�Ӱ�ԭ��

To start this semester off, I thought I should introduce myself before pouring out my heart and soul to all those who are willing to read about the triumphs and troubles of a �Ӱ�ԭ�� English student. My name is Siobhan (pronounced shuh-vahn, but I’ve heard a multitude of variations over the years, and am long over being offended by mispronunciations) and I am a fourth year English student here at �Ӱ�ԭ��. I was born and raised in Ottawa and unlike the majority of my friends and family, I chose to stay in my hometown—at least for the duration of my undergrad—and I have never once regretted that decision. To be fair, I did spend four months last fall living in Lyon, France, as an exchange student, but was happy to call Ottawa home after spending my summers’ savings eating and travelling my way through Europe.

For those of you who may be new to �Ӱ�ԭ��, I’m pleased to report that if my experience over the past three years has any validity, then �Ӱ�ԭ��’s English department will not disappoint. I started my first year intimidated by the notion of University life and all it could offer, but my experience at �Ӱ�ԭ�� has taught me a few things that I wish I had known from the beginning. Don’t get the wrong idea, I’m not all-knowing or full of wisdom after my short time at �Ӱ�ԭ��, but my experience as an English student here has taught me a few lessons that I’m willing to share (whether you’re willing to read them or not is a different question entirely).

Last year in my American Culture class, I came to the pleasant realization that no one ever really stops learning. Everyone says that you “learn something new every day,” but as I sat in a class of 60+ students and realized that it was as much a learning experience for the professor as it was for the students, I saw education in a whole new light. Your professors and TA’s are people too; don’t be afraid to go talk to them. Whether it is to talk about an assignment or just to bounce ideas back and forth, from my experience most professors would be more than happy to have you keep them company in what are otherwise potentially lonely and quiet office hours. They may even learn a thing or two from you (I have yet to prove the possibility of this occurring, but you may surprise yourself)!

Maybe it’s the feminist in me striving to stand out among a sea of men, or the fact that as the youngest of four children I’m constantly trying to get through life without aid from a sibling, but when it comes to being independent, I’m about as stubborn as they come. It took me a while to realize it, but throughout my past few years I’ve slowly come to appreciate that asking for help is never a bad idea. Whether it be about finding my way across campus, getting suggestions on which classes and professors to take, or getting inspiration and feedback on papers, asking for help has proven to be more than beneficial. At the end of the day you’ll still come out independent, just a little less lost and confused.

The quickest thing I learned during my time as a �Ӱ�ԭ�� student is that you can’t get bogged down by all school, all the time. The English department often puts on events which are not only great opportunities to meet new people, but which more importantly almost always include free food (and sometimes alcohol)—I have also clearly learned the most effective ways of being a frugal student. Let yourself have fun once in a while, because the University experience is about more than what you’ll learn in the classroom (cheesy, but true).

So that’s me and some of what I’ve learned so far as an English student at �Ӱ�ԭ��. I’m looking forward to seeing what this last year has in store for me, and sharing what comes my way with those of you who care to read about it. I’m a pretty friendly person, so feel free to stop me in my tracks if you see me on campus; I’m always eager to meet new people.

Cheers,

Siobhan Doody