Category: student life Page 2 of 16

What I wish I knew before studying social work at CMU | Kate Muthuri

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On November 12, 2025

In 2025-26, academics, practicum, student life

When I made the leap from business administration to social work at CMU, I thought I was simply transitioning into a career focused on helping people. What I didn’t expect was how deeply the program would challenge and transform me, both academically and personally. I was used to structure, reports, and numbers, but social work introduced me to something quite different: deep personal reflection, cultural awareness, and even role play. Yes—role play! Here’s what I wish I’d known before starting the program.

1. Indigenous teachings will deeply impact you for the better

One of the most meaningful parts of the program for me has been learning from Indigenous worldviews and practices, whether it’s understanding the significance of the medicine wheel or perspectives on land, community, and healing. It has not only informed my approach to social work, but it has also enriched my own personal life. Indigenous teachings aren’t things you learn about for the sake of assignments—they change how you think, live, and connect with others. The teachings have truly grounded me in new ways of understanding healing, spirituality, and connection.

2. Social work is multidisciplinary

Initially, I imagined that I would mainly be learning about casework and advocacy with a focus on how to help people and communities. I had not figured how deeply social work intersects with other disciplines. Like seriously, why would I need to be in a science or theology class? At first, it felt intimidating to draw connections across disciplines, but it’s this overlap that makes the field unique. I’ve come to understand that social work doesn’t operate in its own bubble. CMU’s course advising support has been invaluable in navigating this journey.

3. You don’t just think about social work—you do it

One of the biggest surprises for me was how experiential social work is. Coming from a business background, I didn’t expect to be doing so much role play, mock interviews, navigating difficult conversations, and learning how to sit with tension. These moments can be uncomfortable, but they’ve also been the most powerful. They’ve helped me develop critical skills like empathy, active listening, and boundary setting. My prof made it look so easy to even record myself on video!

4. You won’t go through it alone

Something else I didn’t anticipate was how deep the friendships would become in this program. CMU is a smaller university, and since our social work program includes a lot of discussion, you end up really getting to know your classmates—not just as students, but as people. There’s a sense of a shared journey, especially when you’re tackling complex topics or heading into practicum. I’ve made some of my closest friends here. They’re the kind of friends who truly understand what it means to hold space for others, and who are willing to hold space for you too. This has really been helpful whenever I am homesick. The hugs, the chocolates…

5. Field placement is exciting and very real

Field education starts in third year, and it’s one of the most formative parts of the program. You’re placed in real community organizations, working with people facing complex challenges. It’s a big step from the classroom theories and can be overwhelming at first. However, I am not expected to know everything. The point is to grow. I am doing my placement with a settlement agency for newcomers and refugee claimants. Here, I support clients to settle in Canada, assess social services, and build community connections. This placement allows me to practice case assessment and intervention skills that I have learnt in class. I am also learning a lot from my field supervisor and clients who come from diverse cultural backgrounds. I am reminded to consider my own identity, and to ask questions to learn the client’s story from their own perspective. Giving clients self-autonomy is very key in developing therapeutic alliances with the people we support. There’s so much support built into CMU’s program, from field seminars to reflective supervision, to help me grow and discover my strengths and interests.

6. Self-care isn’t optional, it’s essential

Social work can be emotionally demanding. To show up for others in a way they need, I have to take care of myself mentally, physically, and emotionally. Learning to set boundaries and prioritize rest, reflection, and seeking therapy has been just as important as any academic skill I’ve gained from the program. Seeking therapy is normalized.

7. You’ll be personally and professionally challenged—your social location is key in the BSW

The BSW (Bachelor of Social Work) doesn’t just teach you how to help others—it stretches you to think critically about theories, systems, how to sit with discomfort, and how to hold multiple truths at once. You’ll wrestle with your own identity, values, and assumptions. I didn’t know how deeply personal social work would become by challenging me to examine my identity in the system. You’re always being asked to consider who you are, where you come from, and how that affects the work you do. This was a shift for me, as initially my identity often felt separate from my work. It can be uncomfortable but it’s also what makes social work meaningful. You’ll grow as much personally as you do professionally.

