For the longest time I had no idea what path to take. I remember back in high school I was always asked what university I wanted to go to and what I wanted to be. Usually those are tough and daunting questions to answer for high school students.

Back in tenth grade we had to take the Careers class and at that time I wanted to become a Psychologist. Funny, I know. I can’t picture it either. Why a Psychologist? Well, back in seventh and eighth grade I was told by my younger friends that I give great advice and I was proud of that. I think that’s still true; however, I know Psychology is beyond just giving great advice and being a good listener. I respect what they do because I know that it takes an emotionally strong, intelligent and empathetic person to be a Psychologist. When it came time to breaking down the requirements for that career path, a lot of courses came up that I wasn’t interested in. That alone was a big factor for me not to go into Psychology and boy, am I happy that I didn’t because I probably would not have enjoyed the journey.

When it came time to apply to universities, I was still unsure what I wanted to apply for and where, but I did know what courses I did not like, which made the process of elimination easier. The only subjects that I fully enjoyed all throughout elementary and high school were: gym, dance and art. Gym class was always fun! Aside from dodgeball, my favourite part about gym class was track and field. I loved being a part of the team and competing. High school came around and I made the decision to only take one gym glass. Trust, me I wanted to take more, but I chose other art related electives. I was also not able to be a part of the track and field team because my time was committed to dance. As I got older, I took on more dance classes and was competing more.

The idea of going to post-secondary for dance was something that I considered, but deep down in my heart I knew that I didn’t want to make it my career. Some family and friends didn’t understand why I didn’t want to become a professional dancer. It was odd to them that I dedicated such a large portion of my life to something and not want to make it my future. Truth is, I was afraid that I would turn something that I loved so much into something that I didn’t. I didn’t want dance to become just a job to me so I left it as my hobby.

Art class was my happy place! I was comfortable and confident without even knowing it. I was “the art kid” in elementary. Every year we had to make name signs and I recall some of my classmates asking me to create theirs. I remember my fifth grade teacher telling me that my sketches looked like finalized pieces. My fourth grade teacher made me fall in love with the fine arts. As a child I was always creating something. In high school art class was the only class I wanted to be in. I spent hours on my work wanting them to be perfect and I wanted to be the best.

It wasn’t obvious to me at first that art school was the path for me, but it eventually unfolded as things usually do. After I realized Psychology wasn’t for me, I thought about becoming an Art Teacher. I applied to Brock for con-ed. I applied to Queens because my older cousin went there for the same art program. I though that if she could get in, so could I. I applied to Western for the arts and only wanted to go there because I knew that it was the top pick for my best friend Tiff and I fell in love with how beautiful the campus looked. I applied to York because it was close to home and it also had con-ed. I applied to OCAD because it was an all art and design school. Little did I know that it was prestigious and would be the place that I called home.

Conditional Offer from OCAD U

To be honest I wasn’t as thrilled as some people were to get accepted because I didn’t fully understand how great the opportunity was. I accepted my offer because to me it made sense that if I was going to go into the Fine Arts I might as well go to a specialized school to get the full experience. I think if were to go back in time knowing what I know now, I would be over the moon to know that OCAD U offered me a spot. I am so grateful that I made the decision that I did. I loved every bit of my university journey and would not change it for the world!

My Home away from Home

I am a firm believer that everything happens when and how it should. You may be going through a difficult time right now, but have faith that it will all work out in the end because it will!  

Erica