to keep letting you get to know us first, so meet some more of the ! Here’s two more of our Marshal’s today, Salwa and Pran!!


Hi everyone! My name is Salwa and I am currently a fourth year student at UofT. My history with USMC is one that is rather different, I’m what you would call an “adopted” USMC family member. USMC made me feel at home even at times I felt I didn’t belong. My experience with being welcomed by everyone at USMC when I didn’t even necessarily feel that I needed to be only made me want to give back even more! My favourite USMC memory was when I was an orientation leader, the week of orientation felt like my own official orientation into the USMC family, I felt exactly what the incoming students did and I was able to make new and lasting friendships that week! I've learned that without the students and faculty at USMC, the experience and the college wouldn’t be the same, so every year when we have new incoming students I get excited to see how our beautiful community will evolve into a better version of itself! My piece of advice would be don’t be afraid to let yourself be known, the real you. USMC is a place where every person is needed, the experiences that we have are so great because of each and every one of the students! I cannot wait to see the future of USMC in the incoming class!



Hi everyone! My name is Pran and I’m currently a fifth year student at USMC. I’ve been an active member of the USMC community now for three years. My favourite memory of Orientation week was in my first year as an upper year transfer student; the reception and welcome I got from the community from the incoming first years right up to the graduating students was amazing. It can be a daunting thing making friends in established friend groups, but one thing I learned very quickly is if you put yourself out there with a positive vibe, the community will respond accordingly! One thing I love about USMC is the people themselves, from your fellow student peers, to the faculty members, administrative and support staff. The people create the environment, and they help to balance the stresses of the academic and social aspects of your four years here. My biggest piece of advice would be to put yourself out there even if it seems scary. Life begins after fear and things outside of your comfort zone!

Hey everyone! Orientation is just 2 DAYS AWAY!!!!! We’re SO excited we can barely handle it! We want to get to know you as soon as we can, so we thought to compromise and let you get to know us a bit first! So here are the ! Continuing with two of our Marshals, Jean and Duckie!!


Hey everyone! My name is Jean and I am going into my 4th year and doing a double major in physiology and health and disease. I’m originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba (super cool I know). I’ve been deeply involved in orientation week since my first year as an incoming student, then as an orientation leader, and as a marshal now for two years, this year being a lead. Fun fact, I have known Duckie since my first year, and have worked closely together, and have been even closer friends ever since. As is the common theme in respect to what I love about USMC, it would definitely have to be the community, and the impact of the community on the environment as a whole. There is a welcoming atmosphere that is infectious whether you’re an incoming student or a seasoned veteran upper year, there is always a fresh and inviting feeling of home here. My biggest piece of advice is to get involved with your college! It will make your overall experience in university that much better!


Hiya, I'm Duckie! Currently heading into my 4th year studying genome biology and health & disease. This will be my third year as an Orientation Marshal and my most fondest memory has always been the UTSU Parade where we march (run) together celebrating (screaming) our hearts out! Being a student member of USMC has enabled me to meet very phenomenal student leaders in the community and I've gained so much more knowledge by opening up my perspective and stepping out of my comfort zone. My single piece of advice for any incoming student is to never

be afraid to try new things. Always be engaged because things don't change unless you take the first step!

Hey everyone! Orientation is only 3 DAYS AWAY!!! We’re so excited we can barely handle it!! We want to get to know you as soon as we can, so we thought we’d let you get to know us first, as a bit of a compromise, so meet the ! Today meet two of our leaders, Omar and Shadman!

Shadman (Left) Omar (Right)

Omar Quazi
Year of Study: 2
From: Scarborough, Canada
Program of Study: Computer Science

I really love the people at St. Mikes; the students are really nice and the administration is great. Compared to other colleges, I’ve found that people here are super friendly. During Orientation, everyone was extremely helpful: pointing out directions, giving me advice on which courses to take and how to manage my course load, communicating with TA’s and profs, etc. Without help from staff and older students, there are a lot of things I would have had to pick up on my own , especially if I hadn’t come to Orientation. The community here is really amazing.”

“I think its important to get involved because U of T is filled with so many different colleges and students and faculty that sometimes it’s hard to find your place on campus. You have to make the effort to build connections, and I’ve found that when I walk around St. Mikes and see other USMC students and we start talking because of our mutual ties to the college that its a good base for building those connections. It’s important to get involved and get to know those other students around you so that we can all be a part of a tighter community.”

“I loved the bed races competition during my Orientation week. There was so much energy and excitement during the event, and it’s awesome that St. Mikes has been the dominating college in the race for so many years. Being apart of the event is what led to me wanting to be a leader next year. The introduction I received to St. Mikes and U of T in general, through my orientation leaders, was extremely helpful, and I want to be able to give that experience to future students and offer them advice too. I know personally I was very nervous about asking ‘stupid’ questions in my group, and there was even more that I wished I could have found out during that week, and I hope when I’m a leader I’ll be able to make students feel comfortable enough that they feel like they can ask all those questions without being embarrassed. I also love that when I see my leaders on campus, we say hi to each other and still have that close connection; you make friends in with people in different years, and it’s really cool that those friendships stick.”