Social work at CMU is more than just an academic program—it’s a community. Be ready to be challenged, supported, and transformed. You will be challenged in your thinking, in your assumptions, and in your heart. I came in thinking I was here to give to others, but surprisingly I am also receiving by learning about myself along the way. If you’re considering this journey, know that it’s one you won’t go through alone.

Kate Muthuri is a third-year Bachelor of Social Work student.

Three things I wish I knew before starting my business program | Venaika Jean

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On October 23, 2025

In 2025-26, academics, student life

We’ve all heard the phrase, “When you know, you know.” For me, I’ve always known I’d pursue business or something related. It was common sense to me. I was familiar with it, grew up surrounded by it, and was born with a “business mind.”

Even though I thought I knew a lot about the topic, there was so much I didn’t. Since starting the business program at CMU, I’ve had many eye-opening moments. Many things caught me off guard, but everything felt like finding a new piece to a never-ending puzzle.

Ironically, I’m someone who doesn’t like surprises. So, for my fellow surprise haters, business lovers, or program seekers, here are three things I wish I knew before starting my program (although, they were pretty fun and fascinating surprises).

1. Business is a school of thought.

Business is not just a program; it’s a school of thought. One thing I’ve realized since starting my studies is that business is everywhere. I see my studies in everything I do. Our local folio café is a business. CMU is an institution that uses business to grow and stay afloat. The things I learn in a classroom I apply in my life—often subconsciously. For example, because of my economics classes, cost-benefit analysis is how I make every decision. If I procrastinate and my deadline is approaching, I’ll weigh the cost of a late assignment to my grade. During a side quest with friends, I’ll weigh the cost and benefit of anything I want to buy (if it’s a matcha, it’s almost always worth it).

2. The opportunities are endless. Literally.

In the same way that you see business everywhere, you can do anything with business. You like psychology? Try human resources! You like humanities? Museums and libraries are businesses, too! I feel like when people think business, they think the big corporations, or anything that has to do with a cash transaction. In reality, business is so much more than making money. Business has to do with the day to day of keeping an organization running. This means it’s more than just “What can I sell?” or “How can I make money?” It’s “Who am I serving?” and “How can I do better?” You can do so much with your business degree and education. The sky is truly the limit.

3. The Redekop School of Business is well-rounded.

One thing I didn’t anticipate in starting my program at CMU is that I’d be learning more than just business. Like I’ve stated before (at this point I sound like a broken record), business is everywhere and in everything, and CMU has done a great job at incorporating that notion into our education. Not often would I learn about Indigenous ways of doing business or think about taking a religious-based business course, but these teachings are vital for my career. The business world is so diverse, with it being made up of people from different cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. The diversity in the people directly translate to their way of doing business. While it’s not easy to teach students all the cultures in the world, my professors at CMU have done a great job at preparing me for what I may face in the workforce. I learn not only the functions of a business, but also the effects of it and its decisions on society.

I’m only in my second year of studies, but I feel like a whole new world has opened itself up for me. I can’t wait to see what the rest of my studies have in store for me, and I’m so glad to have chosen CMU.

Venaika Jean is a second-year Redekop School of Business student.

“Well… it depends…”: Four insights into studying music therapy at CMU | Kaija Feldbusch

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On June 4, 2025

In 2024-25, academics, student life

Four years ago, I had never heard of music therapy. Now, I can’t imagine doing anything else.

Kaija Feldbusch, Bachelor of Music Therapy student

In the fall of 2017, I was heading into the last year of my Bachelor of Music in piano at King’s University in Edmonton, trying to figure out what to do afterwards. As I skimmed through a promotional brochure about what to do with a music degree, the words “music therapy” caught my eye. I was instantly intrigued. I remember phoning a music therapist to get more information. When I asked what a typical music therapy workday might look like, she replied with, “Well… it depends….” While I thought this answer was profoundly unhelpful in the moment, I’ve seen how true it is after studying music therapy at CMU.

Despite my previous research about music therapy, CMU’s program was more than I ever could have expected. Definitions of music therapy and course descriptions failed to show me how difficult, rewarding, diverse, and fulfilling it would be to study music therapy at CMU. Therefore, to anyone curious about music therapy or considering CMU’s program, I offer four insights into what this transformative experience is actually like.

