Last week I marched from University College to Convocation Hall in my robes to end a chapter of my life and start a new one — the final mark of my time here at the University of Toronto. And so begins my wistful remembering…

The university has been the site of a mental battlefield like one I’ve never experienced before and though apprehensive at first, the intellectual challenge is something that I’ve come to embrace and truly cherish. And having a professor to guide me through this time has made all the difference…

One of the most fruitful experiences of my undergraduate studies has been working with and getting to know the great Professor Barry Wellman. I first took his course, SOC356: Technology and Society, in my third year. Throughout the year we analyzed how technology plays a role in our everyday lives in the way that we communicate with our family and friends, how it has the potential to create community and what community even means in a virtual context, how it perpetuates or breaks down social inequalities, and how it affects the broader political landscape. I’ve always had an interest in technology but I didn’t quite know how it fit with my PoliSci and Sociology major. It wasn’t until Professor Wellman’s class that I discovered just how beautifully and perfectly I could couple my interests like fingers interlaced. So for that alone I am thankful to him.

But Professor Wellman has done more than just open my eyes to the study of technology and society. I don’t quite remember how it happened exactly but we really got to know each other throughout that year and he continued to fuel my interest in the subject. He shared and continues to share news items, articles or upcoming events that I may be interested in and happily connects me with people who may help me in this journey of mine. No other professor has shown me such unabashed generosity and kindness and for that I am forever grateful. And I know that I’m not the only one he does this for. Many of my friends have taken his class as well and we’re all in agreement that Professor Wellman is one of the few professors on campus who actually takes the time to get to know your name and is genuinely interested in getting to know you.

Beyond his guidance though, Professor Wellman has been a source of support and friendship for me. He’s so incredibly easy to talk to and it is a joy just to hang out and, as he calls it, schmooze! He is honestly the coolest and most relevant professor I know, always in the loop and eager to learn what his students are up to. It’s easy to forget about time when you’re chatting with him…

With its massive size, U of T can be a cold and unfeeling place. You’re lucky if you have the opportunity to actually get to know one of your professors. You’re even luckier if that professor is Barry Wellman.

“A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” – Henry Adams

Oh blogUT, you’ve been my safe place during my time here at U of T! And what a journey we’ve been on together…

For those of you that don’t know, I am—or rather, was—the Co-Editor of blogUT. Even before I assumed this position, I’ve always had strong ties to this blog from the beginning of my undergraduate studies — first as an avid reader, then a timid writer, and finally, as fate would have it, as Co-Editor. And now after four years, I must, with a certain sadness, bid adieu to blogUT, our hardworking bloggers, and our loving readers. I’m proud to have been able to work with such a dedicated team of bloggers who have worked throughout the years with the sole purpose of writing honestly about what it’s like being a student here at U of T. No bullshit. No rah-rah-rah U of T. Just the real stuff, both good and bad. Like we always say: raw and uncut, we give you the real juice about campus life.

In a university that often feels too massive to ever really feel a part of, blogUT bridges the disconnect, providing a real sense of community for U of T students that span programs, colleges, and commutes. I know that for me personally, blogUT has been a place where I’ve connected with fellow U of T students that I never otherwise would have. Sure, many of us have never really met each other in real life, but blogUT is this shared space for the students and by the students — untouched by the powers that be at U of T.

Through the years it’s been the spot where we’ve all shared our personal experiences about university life, given tips on where to go and what to eat, discussed student politics, rated hot profs and honored the quality ones, found the best make out spots, and yes, even talked trash about lame TAs. We’ve stayed up together during those late night cram sessions, distracting ourselves with pointless, but oh so brilliant and necessary, videos. And we’ve collectively ranted about our shiteous commutes, shared our best survival tips, and celebrated the many gems this campus has to offer. Simply put, blogUT kicks serious ass and it’s not hard to see why I’ll miss this blog.

I say goodbye to blogUT with a sadness, but with pride knowing that this little baby of ours is growing day by day. And I’ve no doubt that our new Co-Editors will bring blogUT to unprecedented heights for the 2011-2012 academic year (no pressure, Ally and Leah!).

