The thought of graduating likely feels bittersweet to any undergraduate student coming to the end of their degree. I can probably speak on behalf of the graduating class of 2020 when I say that it was especially bitter because we may not have known that our last in-person class would be our last as an undergraduate student. Personally, I had always been eager to graduate and work full-time towards a career in media and social purpose work. By the beginning of March 2020, I felt I had fulfilled most of my expectations for what I had hoped my undergraduate life would have to offer. I was, of course, looking forward to the end of term celebrations and a chance to appreciate my final days as a student on campus. The abrupt end to my undergraduate life without an in-person ceremony left me with a feeling of incompleteness. Nevertheless, I jumped right into the work I hoped to take on by virtue of being well-connected after taking advantage of networking opportunities throughout the past four years.   

In my second year as an Innis College student, I founded Films With A Cause, a filmmaking organization that produces and promotes socially conscious content. I had the help of friends, many of whom also happened to be Innis students. They encouraged my efforts and volunteered their time to support my vision. Through the organization, we put on successful events, including the premiere of my first film, From Syria To Hope, at Innis Town Hall. I continue to work with my team at Films With A Cause, as our operations have grown quite a bit within the past year. I had the opportunity to direct a docu-series called World Table for Matthew House, an organization that supports the needs of refugee claimants. After working with Matthew House in my service-learning class as a Peace, Conflict and Justice student, I was able to take part in this eye-opening experience. Each episode highlights a previous refugee claimant who benefited from their services and shares their stories as they cook a dish from their home country. Furthermore, I was hired by a previous professor to direct her podcast, the Liberation Pedagogy Project, through New College. This summer, I was also occupied with completing my second film, With Love From Munera, which premiered at this year’s Inside Out Film Festival. Additionally, I am the Administrative Assistant for a Toronto-based production company, Canesugar Filmworks, and found myself learning about the film industry in new ways despite not being able to work in-person. Without intending to, I became a digital media freelancer right out of undergrad.   

It may seem daunting to graduate without a specific job in mind. However, I learned early on that if you find mentors in your general fields of interest, you will discover what path makes the most sense for you. Once I decided in my third year that I truly wanted to commit to a career in filmmaking and film directing, I set up coffee meetings with folks I had met at events in the city to understand what options may be available for emerging people of colour filmmakers. I am currently developing a narrative short film about a proud Muslim teenager who daydreams to escape her realities, and I am using the networks I’ve acquired to bring my script to life.   

I am extremely grateful to have the privilege to work towards a dream that I’ve had from a very young age. I want to encourage current students and recent graduates to entertain the idea of pursuing the intimidating goals you have for yourself because now is the time to consider that they could become your reality. I’d say it is crucial to follow your gut instincts while also being strategic about maintaining financial responsibility. 

I have met many established creatives in the film industry who did not begin their careers in the field until after working in other fields and discovering that their passions lie elsewhere. Personal development work is also crucial to realize that you are entitled to reach your dreams. After graduating, I finally bought my own books and read for my own learning, rather than reading to perform in an examination. Developing a sense of identity away from being a student, when that is the only life many of us have known and been committed to, is something we may not consider until we come to the end of our schooling. 

Of course, a barrier to personal development work can be mental health difficulties, which is especially challenging for students who must manage their relationship with themselves while staying on top of school work and attempting to maintain a healthy lifestyle. It goes without saying that the life of an undergraduate student is a constant struggle to find a balance when that balance may not even exist. In my opinion, it is more about constantly shifting where your priorities lie, rather than offering your time equally to all parts of your life. I will always fondly cherish the memories I made as an Innis College student and appreciate the benefits of academic learning. That being said, I can say I am now ready to begin the next chapter. And you will be too.