because it's the beginning of the first steps.

university. wow. overwhelming. big. crowded. scary. today was the first day of the two-day orientation, and i can honestly say, i'm not looking forward to school. like wow... wow.

i originally wanted danny to hear all about my first university experience, but seeing as we aren't together anymore, and because he and i aren't speaking (mainly he's not speaking to me...), i'll tell all of you about it.

mount royal university. that's where it all begins from here on out. will i be successful? will i become a nurse? will i change my mind? will i be in school for longer than i hope for? what'll happen to me after university? during university? those questions can only be answered in time.

orientation honestly bored me to tears. i didn't want to take a tour of the campus for the third time. i didn't want to hear about all the things offered there because i've heard it all a million times. i didn't want to listen to someone who didn't seem to know much about the school, and i definitely didn't want to be in school at all today. it's just been an overall terrible day, and i just wish i started university off a happier person. nothing really special happened today, except we learnt that if we chose to exchange to any university who is connected with mount royal, we pay mount royal fees. how cool is that?! definitely crossing my fingers to go on one of those life changing experiences. i honestly do wish i took more risks, and applied elsewhere for school. i think i would've been more excited about university if i took the opportunity to move to a new city and meet new people. today... it was all just a bore. i was bored to tears.

but for what it's worth, i've gathered a few tips i hope that can help fellow new students and future students!

1. don't be afraid to take open/general studies! a friend of mine made the greatest point in life, and he said, 'high school doesn't teach passion.' and it's true. don't hop into your choice of major when you get the chance. take the prerequisites for that program and take other courses that interest you. you never know what'll come of that! i'm in the UEO program at my school, and it's just a step above general/open, and i'm taking courses for nursing, as well as whatever interests me. why waste time and money if you end up not liking it, right? you always learn best from experience, i find.
2. don't be afraid to take risks! apply for the schools that aren't in your city! apply for the schools that YOU genuinely want to get into. TRY it. it's never a mistake in trying. and you never know... it may come to a surprise! like for me. i got my acceptance letter into the bachelor of education today (it's WAY late, but i'm glad i didn't take it), and i honestly thought i wouldn't have a chance with that school because it's so great. so DO try! it never hurts.
3. don't be afraid to ask questions! we all grew up being told to ask questions because it helps you. and it's never embarrassing to ask questions in university. they're there for a reason, and that reason is to help you succeed. yeah, they might be rude or angry, but they will benefit you. do go to them TALK about your best path into the future. they're trained to help you, and they know more about it then you do yourself.
4. take. things. slowly. plan ahead. this one is one of the most important, i think. you really need to put a lot of thought into which school you want to go to, which program interests you, and what you really have a passion for. yeah, you might choose a less prestigious/known school, but they might have the better program. so GO for it. GO into that school. you'll have a better background than the students going to a prestigious/known school, and you'll shine in your field!!!
5. GO WITH YOUR GUT FEELING!!!!!! that whole head-over-heart thing applies to everything, and university is definitely something that should be followed by your gut instincts. go with what you feel will benefit you MOST. do it. screw what others think, and DO it. you need to keep yourself happy, too. you can't please everyone. follow your heart, and do what makes you happy. do it because you're passionate about it. passion is what drives us. would you like to be stuck with a job you absolutely despise? i didn't think so. 

that's all i've gathered in this sulking state of mine, but i really do hope this helps some of you. i really do wish all you the best in your future careers and life.

you're all wonderful, and i shall talk to you all soon.

xo, yona.