1. It is a lot of work

If you are planning to study music therapy, brace yourself. To be admitted to the program, you need proficiency in piano, voice, guitar, and percussion. However, once you’re admitted, the work just continues. I spent countless hours practicing music for lessons and performances, learning songs for practicum (I learned to sing and play almost 100 songs in this past school year alone!), finding and sometimes composing music for use in sessions, and rehearsing for group performances. This past semester, we divided into bands for a Music Therapy Coffeehouse, in which students switched instruments between songs to showcase their different skills.

Last semester, music therapy students put on a coffeehouse to showcase their work.

In addition to making music, there is other knowledge to be learned. Part of what sets music therapists apart from performers are their clinical skills to select appropriate music for the client’s needs and facilitate sessions effectively. To develop these skills, music therapy students take psychology courses, music therapy methods, and much to the dismay of many students, anatomy and physiology. Furthermore, music therapy is an evidenced-based profession, meaning that for every population I worked with during my studies, I had to first write a research paper about which music therapy methods had proven effective for that clientele.

2. It is incredibly rich and fulfilling

Although any potential music therapy students might be reconsidering after my first point, let me reassure you that this hard work is all worth it. My experience in the music therapy program was rich beyond measure. Rich in what way, you may ask? Well… it depends…

Some days our classes were rich in play. Whether it was trying to play a drum based on how a basketball was bounced or collaboratively writing a blues song about our end-of-semester stress, we often shared the joys of making music together, laughing until our bellies ached and tears streamed from our eyes.

Other classes were rich with different emotions. The bonds we built as a class created space for people to share their struggles, burdens, and tears. There were stories shared, hugs exchanged, and Kleenexes blown as individuals opened up about their lives or responded to musical interventions.

Assignments included not only papers, but artistic opportunities.

My studies were also rich in reflection. As students, we were constantly encouraged to take stock of ourselves and monitor our own responses. Sometimes we reflected artistically, through drawing, improvisation, or mask-making. Other times, we wrote reflection paper after reflection paper.

There was also incredible richness and fulfillment in working with clients. Every music therapy student does three practicum placements, plus a longer internship at the end of their degree. In each of these practicums, I was touched as I got to know my clients and see the ways music impacted their lives. Sometimes clients told me how much they valued music therapy, but often it was a simple look or gesture that showed me I was making a difference.

3. It is experience-based

These practicums were incredibly formative for me. When I asked a question in class about what to do in a situation, I was often met with, “Well… it depends.” Since every individual is unique in their own way, there is no way to know how a person will respond to a therapeutic intervention until you do it with them. Hands-on learning gave me a chance to work with real people and let me learn from music therapists with a range of experiences. I had the privilege to learn from six different music therapists, including my professors, throughout my degree, and I’m looking forward to working with two more in my upcoming internship. Because music therapy is such a broad field, this range of experiences helped equip me for wherever I end up in the future.

While my studies helped me build confidence in the role of the therapist, they also let me experience the role of the client. Classmates often led interventions for each other, and being on the receiving end helped me understand the client’s perspective. In this role, I discovered how vulnerable it is to sing in front of a group, and learned that things that appear “too simple” as a leader are often still immensely valuable as a participant.

4. It is a community like no other

Kaija Feldbusch and some of her fellow music therapy students—and now, friends.

Because there are so few music therapy programs in Canada, CMU’s program attracts people from a wide variety of places, both within Canada and beyond. This meant that our cohort had a range of ages, backgrounds, and experiences. However, it is the most accepting group I have ever been in.

I felt I could bring my authentic self and share my honest feelings, knowing I would be seen and supported. I am so privileged to have such an incredible group around me, and our activities outside of class are a testament to these connections. I have watched my peers’ concerts, attended the wedding social of a classmate, organized a group potluck, shared about non-school related things in our group chat, and made plans to attend a songwriting group with several peers. While there are so many amazing things about CMU’s music therapy program, it would not have been the same without this incredible group of people.

So, if you were to ask me, was studying music therapy at CMU the right choice? Well… yes.

Kaija Feldbusch is currently completing her 1000-hour music therapy internship, the final requirement for her Bachelor of Music Therapy.

