Beyond the Brochure: Take the leap!

When I started university, I thought I had it all figured out – I wanted to be a researcher in psychology. That goal shaped every decision I made. I emailed professors before I even arrived on campus, asking questions about their work and how I could get involved. I sat in the front row of classes, not because I was particularly confident, but because I hoped my professors would recognize me.

And in a way – it worked. I landed my first research assistant job in my first year, and by now, I have even co-authored a peer-reviewed paper. But what I didn’t expect was how much more I would gain beyond research experience.

At first, I thought leadership was about being loud and taking charge. I didn’t think that was me. But I’ve since learned it’s about something much simpler: showing up. Listening. Investing in people. And that’s something I didn’t learn in a classroom – I learned it through the people around me. Friends who encouraged me to apply for roles I didn’t think I could get. Mentors who took the time out of their day to guide me. A community that made space for me to grow.

That lesson shaped everything I’ve done since. It’s why I dedicated over 200 hours to ANOVA, supporting survivors of gender-based violence. It’s why I recently built a network of Canadian Serbs to support student protesters back home. A year ago, I wouldn’t have believed I had the confidence or skills to bring people together like that. But I do now – because I was surrounded by people who believed in me before I fully believed in myself.

I used to think success was about proving myself. Now I know it’s about something else entirely: the connections you build, the people you uplift, and the risks you take even when you don’t feel ready.

So, if I could tell my first-year self anything, it would be this: Calm down. Get involved in ways that you didn’t plan on or that scare you a little (or a lot). Show up. Invest in your relationships with others. Have faith in yourself. You might be surprised by what you’re capable of.