Hannah Sweett (HS) completed her bachelor's degree in molecular biology and genetics between 2013 and 2017 before earning her Ph.D. in animal genetics. She now works as a knowledge transfer advisor with Lactanet.
She went to high school in Oakville.
Austin Brown (AB) earned a bachelor's degree in international development studies with a specialization in rural and agricultural development between 2012 and 2017. He then went on to complete a Master of Science in capacity development and extension with an international development designation.
Brown is a policy analyst with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture.
He went to high school in Waterdown.
Farms.com: Why did you choose the University of Guelph?
HS: When I visited the school, it felt like home. The other schools I looked at felt like a very big city to me and I didn’t like that.
AB: I wanted a fresh experience and so I almost purposely chose a school that not a lot of my friends were going to.
Farms.com: What do you remember about your first day on campus?
HS: I remember my parents drove me and I was bawling my eyes out in the car because I didn’t want to go. But that completely changed once I got there. I lived in South residence and was so excited to start my university experience. I got really close with some of the girls there and was recently in one of their wedding parties.
AB: I was lucky enough to be in Johnston for my residence, which is one of the most coveted buildings. You walk through those big doors and it’s an impressive feeling. I thought I was walking into Hogwarts.
Farms.com: How did you find making friends and getting involved in the school community?
HS: It was a mix of working at it and having it come naturally. I think everyone living on residence wants to make friends because at the end of the day you’re all alone, so it’s important to find people to hang out with.
AB: I had a solid set of friends in my residence, and my friends in my program. Then in the second or third year you start to specialize in your studies, you have a tighter knit group of people you’re seeing and leaning on all the time. I don’t know how the students made it through COVID. I don’t think I could have made it without my social group.
The school also has lots of extracurricular activities available if you’re looking for other things to do.
Farms.com: What’s a piece of advice you have for first-year students to help them stay on top of their studies?
HS: I actually have two pieces of advice. One is to remember that you’re at school for a reason, and that’s to take the next steps to adulthood and establishing a career. It’s okay to have a good time with friends, but that can’t be your primary focus.
The second piece of advice is to understand that it’s okay to make changes. I switched my degree twice and everything worked out fine. The guidance counsellors are there to help you understand which credits and courses you need to take.
AB: Make sure you write down all of the due dates for all of your classes. You never want to be the student who doesn’t know when a paper is due.
The University of Guelph also published a list of things first-year students should know.
What do you remember about your first day and year at university? What tips can you share with new students?