Finding your people at CMU | Emma Williamson

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On May 5, 2025

In 2024-25, residence life, student life

Life at Canadian Mennonite University is full of unexpected lessons. Some come from professors, others from classmates, and many from late-night lounge chats or spontaneous games of hide and seek in the forest. For CMU students Ella, Jewels, and Adalynne, living and learning on campus has been just as much about personal growth as it has been about academics.

Ella doesn’t just participate in student life—she’s practically the poster child for it. “How much time do you have?” she joked, before listing off an impressive roster of roles: soccer and futsal player, Indigenous student leader, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion volunteer, member of the Music Student Association, CMQ, Arts and Entertainment, and the list goes on. Somehow, she does it all and still manages to sound genuinely joyful about it.

CMU students (left to right): Adalynne, Ella, Jewels

Jewels keeps busy too, but with a slightly different flavour. She works as a barista at folio café on CMU’s campus and sings in two CMU choirs. Adalynne brings a thoughtful energy to their many contributions. They’ve volunteered in the student-run Blaurock Café and Meraki Maker Space, performed at coffeehouses, and played in the Mennonite Community Orchestra. “It’s been a really nice experience,” they said simply, the kind of understatement that hints at something richer beneath the surface.

Dorm life, while not without its challenges, has shaped them all in meaningful ways. For Ella, it was a surprising source of friendship. “I somehow stumbled into a great friend group,” she said. Being an introvert, she wasn’t expecting it. “Living in a space with people forced me to socialize, which helped me make connections in a place where I knew nobody.”

Jewels described it as deeply educational. “I’ve learned a lot about other people and a lot about myself in ways I didn’t know I was going to,” they said. From late-night conversations to quiet, shared moments with a roommate—Adalynne—Jewels has come to appreciate how much growth can happen when people are simply nearby.

The social landscape at CMU also includes the ridiculous and the ridiculously fun. Jewels shared stories about impromptu Nerf gun battles and forest-wide editions of the tag game, manhunt. “These are the fun things that just happen when you live on campus.” She also touched on the vulnerability of it, how hard it is to hide your struggles when you’re always visible. “You’re on display, good and bad, to many different people.”

Roommates Adalynne and Jewels at CMU’s Christmas Gala

Adalynne pointed out the beauty in the everyday. Dinner table debates, casual TV nights, the quiet moments where you realize who you want to spend time with, and who becomes your emergency contact when life gets heavy. “At any given point, you can knock on someone’s door and say, ‘Hey, do you have a moment?’” That kind of connection, they said, is heightened when you live on campus rather than commute.

Ella, who roomed with someone she didn’t know beforehand, had her own perspective. “I love Annie. We’re like besties now,” she said. “But at the beginning it was scary. Move-in day is a lot.” Still, she trusted her gut, took the bottom bunk, and it worked out. “Everyone in our hallway who didn’t know their roommate going in feels the same way [as me]. It’s very lovely.”

Self-expression has evolved for all three of them during their time at CMU. Ella spoke about becoming more comfortable with her Indigenous identity, and learning to say no. “I still have some people-pleaser problems,” she laughed, “but I feel like here, I can just do whatever and it’s fine.”

For Jewels, change came in subtler ways. “I dress up as a different Dungeons and Dragons character every day now,” they explained, noting how university opened space to explore more authentic parts of herself. “I’m a fuller, [more] whole person here.”

Adalynne talked about vulnerability. Living in community gave them the opportunity to open up in ways they hadn’t before. “There’s always something new to discover,” they said. Being away from family pushed them toward independence, and the abundance of campus activities created opportunities to learn what they care about. “There’s so many things happening on any given day. So many ways to connect and figure out what inspires you.”

Jewels summed up the adjustment with a kind of gentle honesty. “It’s a weird experience, stepping away from your family for the first time.” But CMU, they said, was the ideal safety net. “It already feels like [staff and faculty] know the floor is dropping out from under you and they’re here for you.”

