Admissions blog: student views - “259! …that’s a lot!”

Guest post by Debi Banerjee, 1T7 (second-year medical student).

“259!?” they proclaim, followed by “…that’s a lot!” when I answer a familiar question, “So, how many students in your class?” Admittedly, I had a similar recollection when I embarked on this journey nearly 2 years ago. Previously, a student at two mid-size campuses, I grew accustomed to a community-like setting and enjoyed the closeness of my peers & faculty which fostered several cherished relationships.

No doubt, U of T med is large and perhaps overwhelming at a glance. But take a closer look, and you will discover that student-life is very communal and that the lived experience as a medical student, collectively shared with 259 classmates is part of something much greater and much more meaningful.

Together, we facilitate an active online community – headlining upcoming events, academic updates and even extreme weather reports on Facebook! We assemble for compassionate cause(s) – Daffydil, a long-standing student-driven production showcases exceptional talent to help fundraise for the Canadian Cancer Society. And, we create novel communities – an example of which is “Humans of 1T7”, a project inspired by the ever-popular “Humans of New York” and adapted to our class by a group of imaginative peers. Curiously, when I engaged in dialogue with my “Humans of 1T7” interviewer I realized I was sharing personal details that I had not widely expressed before. I wondered if my peers did the same? Indeed, in reading through the features I found myself connecting with others, whether though a shared experience or an interesting tidbit! On the website* it states, “…we come from all different backgrounds…we have our personal strengths, fears and favourite ice cream flavours…we are a community of peers, colleagues, and friends” and I absolutely could not agree more.

Of course, now when someone remarks, “Wow, 259…that’s a lot”, I respond, “Sure…but it’s wonderful!” I hope you will find it too.

Take a peek at the “Humans of 1T7” website.