“I would say definitely go to classes and then of course, attend Orientation. You can meet so many new, interesting people and I know it’s nerve-wracking to introduce yourself, but you have to remember everyone else is nervous too; you have to just approach them, and talk to them and be willing to put yourself out there so you can make friends. It makes your University experience so much better because then you have people to study with, and eat with and who will go to events on campus with you.


Name: Shadman Aziz
Year of Study: 2
From: Toronto, Canada
Program of Study: Computer Science specialist, stats / cog sci major (not sure yet)
Fun fact: I actually wasted my entire summer of this year trying to get into my program
1. Why did you choose to come to the University of Toronto?
"The main factors that drew me to uoft were it's prestige and location. The campus is right at the heart of Toronto, surrounded by fascinating places such as the ROM. Not to mention the buildings and the history of the university itself. The old school look to many of the buildings are a sight to behold. In the words of my friend "it is the hogwarts of Canada"
2. What is your favorite thing about U of T?
“The sheer number and variety of people you find at Uoft is by far my most favourite thing. The numerous clubs and councils, several unique colleges and even the difference in architecture between the buildings themselves make for a complete university experience not quite rivalled by most other universities .”
3. What is your favorite thing about St. Mikes?
“My favourite thing about St Mikes has to be its people and the atmosphere; the students are really nice and the administration is great. Compared to other colleges, the people here are much more welcoming and friendly. During Orientation, everyone was quick to give me pointers on how to adjust to uni life better and how to succeed at uoft and for that I will be forever grateful.
4. Why do you think it’s important for people to get involved with their college?
" Most commuters barely get involved in any university related activities let alone getting involved with their colleges. However, philosophy is different. I feel that your college provides you with a sense of belonging, and participating in college events is the best way to meet people from your college, helping to make your college more of a second home to you in campus."
5. What is your favorite memory from St Mikes Orientation?
My favourite part of orientation has to be when my orientation leaders gave us a tour of the entire campus. It was my first time seeing a university of this scale. After having a tour of ryerson no more than a week prior, you can imagine the shock I was in after seeing the size of our campus. I fell in love with Uoft instantaneously.
6. What is one piece of advice you have for 1st years at St Mikes?
“Focus on making friends starting orientation week. This is crucial since otherwise you will not have many people that you know when classes start, which will make you unwilling to sit through class, make you less efficient in assignments and projects and life in university just less of a fan as a whole. The friends you make at orientation have the potential to be your friends for the rest of uni life, so take advantage of that.
7. What do you hope to accomplish during the rest of your time at St. Mikes and/or U of T?
“My goal for the next 3 years is basically to get involved with the St mikes community as much as possible, including possibly being an orientation marshal at some point. I also want to do as many internships as possible to bolster my resume before leaving uoft. I am also interested in running for a UTSU position sometime in the future, but of course time will tell how successful that will turn out to be.

Hey everyone! Orientation is FOUR DAYS away, and we're so excited we can barely handle it! We want to get to know you as soon as we can, so we thought we'd let you get to know us a little bit first, as a bit of a compromise, so meet the ! Continuing with one of our leaders, Asad!




5th Year
Life Sciences

What was my first orientation experience like?
Imagine you are a wee lad, and that you have entered your local NoFrills with your father. You're dreading the hour and a half of sitting inside a metal trolley and how it will make your legs look like a quarter-turn on the barbecue. Minutes into the voyage, pleasant words hit you with quite possibly the most gratifying privilege. "You can pick any cereal you like," says your father. You brighten up in excitement and grab a box of French Toast Crunch that comes with a copy of RollerCoaster Tycoon 2 packaged in the front. You rush home with your mouth salivating to the thought of maple syrup. Before the rest of the groceries are brought in, you rush inside to fill a bowl, cereal first of course, and then drench those crunchy miniature bread slices with cow juice. You take that first bite. Bliss. Your parents let you play your new game in peace, while you get to enjoy the satisfaction of cereal at your computer desk. Pure Joy.

Hey everyone! Orientation is 5 days away, and we're so excited we can barely handle it! We want to get to know you as soon as we can, so we thought we'd let you get to know us a little bit first, as a bit of a compromise, so meet the ! This is Kaitlynn!

Hey! My name is Kaitlynn and I’m a third year USMC student studying in the Psychology Specialist and Bioethics Minor programs. This year I’m a Marshal on the External Logistics portfolio (yeah that means I’m decorating for the boat cruise and whatnot— woohoo!). My greatest memory from USMC Orientation was being a leader with my best friends, while being covered head to toe in blue paint (literally covered EVERYWHERE). I’ve been super involved in USMC over the years as I lived on campus and spent most of my free time there. Best part is that everyone is super approachable so it was incredibly easy to make friends in all years.

I’m so pumped for this Orientation week to begin, it’s going to be a blast filled with tons of pictures! See y’all soon!

Hey everyone! Orientation is less than a week away, and we're so excited! We want to get to know you as soon as we can, so in return, we thought we would let you get to know your staff a little bit first... meet the ! Starting off with our Orientation Co-Ordinators, Alessia and Katie!