To my fellow bloggers, please keep writing. I’ve told you time and again that you are the heart and soul of this blog. To our readers, please keep reading and commenting. Without you, we would be that hypothetical falling tree in the distant forest. Your comments and support are what make us real and relevant.

In the meantime, I am off to plunge into this so called “real world” that U of T was suppose to prepare us for. Stay cool, blogUT. I’ll love you always!

xoxo,
Justine

We’ve come to the end, friends. It’s finally time for exams, which means we’re that much closer to seeing that metaphorical light at the end of the tunnel. SO DAMN CLOSE! Just a few more sleepless nights and precious moments shared with your books in Robarts and you’ll be free!

On behalf of the blogUT team, we’d like to wish you all luck on your exams and extend an early congratulations cuz we know you’ll rock ‘em.
And of course, a little video that accurately describes our lives to distract you all!

About a week ago, we at blogUT put out a post asking for your help. We’ve been running into some financial problems and we on the editorial team have been taking money from our very thin wallets to pay for some fees necessary to keep the blog running. As university students sucked dry by the institution we begrudgingly but lovingly call “our school”, we were getting desperate. So we asked for your help here on the blog, on Twitter, and on Facebook to donate whatever you could.  Ten dollars. Five dollars. A toonie. A buck. Lint from your pocket. Whatever.

To be perfectly honest, we didn’t really expect to get much out of this. But we thought we’d give it a try anyway.

And after ONE WEEK, we are blown away by the amazing response we’ve received from our readers and supporters. After ONE WEEK, we’ve received a whopping…drum roll please…

$383.37!!!

We are so incredibly thankful to all of you who stepped up and gave such generous donations**. You’ve given us the chance to repay our debt as well as pay for hosting fees for the year to come! We could not be happier! You honestly saved the life of this blog.

And for those who were unable to donate, we thank you so much for giving us some fundraising ideas, for sharing and passing along the message to your friends, and just speaking such kind words of support. It’s been humbling to hear from our readers how much they enjoy reading this blog and that stuff make our hearts melt. And it’s really the only reason why we’re here and why we do this.

So from the bottom of our hearts, we love you.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

**A special thank you to all of our donors:

Sumaiya Ahmed
Crystal Chin
Paul Morrison
Winna Tse
Jocelyn Yu
Anonymous Donor
Anonymous Donor

Prestige (…or snobbery, depending on how you look at it) at its finest. Trinity College prides itself in having the highest academic standards, running secret societies, and feasting in Harry Potter-like dining halls. Seriously, what’s not to love? Despite quite possibly getting the worst rep from the student population, I’d like to say that I’m a proud Trin student! Judge away, dear friends but here’s a mini tour of my stomping grounds, the best college on campus

My City Lives is an online platform that gives us the chance to capture and share our daily experiences around the city on video. Presented on an interactive map, these web stories show exactly where each video was filmed so you can learn more about the city based on the stories and experiences of your fellow citizens. To view the entire blogUT web series, click here.

So I was doing a general skim-through of the tweets related to U of T to see what students are talking most about and I couldn’t help but notice something different. The Twitter feeds I was seeing didn’t have laments over essays or exams or burnt out messages of needing saving from Robarts. Now I realize this could be because it’s still the beginning of the semester but no, this wasn’t it. There was a sense of hope and excitement in these tweets, which we all know by now isn’t characteristic of our general experience here. Something is definitely up. Sure enough, these were tweets coming from high school students filling out their university applications. Ahhhhh the memories! The optimism of youth! I remember it well. The university hunting. Taking tours of Queen’s, Carlton, U of T, etc. Seems like eons ago and here a new generation is hoping to enter into this university of ours. Oh, the things they’ll learn! The shocks they’ll encounter! The sleepless nights! The moments of desperation!!

Brings back a ton of memories. If there’s one piece of advice you’d give these youngin’s, what would it be?

From all of your friends and bloggers here at blogUT, we wish you all a very, Happy New Year! Hope 2011 is full of growth, success, and less time at Robarts