Meet Zoya
When Zoya, a graduate of Mohawk College’s General Arts and Science program, graduated from high school, she knew that she wanted to continue her education and earn a bachelor’s degree. What she didn’t know was what direction she wanted to take with her education and career.
Originally, Zoya had planned to go straight from high school to McMaster University to take the Arts and Sciences program.
“It was such a broad scope, and I had a background in both the arts and science, I thought that experience would help me,” Zoya explains.
However, Zoya’s plans unexpectedly changed and she found herself needing to earn some additional credits before she could go to McMaster. After doing some research to find alternate pathways, Zoya discovered the Mohawk College General Arts and Science to McMaster University Social Sciences Pathway transfer opportunity.
The program and pathway transfer opportunity was perfect for Zoya —it not only offered a route to her desired university but also allowed her to explore the arts and sciences, helping her discover her career path.
“When we [my family and I] found the General Arts and Science program at Mohawk College, it was perfect,” Zoya says.
Mohawk College General Arts and Science to McMaster University Social Science
In the Mohawk College General Arts and Science to McMaster University Social Sciences pathway transfer program, students earn two-years of university credits while completing the General Arts and Science diploma program at Mohawk College.
After students apply and get accepted into one of the Social Sciences programs at McMaster University, they will begin their program as third-year students. A few examples of these Social Sciences programs include:
- Anthropology
- Political Science
- Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour
- Social Work
- Indigenous Studies
Success in switching from secondary to postsecondary
The transition from high school to postsecondary, whether it’s to college or university, isn’t easy for many students. The increased difficulty of material, new assignment formats and even the spike in class sizes can be daunting.
Zoya says the General Arts and Science program and its faculty take this into account, with the goal being to give students a glimpse of what further postsecondary education is like so they can begin their university studies with confidence.
“I feel like the pathways program effectively prepares you for that transitory stage where you’re going from high school-level education to postsecondary education,” Zoya remarks. “I think of it like a mini prep course.”
In the General Arts and Science program, students learn and hone fundamental skills that they will use on a regular basis in university. Zoya says an example of this was writing research papers. While others in her university program were still struggling with the basics, she was already proficient.
This preparedness extends beyond just knowing how to write essays or study effectively. Students in the General Arts and Science program also learn how to think about and explore subjects in an academic and inquisitive manner through critical thinking and inquiry courses.
“I think that going to Mohawk College before going to university gave me an edge like no other compared to people who went directly from high school,” Zoya states.
Academic exploration
The General Arts and Science program encourages students to discover new interests by giving them the freedom to design their schedules around courses that interest them. Students can take more “general” courses such as Introduction to Psychology, or they can delve deeper into a topic with courses like Speculative Fiction.
“You have so much flexibility in terms of what niches you can find,” Zoya says.
A niche that Zoya found which greatly interested her was the Plagues and People course. She had always loved science and biology, as well as anthropology and sociology, so being able to find a course that combined those passions was perfect for her.
“I think it’s important for people to be given the opportunity to enjoy education for the things that they’re interested in,” Zoya comments.
By being able to take courses that interested her, Zoya was able to find her calling in the field of psychology and neuroscience, forming a solid plan for her academic and professional career.
Loving to learn
Zoya’s experience at Mohawk College was paramount to not just her forming a plan for her education and her career but also developing a love for learning in general.
“My experience at Mohawk and with this pathway is what made me actually value and enjoy learning and education,” Zoya states. “This was the first time I was in a setting where I felt like I could actively explore and enjoy. The focus wasn’t necessarily the outcome, it was the actual experience.”
After graduating from the General Arts and Science program, Zoya went on to complete her Bachelor of Social Sciences - Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour at McMaster University, graduating with honours.
Zoya says that she would recommend the General Arts and Science program at Mohawk College and the Mohawk to McMaster Pathway transfer opportunity, especially to high school students planning on attending university.
“It’s such a unique experience that helps shape you in a way that, honestly, I can only think is for your benefit.”
Posted 11/04/2024
