For nearly two years, new challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted university students around the world. While technology has made it possible to still obtain the academic value of post-secondary studies through online tools, supplementing other key aspects of the university experience has required creativity and open-mindedness.
Within the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS), thousands of students have successfully completed their degree and certificate programs since shifting their learning methods back in March 2020. Although the change was largely unexpected, many students across the Faculty have been able to build career skills, form meaningful connections with peers and embrace the new virtual opportunities provided by their respective programs.
As the public health situation has evolved, student access to the on-campus experience has also changed – but there have been positive takeaways in relation to the University’s ability to adjust. Now working in LA&PS, former Human Resources Management student Taraneh Shafiei has a unique perspective, highlighting the manner in which her courses still equipped her with the skills necessary for career success – specifically within the Faculty she studied in.
“York offered a diverse university experience during this time by ensuring that students still felt supported during Zoom sessions. In my experience, the human resources program did a great job at keeping students engaged,” she said. “I was still able to learn all aspects of recruitment and selection, training and development, and industrial relations, and it’s a wonderful feeling to implement this knowledge in my current role.”
Taraneh Shafiei
Myka Jaymalin
Recent Business & Society graduate Myka Jaymalin expressed similar sentiments when reflecting on the final months of her degree. Due to changes in course delivery, Jaymalin initially had concerns about access to experiential education opportunities before her graduation. However, this changed when she pursued a collaborative project through the Cross-Campus Capstone Classroom (C4) – an initiative that provides students with an opportunity to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams comprised of scholars from multiple York programs and Faculties to tackle real-world challenges.
“The adjustment took a toll on me, especially in last year of university, but of course, you have no choice but to get through it,” she said. “As a fourth-year student, I wanted an experiential learning experience, so I decided to enrol in the C4 program. C4 immersed me into a real-life environment and gave me the liberty to produce impactful work that matched my abilities. This led to me completing a C4 project with a documentary that focused on the labour disparities perpetuated by COVID-19.”
The changes to regular operations could not be ignored while various supports and services at York were moved to new formats, but in spite of the unforeseen difficulties, students, staff and faculty across LA&PS persevered. Navigating through such a unique environment necessitated flexibility from all sides, and for international and domestic students nearing the completion of their programs, the accommodation was appreciated.
“For me, what really stood out was the humanity shown by professors and teaching assistants,” said Political Science graduate Tinotenda Mutsvangwa. “It was clear that COVID had impacted everyone, and as a result, more understanding and compassion existed between professors and students. Office hours with instructors shifted from being strictly academic and became beneficial for my mental health.”
Now working for York International, Mutsvangwa is using his journey to inspire current and future students on a similar path.
“While completing a degree is a difficult challenge on its own, doing so during a global pandemic confronts us with new obstacles. This is why I’m a strong believer in empowering those around me. We rise by uplifting others,” he said. “As the Program Facilitator at York International, it’s my aim to help international students and show them that success can be achieved even though we come from different places. I believe that by continuing to share my story I may inspire my peers. You are capable of overcoming everything thrown at you.”
As LA&PS looks forward to welcoming new students in 2022, there is optimism that in-person activities will resume when it is safe to gather. Throughout this transition, all members of the York community can rest assured that precautions will be in place to keep them safe.
Tinotenda Mutsvangwa
Along with more than 300 social clubs and a multitude of communal activities that translate to remote settings, incoming students can expect first-class teachings across all programs, numerous academic and well-being services, valuable career and experience-based offerings and other supports from staff members dedicated to fostering the best university experience possible.
“Entering university might be nerve-wracking at first because of the current uncertainties, but I promise, it’s a rewarding experience,” said Jaymalin. “Shifting your perspective is the best tool you have during this time. Focus on your development, and things will eventually work out. Just hang in there, utilize all the resources that York offers, talk to your classmates, reach out to professors, and lastly, trust and be kind to yourself!”
Written by Andre McLean