MARTA SHAHEZIAN, 19
Studying life sciences at U of T
HOMETOWN: Baghdad
WHERE SHE IS NOW: At home in Scarborough
Iwas born in Baghdad and lived there for 16 years. My family is Iraqi-Armenian, and things were difficult for us when I was a child: I couldn’t play in the streets due to constant bombings and violence. I loved studying English and science, and I learned a lot from watching American movies and reading Game of Thrones.
Three years ago, my parents decided to leave, eventually getting Canadian refugee status.
During this time, I attended the United World College of the Adriatic, an international school in Italy where I studied for the International Baccalaureate. After graduation, I moved to Canada and settled with my parents in Scarborough. I completed all our government paperwork because my English is better. My dad works as an electrical technician and my mom is trying to find a job.
I originally planned to study medicine in Italy, but when the coronavirus hit, it seemed too dangerous, so I accepted an offer to do life sciences at U of T. Since all the classes are online, it made sense to save some money and stay home. Living with my parents is okay, but they’re classic strict Middle Eastern parents. I’d like to move out and live on campus next year if it’s possible.
The months before university started were a black hole. I was going to bed late and sleeping in a lot. Now that school has started, I’ve sorted out my sleep schedule. I’m getting up at 9 a.m. every day. The morning is a good time for study because my parents are out of the house.
We have study groups on WhatsApp, but the chat is all about school stuff. The other day I jokingly asked if someone could help me do a Lacanian psychoanalysis of Shrek and Donkey’s relationship with the dragon, and people thought it was real homework.
I haven’t made any friends yet. There are other groups where people can introduce themselves, but I find them really awkward. I’m not great at putting myself out there, but I guess I have to try harder. I get more social interaction in the nighttime when I play PS4 with my friends from high school. Last night I sat up playing FIFA with a friend and talking about whether Charlie Kaufman’s new movie is pretentious. That’s the extent of my social life.
Overall, online learning gives me anxiety. I’m not the most organized person at the best of times, so now I’m constantly worried that I’ve somehow missed a whole assignment that’s due tomorrow. On the other hand, the recorded lectures are great. I’m able to go back and catch anything I missed. I’m enjoying Film and Literature for Our Time: we read The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde and Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad, which I loved because I’m a big fan of Apocalypse Now.
I’m not exactly optimistic about the next year, but studying is giving me a structure and purpose I haven’t had for the last six months. So I guess I’m happy to be going to school, even if it’s online.