Category: 2016-17 Page 8 of 9

Imagine yourself on campus: Why visit?

When I was in the process of trying to decide where I wanted to go to university, a huge part of my decision was going and visiting the schools that I was considering. Being able to see a university gave me a sense of what it was like to be a student there. When I came to visit CMU, I knew that I could picture myself here.

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Four good reasons to come visit campus:

  1. Picture yourself there: It is really important to be a student in a place where you feel comfortable and where you can picture yourself, whether you are a commuter or living on campus. At CMU, campus visit days give you the opportunity to eat in the cafeteria, see a dorm room, and hang out in Marpeck Commons. These are the main places where students spend their time, and it’s a great opportunity to see if you can picture yourself there too.
  1. Learn about programs: When I was in the process of applying for universities and thinking about what I wanted to study, I only really knew about the programs that I had friends in or heard stories about. Coming to campus can give you an introduction to the wide range of courses that are offered and the different degrees, majors, and concentrations available at CMU.
  1. Meet professors and students: Going to visit a university means getting to see more than the building and hearing about the programs; it’s also an opportunity to interact with people you could potentially be spending a lot of time with. I always love hearing about the things my professors and fellow students care about. Coming to campus can be a chance to hear students talk about what they love to study. You’ll realize that the professors love what they teach and care about their students.
  1. Ask questions and get answers: When I feel overwhelmed by decisions or a lot of new information, I often don’t know where to begin asking questions because there are so many. What kinds of dorm rooms are there? What kind of food is in the cafeteria? What is an interdisciplinary degree? Do you have to be Mennonite? Why would I choose a small university? A campus visit day is an opportunity for you to be guided through the campus and have the space to ask questions, hear others’ questions, and get answers right away.

Even though there is a lot to take in, seeing the campus and meeting people is a good place to start thinking about university. Our next campus visit days are Friday, November 4 and 25. We have an open house on October 21. You can find more details here.

Laura

Thinking about the future: Where to begin??

Where to begin?thinking-clip-art

Grade 12 is a stressful time. Homework becomes more difficult, getting up for
school seems to become harder, and whether you like it or not, you will be faced with the questions “what’s next for you?” It is often hard to know where to begin the process of thinking through what will happen when you graduate. This is why CMU students have thought up some ways to help you make this transition smoother. The hope of this blog is that by the end of the year, you will feel more comfortable and ready to ask yourself these questions with excitement and anticipation.

What is crucial to remember is that this is your future and it begins with you – it’s a journey. A good place to begin is by asking yourself questions that can help you figure out who you want to become and where you want to go.

The following 6 questions aim to help you begin your search for “what’s next”:

  1. What do you do well? This is a great place to get started when thinking about what to do next. Think about your talents. Ask friends and family members about what they see as your strengths. You might be surprised by what they say.
  1. Who do you look up to? By looking at someone you admire, whether it’s a celebrity, historical figure, or a personal acquaintance, you can learn a lot about yourself and the things you value. When thinking about these people, ask yourself if those qualities or ways of living are something worth reaching for in your own life.
  1. What accomplishments have made you most proud? Thinking back to what made you the most proud of yourself can help you discover your values and what might be worth more of your time as you explore options for your future.
  1. What’s your favourite class? Think about which classes have made you lose track of time and held your interest. It is always easier to do the homework if you actually enjoy what you are learning!
  1. As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? Your childhood dreams can point to what’s always been important to you. This can be a helpful indicator of either the school or program you’d like to pursue.
  1. If you could do any job for a day, what would you do? Think through what’s appealing to you in the work field. Also ask yourself the question: If you could change something about that job, what would it be?

These questions are an excellent jumping off point, as you discover more about yourself and where you want to go. CMU wants to help you learn more about what your goals are in life and the journey you wish to take. We are here to help you search for “what’s next” as you begin that ride.

Blessings –

Emilie

A student’s guide: How to transition into university life at CMU

With the last few weeks of summer drawing to a close, you may be starting to transition back into school mode; trading in those beach towels for textbooks, finalizing those timetables, and doing your last minute packing for your dorm room (just kidding, we know you’ve been packed for months now). You are about to begin your first year of university at CMU.