Katie Pullella (Left) Alessia Colavecchia (Right)

Hi there! My name is Katie Pullella and I am one of this year’s orientation coordinators. My friend Alessia Colavecchia and I are responsible for overseeing every aspect of orientation week! I am also one of the coordinators for the USMC Connect mentorship program! My favourite St. Mike’s memory was during orientation week in my freshmen year. I loved getting to know my orientation leaders and fellow first year students in my orientation group. I understood what the St. Mike’s community was when my group leaders would spot me on campus during the first week of classes and check in to see how I was doing! I feel like we bonded the most at the carnival event! It was awesome and you could tell how much everyone cared for one another. I also really loved getting to see all of the St Mike’s specific clubs I could join at the club’s fair. There really is something for everyone, and I highly encourage you to take advantage of it. My favourite thing about USMC is the communal traits of the college and how everyone can come together and support one another in all areas of life in university. If I had to give one piece of advice to the incoming class, I would say be true to who you are and get involved early! We as a St. Mike’s Community will support you in all your endeavours and we can’t wait to see what you will bring to the St. Mike’s atmosphere!



Hey class of 2021,
Are you pumped for USMC Orientation on September 3rd? I know I am!
My name is Alessia Colavecchia. I am one of your Orientation Coordinators for the University of St. Michael's College this year. I am entering my fourth year at UofT and completing a double major in Sociology and Religion. During my time at UofT I have been highly involved in both social and academic extra-curricular activities.
Because of this, I have a good sense of the UofT community at large, and have attain a wealth of knowledge about the resources St. Mike's specifically offers.
I love learning about the diverse group of students that enters the USMC community every year so please ask me any and all questions you have. Or if you just want to chat, that's cool too!
My favourite memory of Orientation was... well, for my Orientation week I ended up skipping out on half the events because I didn't think all the "hoikity choik" cheering was for me. It wasn't until the second last day that I attended the USMC Carnival and realized what I was missing out on. I remember walking into the Quad and instantly being asked to join in on the Dunk Tank. I was so nervous and embarrassed but I went for it. The bonding experience over such a simple activity was truly remarkable. That same evening I made so many friends because I learned that this week is about being outgoing, open and most importantly, YOU. People told me before going to St. Mike's that the community and sense of family is what differentiates this college from others across campus, and boy were they right!
So I essentially went from not participating in anything, to taking on everything possible.
Sometimes amongst all the chaos, pressure and long study sessions in Robarts, you need a place to turn to, and for me "home" is the one and only USMC.
So regardless of how many lectures you sit in realizing that you in fact have no idea how to calculate differential equations, wrong tutorials you attend, or walk twenty minutes late into Conn Hall's 1500 person lectures because you couldn't locate the most obvious building on campus, hang in there because it gets easier my friends.

Can't wait to meet you all and bond at Orientation 2017.

Class of 2021, are you ready?!
St. Mike's Orientation is only 1️⃣7️⃣ days away! Soon our campus will be filled with students, and your orientation staff could not be more excited to meet and welcome you all into the University of St. Michael's College community.

You do not want to miss out on this exciting oppourtunity so BE SURE to register yourself before the August 18th deadline at https://www.stmikesorientation.com/register

We will see you at the starting line on September 3rd as you take on this new kilometre of your run through University.


On your mark... get set... GO!

Check out all our social media handles to stay updated for more orientation week & student life information at USMC:
🌐www.stmikesorientation.com
📷 uStMikesStudents
📧 [email protected]
👤 St. Michael's College Students

Don't forget to add yourself to the newly accepted page for St. Mike's students where you can meet your peers and ask any questions you may have: https://www.facebook.com/groups/uStMikes2T1/

Welcome to St. Mike's Orientation 2017

2️⃣ more days until the registration deadline for USMC5K Orientation Week!

Join us for a week of fun activities, academic and social events and the oppourtunity to meet your fellow St. Mike's students🎉🎉

Register at www.stmikesorientation.com

Welcome to St. Mike's Orientation 2017 Students are drawn to St. Mike’s for various reasons. The University of St. Michael’s College provides a top-quality undergraduate experience at the heart of Canada’s greatest research university. It offers a close-knit community which maintains its Catholic identity, while welcoming people of all b...

USMC ORIENTEES ARE YOU AS EXCITED AS WE ARE?!?
Orientation week is right around the corner and the deadline to register is fast approaching on August 18th!
Check out our fantastic website, and get excited for what's to come 💙🎉

https://stmikesorientation.com/

Once you've registered, BE SURE to join our official incoming students page for any updates, or to ask any questions that you may have! https://m.facebook.com/groups/1847108735547133

www.stmikesorientation.com

USMC Orientees we've got a question for you...
Can I get a Hoikety choik on C? S-M-C

USMC's orientation week is fast approaching! Don't forget to register before the August 18th deadline, you do not want to miss this!

Check out our website to get excited and to register!

https://stmikesorientation.com/

One of our favourite events of Orientation week is the Bed Races. 🏃🏾🏃🏻‍♀️

Be sure to register for USMC 5K now so you don't miss out on more great oppourtunities like these! 🎉Deadline to register is August 18th- http://stmikesorientation.com/register