The Eastern Canada University Tour

18 November 2013Frank Z and Kate Coull

During the recent Midterm Break, 40 Brentwood Grade 12s left for Ottawa International Airport with high expectations. Everyone was curious about what this trip was going to bring us. On day one, after 20 minutes of walking, we arrived at the downtown University of Ottawa campus. Since it was the first day of the trip, we toured with energy and countless questions. Carleton University came up next after a few free hours. Traveling through the tunnels from building to building, we felt like we were completely cut off from the world. We arrived at Kingston two hours later and prepared for Queen’s University the next day. Queens’s has always been a favorite, with 50 Brentonians making it their university choice in just the last four years. Crossing provincial line to Montreal, Quebec, McGill University briefly showed us their campus and we were surprised with their very large first year classes. After an early morning flight to Halifax, Dalhousie, Atlantic Canada’s largest university, was next. After the tour, David Coren, Privett ‘12 taught us a lesson about how to choose your favourite university. The on to Acadia University, a small school with strong community and lots of spirit associated with its varsity sports. On day five, after another early morning wakeup, we boarded the bus for St. Francis Xavier. We liked St. FX as a small liberal arts school. After a tasty brunch, we went across the border to New Brunswick: Mount Allison has so much to offer to keep you busy. After visiting Atlantic Canada, we arrived in Toronto. First on the list, Ryerson University is notable for journalism, image arts, and fashion design. The University of Western Ontario was up next and the new Ivey School of Business stood out among other buildings with a modern design. The University of Waterloo then amazed us with its mechanical engineering program. On our second day in Toronto we visited the University of Toronto, Canada’s largest university, situated smack in the middle of Canada’s biggest, most diverse, and most exciting city. The on to McMaster University in Hamilton which has one of the country’s largest medical schools and teaching hospitals on campus with world-class medical research facilities. The last university of the tour was Guelph, known for its agriculture program. At the same time, Guelph’s biological and biomedical science program is becoming a leader in Canada. After visiting 14 different universities, we realized that it is not only about the tours. This experience opened our minds. There are so many different choices in front of us. We realize the future is in our own hands and when we have to make a choice, we have to do it right, after acquiring as much information as possible. Thanks to Mr. Rodrigues, Mrs. Coull and Mr. Colistro for organizing this fantastic trip. It wouldn’t have been as exciting without you. Frank Z, Privett ‘14

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