Starting university means learning much more than simply where your classes are. It also means learning where to turn when you have questions or need support.
Just about a year ago, I moved into my new home for the year, at Endaayaan–Tkanónsote. At first-year orientation, I was given a copy of The Queen’s Journal. It was the annual “First-Year in Focus” issue (the one you are reading now) and in it, there was an article by the Rector’s former intern, EJ Kelvin.
Reading about EJ’s positive experience was one of the main reasons I applied for the very same role. Today, I am writing this column from a new vantage point: as your student support projects coordinator in the Office of the Rector, and as a former first-year intern myself.
While it is typically the Rector, Niki Boytchuk-Hale, writing these pieces, it has now become a tradition for her interns to address the incoming class. After all, it has been quite a few years since she was a new student herself!
As I head into my second year, I can still vividly remember arriving at Queen’s and being introduced to what seemed like a huge number of resources at orientation. I recall thinking that surely with this volume of support, I would be able to figure out where to go if I ever needed help.
Well, a few weeks later — when I actually had a question — I realized having so many options was valuable but also made it difficult to know where to start.
It was not until I started to take on some student government and club roles around campus that I began to understand how Queen’s resources connect and came to appreciate what each one has to offer. That experience ultimately showed me the importance of helping students understand when and how to access resources.
At Queen’s, the issue is rarely a lack of support. The challenge is that students can face barriers when trying to access them, and I think this happens for a few reasons.
First, sometimes the hardest part is simply deciding to reach out. You may need to overcome the emotional hurdle of asking for help.
Second, because Queen’s has such an abundance of services to support students, it can be daunting to sort through and figure out what the best path is.
Third, while immense care and dedication have gone into making resources accessible for students, the system is complex. You may need to deal with different appointment processes, eligibility requirements, and university procedures.
And lastly, students often need to navigate these challenges at the exact moment when they feel the least equipped to do so. It is difficult to try understanding a new system while simultaneously managing the situation that led you to seek support in the first place. When someone is already feeling overwhelmed, a small barrier such as not knowing where to reach out or what to ask, can be significant.
For any students reading this, I encourage you to think of starting points rather than trying to find the perfect support immediately. The Student Affairs website is a great place to start. Even if the first person you reach out to is not the right fit, they can direct you to someone who is.
Reaching out also does not mean you have committed to anything. Rather, you are giving yourself the chance to ask questions, learn about your options, and decide what will be most helpful for you.
The Office of the Rector is also always available as a starting point. You do not need to wait to feel overwhelmed or have it all figured out. We would much rather hear from you early on and help you find the right path forward so that you can avoid any unnecessary struggles.
At the same time, I recognize it can be intimidating to reach out to a stranger or express your concerns in an online form. Your starting point does not have to be an office at all, but a residence don, a professor, or a trusted friend.
As you begin your time at Queen’s, remember that you do not need to navigate the system alone; there is an entire community here to support you.
Welcome to Queen’s. We are so glad you are here, and we are all rooting for you.
Arabella is a second-year Health Sciences student.
Tags
Campus resources, First-years, Orientation Week, Rector's Digest
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