This transition might be exciting for you. It also might be scary. But guess what? The first week is designed to ease you into university and help you get established.

Here is a basic guide for what you should know as you start your first year at CMU:

The first week when you arrive is orientation week. Be prepared to meet A LOT of new people. It is a busy but energizing week where you have the chance to make new friends and get to know your professors. Carry your GO! guide with you wherever you go to know when and where all the fun and important events are happening. If you are at all stressed out about knowing where to go, how to find your classes, or confirm your registration, never fear—the campus will be flooded with student leaders and staff members who are eager to help and point you in the right direction.

It is also important for you to be familiar with your student portal and email—they will be your best friend when you are a student—use them. You will use them throughout your entire degree. Make sure that both your portal and email are working during the first few days when you arrive on campus. Your student portal has all the important information for your registration, classroom announcements, posted marks, etc. Each day you will receive the CMU Daily News in your student email, keeping you up to date with all the happenings on campus throughout the year. Stay on top of your portal and email and the faculty and staff will throw you a parade (maybe not, but they might give you a hug).

The first week is also your chance to buy your textbooks (new or used), which you can get at CommonWordBookstore and Resource Centre in Marpeck Commons. CommonWord  is a great resource for you during your first few weeks as you start—aside from textbooks you can get your bus passes and school supplies here! CommonWord will have your textbook lists for your classes. You can also purchase Ten Thousand Villages fair trade coffee at CommonWord OR Dogwood coffee at folio cafe for all those late night study sessions.

The most important thing to remember during your first week is to RELAX. This can be hard to remember, but it is important. You are not alone in this crazy transition—there are resources set up to help you succeed in your first year of university. Your first year is designed to help you get a sense for what you want to study and what your passions might be. The professors want to help nurture these passions to help you succeed in whatever you are doing. They will be more than willing to meet with you one-on-one to talk about an assignment, a class topic, bounce around career options, or just chat about life. You also will have the option to get peer (PAL) or professional tutoring to help you edit and develop your essays and writing skills.

Be excited to start your first year at CMU. Prepare yourself to enter into a compassionate, forgiving, and challenging community of individuals who are working to develop their understandings of the world, themselves, and God.

Get to know your student ambassador: Laura Carr-Pries

My Name is Laura Carr-Pries and I’m a third year student at CMU studying Laura-Carr-Pries-2016Peace and Conflict Transformation Studies and Biblical Theological Studies. I grew up in Waterloo, Ontario, but I find it fascinating to see new places in the world. I caught the travel bug when I was a student in CMU’s Outtatown program and now look for any opportunity to explore a new city or go on another adventure.

I love listening to the stories of people, whether strangers or old friends, and letting them shape how I see the world. I enjoy spending time outdoors and spend a little too much time thinking about peace, justice, faith, and community, and how all these come together in my everyday life. This year, I’m looking forward to being involved with CMU’s student council, the academic challenges of new courses, and continuing to build relationships with those around me.

Get to know your student ambassador: Emilie Roussis

Hey Friends!Emilie-Roussis-CMU-2016

My name is Emilie Roussis. I’m from Sarnia Ontario and I’m entering into my third year at CMU. Over these past few years, I have been involved with the social committee, CMU’s soccer team, leading a youth group in Grunthal, and working at a church through the summer. I am also a student ambassador.

I love dancing, meeting new people, travelling, and the season of fall. I learned that I am not an adrenaline junky through the Outtatown South Africa program, when I was given the opportunity to bungee jump, skydive, and shark dive. It was all very terrifying to me!

I have never been a person who thinks further past a week, so as of right now, I’m planning on graduating with a degree in Social Sciences with a major in Peace and Conflict Studies and a minor in Psychology.

This year, I’m looking forward to many of my courses, such as Social Cognition and Influence, and Counselling Techniques. I’m also looking forward to exploring Winnipeg and getting more involved in volunteer positions.

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