Each year we reach out to grads for our Meet the Class stories. This year, we worked with 59 students who generously shared their stories of studying, juggling jobs, volunteering, struggle and – ultimately – success.

Many of those grads also offered tips and suggestions for starting student life off right, and what they wished they’d known when they first arrived at MacEwan. We’ve compiled some of those answers here, so incoming students can arm themselves with ways to get the most out of their time on campus from people who’ve been there.

Get involved

“Take advantage of everything the university has to offer – co-ops, study abroad, SAMU events like Fall Fest, and support services like academic or career advising. I really wish that I would have taken advantage of these things earlier in my university experience. Take every opportunity to grow and become more!” – Anett Ferenczi, Bachelor of Commerce, Marketing '24

“Come to class every day, participate in student groups and reach out and make friends. Being involved in your education will make your time here unforgettable.” – Houda Choukair, Bachelor of Commerce, Legal Studies in Business '24

“Read the bulletin boards and find out what is happening. MacEwan University and SAMU know how to put on some amazing events.” – Harkaran Kaur Singh, Bachelor of Commerce, Legal Studies in Business '24

“The best time to get involved at school and make memories was yesterday, and the second-best time is today. There are so many opportunities on campus to have fun or build your career, you just have to take the first couple steps to do it.” – Evan Curtis Eng, Bachelor of Commerce, Accounting '24

“Reach out for research or job opportunities, travel with colleagues, take field courses. This is your time to find and do what you love, make connections and create your career.” – Ava Buchsdruecker, Bachelor of Science, Biological Sciences '24

“Connect with other students through clubs and on-campus events. It’s a great opportunity to meet new people and build relationships – and a way to take a mental break from school.” – Mary Escano, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Studio Arts '24

Talk to your profs

“Take advantage of how accessible the professors are. Anytime I needed help, I knew I could reach out to a prof and get the answer I needed.” – Michael Black, Bachelor of Commerce, Management '24

“Never shy away from asking for help or clarity from your professors. They are on your side and want to help you. ” – Victoria Hoang, Bachelor of Applied Human Service Administration '24

“Ask, even if you think it’s not a smart question. It’s better to get clarification on something you’re not sure about than to leave it until it’s too late to fix.” – Emily Goerz, Police and Investigations Diploma '24

“By reaching out, you'll learn more about yourself and explore areas that may help you discover your career passions. You'll never know what opportunities will arise because of it.” – Sydney Dawn Hughson, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology '24

Find your people

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Although an incredibly rewarding experience, getting through university can be daunting and anxiety-inducing, and everyone struggles at some point throughout their academic journey. Support from my wonderful classmates, friends and professors has made my university experience less lonely and stressful and much more exciting!” – Wesley Tang, Bachelor of Commerce, Accounting, Legal Studies in Business '24

“You don't have to do this all by yourself. There are people and resources you can rely on if you need them. Ultimately, you'll get through it in the end (and you will be okay!).” – Raeann-Marie Picoc, Bachelor of Commerce, Human Resource Management '24

“It’s really easy to meet people that are similar to you if you put yourself out there.” – Daniel David Hebert, Bachelor of Science, Biological Sciences '24

“Students are pretty accepting! I had a really easy time making friends at MacEwan, and I’m not even the most outgoing or social person.” – Dylan Anderson, Bachelor of Music, Recording and Production '24

Get prepared

“Figure out where your classes are beforehand, what the parking is like and how you’ll get there. It can be overwhelming to see the number of people in the university, but remember that everyone is there for the same reason you are.” – Richeena Yellowknee, Bachelor of Social Work '24

“Use the library! Learning to write and cite properly for university was one of the bigger adjustments for me, and there’s a ton of stuff offered to help with that. The Writing Centre was also invaluable; I’ve been there several times, and they always had an answer for me.” – Jacob Pyper, Social Work Diploma '24

“Hit the ground rolling from day one because every fraction of a mark matters in the long run.” – Muritala Ariyo, Police and Investigations Diploma '24

“Keep an open mind. If it weren’t for my degree-specific breadth requirements, I wouldn’t have ever known just how much I love political philosophy! ” – Eva Hollas, Bachelor of Arts, Political Science Honours '24

“Pick the path that leads you to a career you love. You won’t enjoy your time in school if you aren’t truly passionate about what you are striving for.” – Bailey Exell, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Arts and Cultural Management '24

Believe in yourself

“Don't rush the process. Sometimes it feels like you're in a race, but in reality, the only person you have to be better than is the person you were yesterday. Try not to look at where everyone else is in their lives, and instead focus on yourself and finishing your journey in your own way and on your own terms.” – Majida Makki, Paralegal Studies Diploma '24

“Keep going and keep pushing. You’re capable of achieving whatever you desire in this world. ” – Ghadear Matroud, Bachelor of Early Childhood Curriculum Studies '24

“Imposter syndrome is real, but you are NOT an imposter. You deserve to be here, and you are capable. Don’t compare yourself to others. March to the beat of your own drum. You are more than just your degree.” – Shannon Alexandra Walters, Bachelor of Arts, Honours Psychology '24

“It is okay to not know exactly what you want to do or take, and it’s okay to have doubts about what’s ahead. Don’t stress too much over it – you don’t know what doors may open once you look for a different path.” – Kahlo Vincent Goodhope, Bachelor of Science, Physical Sciences '24

“Trust in yourself and don’t get caught up in what other people are doing. You are here, and you will keep being here because you have the ability, and you already have the skills that you’re here to hone – you just need to let yourself feel good about your progress.” – Nathan Behnke, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Theatre Production '24

“You are stronger than you think, and understand more than you believe. ” – Dawson Warren Hartman, Bachelor of Science in Nursing '24

“Try your best and work hard. It was not until my final preceptorship that I realized nursing is a career where you continue to learn every day. Take a deep breath before clinical and trust yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, that is the best way to learn.” – Madison Faith MacDuff, Bachelor of Science in Nursing '24

Take a break

“If you’re working full-time or are an older student like me, just go for it! Study really hard but make sure that your social life is doing well too. Find pockets of joy –  a snack you like or a show you are a fan of – and make time to enjoy them.” – Lorena Mallari Lavetoria Rafal, Bachelor of Arts, Sociology '24

“Pace yourself. I wish I knew that doing two to four hours of work a night would be better than cramming a whole semester's work into a week.” – Connor Matthew Kapty, Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing '24

“Make time in your life to take it easy and absorb the triumphant moments.” – Yaseen El-Hakim, Bachelor of Arts, Sociology, Psychology '24

“Your health matters, and our bodies need rest. It's okay to go out once in a while and do activities that help you recharge.” – Nicole De Guzman, Bachelor of Science in Nursing '24

“Graduating isn't a race. It took me a while to understand this. Taking semesters off gave me the opportunity to travel, learn more about myself and reflect on whether nursing was truly my passion.” – Francesca Abigail Pascua, Bachelor of Science in Nursing '24

Enjoy the moment

“It goes by so fast, so embrace it and enjoy it. Meet people and connect. The life changes you will go through at MacEwan will shape you into someone so different than when you first started. It can get tough and tiring, but even though I felt those exhausting, stressful nights, it is so worth it. Try your best but have fun too.” – Ivy Phuong Ho, Bachelor of Commerce, Human Resources Management '24

“It's good to have goals and ideas, but some of the best experiences in university are unplanned.” – Jennifer Onwudinjo, Bachelor of Design '24

“Step out of your comfort zone. Persevere through challenges. Connect with your professors. Stay curious. Enjoy the journey and savour the experience!” – Kiana Krueger, Bachelor of Early Childhood Curriculum Studies '24