University of Toronto

Stanley Doyle-Wood, Joyce Zhu, Sara Carpenter, OISE

Pursuing a PhD in the area of equity, social justice and sociology as it relates to education in the department of Sociology and Equity studies in Education at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at U of T has been one of the most productive and life changing experiences of my life. It has been a profound honour and privilege to have learnt from world class faculty and students of the importance of theory and action in anti-racism and anti-oppression contexts, the necessity and beauty of resistance, and the manner in which we should carry ourselves as social justice advocates - with a humbleness of knowing and an acknowledgement of the limitations of that which we know. Stan Doyle-Wood (left)

As educators, we are constantly finding ways to challenge and improve ourselves.   OISE’s location and class schedule is convenient for working professionals, and this has allowed me to complete my M. Ed while teaching fulltime.  Although my time at OISE has been short, my memories of OISE will be long lived.  Joyce Zhu (centre)

As an international student, it was a privilege to complete my PhD in the Adult Education and Community Development program at OISE. AECD is a unique program within the University of Toronto and the field of adult education internationally. The best part of the experience is the relationships you form with peers and mentors. Over the last five years I've built relationships with a truly remarkable group of intellectuals committed to making a better world. My doctoral education at OISE has deepened my intellect, my passions, and my life. Sara Carpenter (right)

Yi Qing Sim, University College

Going on exchange was one of the best decisions I ever made. I had the opportunity to put my German language skills to practice when I spent my final year in the beautiful university town of Freiburg. I came back to Toronto able to converse comfortably, give hour-long presentations, and write university-level papers in German. But the academics were just one aspect of the experience; equally important was the growth I experienced on a personal and social level as I adapted to the new environment and interacted with people from different cultures. Studying abroad is something I recommend to everyone who wants to challenge themselves in a way that is exciting, different, and unforgettable.  Yi Qing Sim

Jennifer Shiller, Woodsworth College

I came to U of T because I wanted the best – the best teachers, the best resources and the best environment in which to study alongside the most passionate students.  I encountered dozens of inspiring faculty, many of whom lead the frontier in their respective fields.  These professors, and several fellow students I've met over the years, have inspired me to make a change in the world.  U of T is a great fit for me and I am excited to continue my studies here as an MSc candidate in Physical Geography.  Jennifer Shiller

Charles Jurczynski and Andi Wilson, Victoria College

What can you say about UofT? It's been the source of some of the toughest challenges in my life, but to finally come through and see how the experiences I've had can be applied to the world beyond has been the most rewarding feeling of my life so far!  Vic One was an invaluable introduction to university, and a support to make sure I wasn't completely lost. I discovered so much - whether participating in student publications like the Toronto Globalist or The Strand at Vic, travelling to Africa with Summer Abroad, or relaxing and discovering new stuff at Hart House. Even in my last year, I had so many chances to share what I've learnt with the next generation of students, and to cap it off, my senior thesis even got me my first job out of university! Charles Jurczynski (left)

U of T gave me, for the first time in my life, a community of peers. In Vic One there were suddenly many people who loved the same books I did, had the same hobbies, and were excited about the same things in life - something hard to find anywhere else. Even though the program only lasts a year, those same friends were my rock throughout my degree and always willing to spend another night in the library to help me through my thesis. I also found amazing mentors, professors who guided me on my academic journey and stubbornly insisted that yet another draft would make a project perfect. Overall, the campus is beautiful, the city captivating and the class options endless, but the people are what made my U of T and Vic One experience great. Andi Wilson (right)

Michèle Haley, Instructor Pam Walker, Felix Pang, Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing

As a past researcher and future clinician, U of T afforded many opportunities to prepare for the latter and expand on the former. For me, as a novice clinician, the academics and practical opportunities really shone through. But then there was the humanistic side too: I learned so much about other people and, much to my surprise, I also learned many new things about myself. My experience at U of T prepared me for a professional career in nursing, but also allowed me to grow as a person. Michèle Haley (left)