Jewels’s latte art at folio café

When asked why someone should come to CMU, Jewels didn’t hesitate. “If you’re looking for a space to belong, I think you should choose CMU.” She spoke of being known and cherished, and how professors care not just about grades but about who students are. “They all live up to their titles. They profess. It’s inspiring. Also, if you come to CMU, I’ll make you a coffee.”

Adalynne added that the care goes beyond the classroom. “Even people I haven’t interacted with much will stop and ask [how I’m doing],” they said. “There’s a general sense of who everyone is. You can always say hi.”

Ella put it simply. “It feels like an experience, not just school,” she said. “You’re here for the ride, and the schoolwork’s just along for it.” She compared her week at CMU to a friend’s week at another university. “They had classes and went home. I had root beer floats, a tie-dye event, a forum on environmental issues, and a Kahoot.”

Even the professors don’t keep their distance. Adalynne laughed while describing how casually staff and faculty interact with students. “It feels normal to say hi to Cheryl Pauls in the hallway,” they said. “And then you remember, wait—she’s the president.”

There’s no single way to sum up CMU, but if there’s a common thread running through these stories, it’s this: community is something that grows when people show up for each other. And at CMU, they really do.

Emma Williamson is a second-year Bachelor of Arts student, majoring in English.

Sustainability at CMU | Emma Williamson

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On April 15, 2025

In 2024-25, student life

With sustainable practices at the heart of many CMU students’ values, it’s no wonder there is a student group on campus dedicated to peace and sustainability.

The peace and sustainability committee, in collaboration with the arts and entertainment committee, holds a week-long festival every year with education and events to engage students in sustainability. This year’s festival included a thrift store trip, a fashion show, a winter cycling workshop, a market, and last but certainly not least, a dumpster diving excursion.

To kick off the festivities, they organized a trip to the thrift store via public transit, giving students the chance to save clothes and other items from going to the landfill while also providing an opportunity to find clothing for the following day’s sustainable fashion show.

The fashion show had an audience of students and featured a catwalk, where other students were able to show off their handcrafted or thrifted outfits. From high fashion to Batman cosplay, this event demonstrated that fast fashion and having the newest and trendiest clothing is not necessary to be fashionable.

Next on the agenda was a winter cycling workshop hosted by Valerie Smith, Associate Registrar for Graduate Studies. She has been practicing the skill of riding her bike throughout the winter for 15 years. CMU has a distinct winter biking community comprised of both staff and students, and for good reason. Being located on a central and well-maintained bike route helps winter cyclers get to and from CMU. As explained in the workshop, Valerie believes that having a strong community rallying behind you is an important part of winter biking, perhaps equally as important as layering up and making sure that you’re properly maintaining your bike. “What I took away from the winter cycling event is confidence. It feels like it’s something that’s approachable now. Before, it was just a series of unknowns, but now that I’ve gotten this guidance, I know what steps I need to take,” said Logan Nord, a fourth-year CMU student.

At the end of the week, the heavily-anticipated sustainable market took place. A major draw for the market were Hillary Jorgenson (@h.j.thrifts) and Annika Scheelar’s (@windsorparkthrifts) thrift store finds, both having cultivated a collection of woodsy and aesthetic clothing pieces to choose from for affordable prices. Many students at CMU are aware of them due to their respective Instagram pages where they sell their thrift finds, which drew a large crowd to the market. Other tables included a mug and plant sale, a pin-making machine, and free reusable menstrual products.

To close out sustainability week, students gathered after nightfall to organize themselves into groups and go check out the city’s unlocked dumpsters. One group, hoping to find makeup or art supplies, found that dumpster after dumpster was locked, until they finally hit the dumpster diving jackpot at a furniture store where countless decorations and small pieces of furniture had been discarded. Seasoned dumpster divers often look for groceries, decor, and whatever they might find useful—rescuing food that is still fine to eat but is heading to the landfill. This can also be alluring to young adults who are just beginning to live independently.

CMU’s sustainability week successfully united students in promoting eco-friendly practices through events like thrifting, winter cycling, and dumpster diving. These activities highlighted practical ways to reduce waste and foster community engagement. The week emphasized that sustainability at CMU is not just a trend, but a lifestyle, inspiring students to make a positive environmental impact.

Emma Williamson is a second-year Bachelor of Arts student, majoring in English.

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