Finding My Way
During my short time at Red River (3 weeks to be exact), I have gained reassurance in being a CreComm student. This is because 2 years ago when I completed high school, I was offered several freestyle wrestling scholarships outside of Manitoba. I loved the sport but none of the Universities/Colleges had a program quite like CreComm (which is only offered to Manitoba residence because of its high demand). It was either continue wrestling and pick a new career choice, or give up wrestling and apply to a program that I may, or may not get in to. However, after a lot of painful nights trying to decide my future, I knew what I wanted to do.
I turned down the scholarships and applied to the Creative Communications program at Red River College. First, I had to hope to God that my portfolio would pass the scrutiny of the instructors, then worry about passing the entrance test, and then finally surpass an interview.
When I received my acceptance letter in the mail I was ecstatic! I was one of the 70 people who were accepted into the program! And more importantly, I was extremely relieved that I hadn’t thrown away my scholarships for nothing.
Since there is a 2 year waiting list, I decided to do the joint degree portion with the University of Winnipeg. Looking back I am VERY glad that I spent my first 2 years at the U of W. I learned a lot of fundamental writing skills and I don’t think I would have been anywhere near prepared for Red River beforehand. However, since a lot of my classes were theory based that focused on teaching students how to think and write in new ways, I didn’t have a clear view of what exactly I was getting myself into. Sure I was writing papers and creating new stories but what was I going to do in the REAL world?
Well I have finally arrived! And I’m happy to say that within my first few weeks here, my career direction has been clarified for me. After listening to guest speakers (usually former CreComm students) and hearing what they have to say about life after school, I know that I have made the right choice.
All of the teachers at Red River have been great! Not only because they have expertise by working in the fields in which they are teaching, but they are ALL super friendly and are always ready to help. With this being said, they are also some of the toughest teachers I’ve had yet. This is because they set very high standards which emulate the professional standards of the industry to prepare students early on.
Speaking of the students, my classmates are amazing as well! I have never experienced being in a class where each and every individual is filled with such high levels of talent. I feel like I have a lot of catching up to do and expectations to achieve. There are 3 sections of classes of about 24 students each. Every section spends all day, in every class together for the rest of the semester. Right from the get go my section instantly bonded and it already feels like one big family.
Coming to Red River has forced me out of my comfort zone. I’m suddenly expected to know what is happening in the world whether it is locally or worldwide. I am also required to be connected to social networking sites as much as possible. Before CreComm I only used Facebook, but now look at me, I have a blog AND a twitter account! It’s going to be a tough couple of years but I’m ready to see my growth and what Red River has to offer.