As a varsity athlete in fencing and a nursing student, University of Toronto has given me a remarkable opportunity to challenge myself both physically and academically.  With respect to the importance of sportsmanship, the values of discipline, integrity and respect, not only for the competitors but also for fellow human beings, I was privileged enough to learn from Olympic coaches and world-renowned professors at U of T. Professor Pam Walker manifests an infectious enthusiasm with aboriginal health which pulled in many nursing students interested in rural nursing. She is a mentor, an inspiring nurse and a compassionate person who always provides her students with the best training and invaluable counsel and advice inside as well as outside the classroom setting.  Felix Pang (right)

Laura Erdman and Laura Donaldson, Faculty of Medicine

My experience in the U of T MD/PhD program has been engaging and enlightening. Under the supervision of Dr. Kevin Kain, I studied the host immune response to malaria with the aim of improving management of this disease. Throughout my time at U of T, I have encountered wonderful mentors and inspiring colleagues who are dedicated to bettering our local and global societies. They have shown me how to combine clinical insights and research strategies to address critical health issues, and continually challenge me to approach problems in a creative and holistic manner. Laura Erdman (left)

The University of Toronto was the ideal environment in which to complete my PhD in stem cell biology. Studying at a school that is an international leader in the field has allowed me the privilege to regularly interact with top stem cell researchers and to receive excellent mentorship, particularly from my supervisor Derek van der Kooy. As an MD/PhD student, I am part of a great group of colleagues with similar goals and I look forward to completing the medical school portion of the program at U of T. Laura Donaldson (right)

Sarah Gairdner, Professor Margaret MacNeill, Rosie McLennan, Faculty of Physical Education and Health

When I was an undergrad I was still competing and it was hectic – but the faculty is really supportive and open to accommodating student athletes and their schedules. When I first came here I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do but with their mentorship I became very interested in research; I’ve just finished my Masters in Science and I’m starting work on a PhD. Rosie and I have been talking to some other athletes about how supportive U of T has been, and we’re working on ways we can give back. Sarah Gairdner, retired world champion, double mini trampoline (left)

The Phys Ed faculty at U of T is a great place and the program is only 150 people – so it’s very close-knit and supportive and you get to know everyone really well over the years. You have the opportunity to do placement classes and your own research projects; I did an internship at the Canadian Olympic Committee and with Professor MacNeill I did a research project on athletes and social responsibility. There are so many opportunities in this program. – Rosie McLennan gold medalist, trampoline, at the 2011 Pan Am Games (right)

Zamir Alakozai, Rebecca Schild, Wenjuan Heaven Zheng UTSC

The friends, professors, vibrant student life and overall experience that I have gained at UTSC certainly shaped me as a person even now as I have moved on to complete my Masters in Political Science at York University. In addition to having some of the most world-renowned professors teaching here, UTSC is also known for its strong commitment to equity and tolerance. The countless events that occur throughout the year, over one hundred student clubs that anyone can join, and the many other privileges available to students help to ensure that there is something for everyone here. Zamir Alakozai (left)

Choosing the International Development Studies Co-op program at the University of Toronto Scarborough was the best decision I could have made for my post-secondary education.  Not only did the rigorous academic programming challenge and encourage me to think in new ways, but the practical on-the-ground co-op experience set me towards a clearly defined career path.  Spending one year with the Center for Internet and Society in Bangalore, India, I was able to apply my interests in law, communication and technology and better understand how these topics could be situated within a framework of social justice and human development. I am indebted to the members of faculty who have given me the opportunity to pursue hands-on and advanced academic opportunities outside the classroom. Rebecca Schild (centre)

I am always curious about the world around me, but I was not encouraged to pursue answers to questions that I raised, constrained by my own culture and education I received back home. However, coming to Canada and studying at UTSC has given me the most incredible opportunity to fully explore my interests and curiosity. Not only did I enjoy a great freedom to study in different subjects- both science and arts - I also received tremendous support from my professors who teach me, guide me and push me go further. Wenjuan Heaven Zheng (right)