Written by Arthur Dennyson Hamdani
Slava has set himself up for self-growth from the start. Coming from Uzbekistan and moved to the Philippines for high school, he grew up in a diverse community and aimed to include diversity in his university decisions. Slava prioritizes his long-term plans by exploring the different facets in Management career paths. Away from his family, he recognizes the importance of his independence to make decisions and learn from mistakes. Through co-op, campus events, and adulting, Slava cherishes the time he spends with others, making connections, and maximizing his university experience.
Coming into his third year, Slava was forced to experience his first year from the confines of his bedroom in the Philippines. The 12-hour time difference and pandemic stripped him of his social interactions with black Zoom screens with names on them. The absence of his high school graduation only fuelled Slava’s desire to reclaim the social aspects he had lost once he landed in Toronto. As he entered his second year, his fantasy quickly turned to reality as the chatter and laughter in Joan Foley Hall during move-in day on a bright September day. Things have only gotten better for Slava as he meets new friends in the library and Pan Am Centre, being involved in Management clubs, and began to navigate adulthood. Accompanied with the ISC advisors and the Resident Centre webinars, he feels supported in his endeavours.
Slava learned the importance of taking agency of one’s understanding and health. Experiencing university in person allowed Slava to grow through his mistakes and take responsibility over his own happiness. As he collects these milestones in life, from celebrating his 21st birthday to securing his first job, Slava wishes his family is closer to witnessing it with him. On his journey of self-growth, he has come a long way. From a kid who was never entrusted with house keys as he would lose them, Slava’s responsibility gained his mother’s trust to hold the house keys to his home is Uzbekistan to remind him that he is part of the household and always has a home to return to.