After what seemed to be an all too quick goodbye with my father, I realized that I was on my own, but that didn’t last long. In fact, I feel that I quickly became a part of a new family, my Jump Start* family. Initially I felt that I was on my own, but after looking around and conversing with other Jump Start kids I realized that everyone attending was all in the same boat. We were all from various backgrounds, cultures, religions, and places. Many of us had travelled great distances just to get to UBC and many of us ended the trip not knowing a soul in sight. I was constantly asking as well as answering “What’s your name and where are you from?” All of us were looking to make friends since most of us came here on our own.
After two weeks of group activities, social events, and school tours it was hard to part ways from the people I had met. Most of my friends I made lived on my floor during Jump Start, but had to move to their new homes prior to school starting. These same girls that lived on my floor are now some of the people I’m currently closest to. We still get meals together, travel to class in groups, and just have fun as if we never moved. Jump Start helped me make great connections early on so I felt better adjusted before the start of the school year. Not only did I make friends, but I also connected with various professors in my faculty! This opportunity allowed me to have my most pressing questions answered and know what to expect when the term actually began. Also, through various activities on campus, I quickly learned my way around and felt confident when I needed to locate my classes the first week. Through exploration on my own as well as with friends, I learned multiple tips and tricks on where to get food, the fastest way to class, and the best study spots.
Jump Start gave me three great things that I find necessary in being a university student: connections, confidence, and knowledge on where to go if I need help. This experience was something I don’t regret participating in. I owe the smooth transition from high school to university to Jump Start.
*Jump Start is a two week program that helps international students by acquainting them with the campus as well as the surrounding area.