Dear Students:
These are unusual times. For many, these are very challenging times. Being an optimist, I feel that challenges often bring opportunities for us to explore and experience. So, if you are struggling with the uncertainty of this moment and questioning whether pursuing higher education in a time like this is worth it, I’m here to tell you it is. I’m going to make the case to you that not only is university worth it, COVID-19 has made higher education even more essential.
I remember my own journey to university, and the drive I felt to continue my studies beyond high school. I had always loved learning and knew that I wanted to continue with my education, but I had questions and fears. In these extraordinary times, I know you also have questions and fears. However, as I look back, I can tell you that going to university was the best decision I ever made.
At university, I had the opportunity to learn about the world. I studied philosophy, physics, organizational behaviour, and kinesiology. I learned how to think critically, write papers, solve problems, and work with others. Along the way, I had the most amazing peers and mentors who I learned with and from, many of whom I still have great friendships with today.
For me, pursuing higher education is a great privilege. It’s a place to ask hard questions, discuss how the world works, and analyze everything you think you know. It’s a place to create and foster connection to others, to grow, and to gain skills that you will use to make the world a better place. These skills and connections will become even more important as our world becomes increasingly complex and uncertain.
I hope that you will remember that the current moment will not define your education experience. And the way in which you’ll learn this fall, and in the months following, will not be your experience in the years to come. Your educational journey will span a number of years, and for some of you, take you in unexpected new directions.
UFV believes that education is for everyone, no matter your background, and the challenges of this moment we find ourselves in have not changed that. We want you to learn, to develop a strong connection to this community, and to experience all the possibilities a university education brings. We want to help you achieve all that you can imagine and more. And, we are here to support you as you chase your dreams in a complex and unfamiliar environment.
We’re also as committed as ever to providing ongoing support and resources for you. Our advisors, counsellors, and student life coordinators are here for you, to help you transition, to answer your questions, and to support your academic career at UFV. I hope you will reach out, ask for help, and connect with someone on our team.
Higher education sharpens our ability to recognize the opportunity in every challenge. This is a challenging time to be a student. But it’s also a challenging time to be a worker, a parent, a partner, and a citizen. Now is a great time to learn, and higher education provides a tremendous opportunity to make positive things happen. I hope you seize the opportunity.
Keep up with the latest news about UFV and COVID-19 at ufv.ca/coronavirus.
Need to access student services like academic advising or counselling? Visit ufv.ca/studentservices.
Are you a new student with questions? Visit ufv.ca/ufvbound or book some time to talk one of our student recruiters.