THE CHRONICLE BURMAN’S UNIVERSITY STUDENT LED NEWSPAPER
SEPT 26
Picture taken by Ryan King
Welcome Back Burman!
Welcome back to a brand-new school year! As your new Editor-in-Chief, I couldn’t be more excited for what lies ahead. Whether you’re stepping onto campus for the very first time or beginning your final stretch before graduation, this year holds so much potential for new memories, great stories, and meaningful growth.
This Month’s Theme: Embracing Change
Our first issue focuses on the transition into this new season. We’re officially welcoming an incredible new class of freshmen who bring fresh energy and ideas to our campus community. At the same time, we’re recognizing our seniors as they enter their final year and prepare for what comes next. Change can be a lot to process, but it also brings exciting opportunities to start fresh:
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” — Isaiah 43:19 Here’s to making this year a great one together!
QUICK OVERVIEW OF THIS ISSUE: Meet a Freshman: Introducing Lauren—Olivia’s sister! Roommate & Campus Survival: How to thrive at Burman and keep the peace with your roommate The Ultimate Campus Rankings: Best study spots (and the top places to have a good cry) Money Matters: Practical financial budgeting tips brought to you by BUSA ...and much more!
Letter
from the
EDITOR
H e ll o B u rm an it e s! I h op e y o u r s umm e r w a s a m a z in g an d y m is s Th e Ch r o u d idn ’t on ic le to o m u ch , because we d ef in it e ly m is s e d y o u g u y s! I ’m s o e x c it e d to b e y o u r E d it o r - in - Ch ie Q u ick in tr o if f th is y e a r ! y o u d on ’t kn o w m e : I ’m a 2nd-year B u s in e s s s tu d en t an d a b ig m u s ic lo v e r . A s w e k ick o ff th is fr e sh s ta r t, I w an t to e v e r y on e th e b w ish e s t lu ck . D on 't s tr e s s w e ek on e to o — w e ’r e a ll fi m u ch g u r in g it o u t to g e th e r ! G r a b a sn a ck , f th r o u gh th is S lip ep tem b e r is s u e , an d le t’ s m a k e th is y e a r a w e s om e . - M e li s s a
MeettheTeam Perso nality Color : Pea ch
Br on w y n or Bron
and , e c n e i c S l a viour a h e B y r is d a u e t y Is s i h t f l r myse o f n o i s i v y d n m a y l t n e i c i f to study ef out g n i k e e s e l i h effectively w himsy. life's w te u c d n a s g o love d y l e t u I l o g s n i b h t Ia e n o ut the b , y r e n o i t ters! n i sta w 0 4 s i hate y l e t e l p m o c
Fun fact: I love to snowboard
Meet the Team I may be a s tuden dean t who a lways candie has s in th e LVH office… come visit :)
Teresa lity a n o s Per ed s u I : Color pink e t a to h ut b , d i as a k my s i t i now nite o t p y Kr Fun fa I love ct: to ru n
, and e c n e i c S l a r e I study Gen s year is to be i my vision th ed: eat less c more balan to the gym go , y l a c i d a r o sp e and r o m e l b i b my (nah), read w friends :) make ne ith soy w s e o t a m I like to the d n a t s t o n n a sauce, but c orange. colour
Meet the Team
“I think that everyone's day should at least have one good laugh in it so if you don't do that, either loosen up or find some funnier friends.” (duh n w o r B or:
Col y t i l a n o Pers
t in s u J
)
I study Biology , and my vision for myself this year is to make some new conn I love when da ections. ylight savings give an extra h ou but hate when r to sleep, people think they’re too coo l to something new try /fun.
Welcome Back Bash
in pictures
If there’s one event that truly kicks off the year at Burman, it’s the Welcome Back Bash.
For our incoming freshmen who just survived orientation, the Bash is the ultimate gateway to campus life. It’s where you get a full look at everything Burman has to offer—whether you're looking to sing, test your skills, connect through our cultural groups, or get active with sports sports. Pictures ta ken by
Ryan King
For returning students, it’s the best excuse to catch up after summer. Whether you were running a table for your own club or just soaking in the rare sight of the entire student body packed into one place, the energy was unmatched. Let’s be honest, though: Welcome Back Bash is famous for being the place where you hand out your email and phone number to ten different clubs, knowing deep down you’ll probably only show up to one. And that’s completely okay! Don't feel obligated to do it all. Pick the ones that actually excite you, represent who you are, and fit your rhythm this year. Written by Melissa Enache
Hi, I’m Lauren STUDENT SPOTLIGHT Interviewed by Bronwyn Christison
Lauren Ra-Yeon Kwak
3-year biology major
Olivia’s little sister
Why did you choose Burman?
The 3-year Biology program interested me because I could spare one year from the regular 4-year bachelor's & the spiritually flourishing environment attracted me because I wanted to continue to strengthen my faith (also cause my sister's here:))
Where are you from? I was born in Michigan, but ever since then I have lived in over 10 different places- currently I live in Smithers, BC, with beautiful mountains, lakes, and rivers.
What is one thing people should know about you? Make sure to label baking soda and potato starch around me cuz I might mix them up lol
What’s your favourite food? Oooo, this is a hard one... maybe jjajangmyeon?
Who are your favourite music artists? I've been listening to a lot of Sienna Spiro, Daniel Lozakovich, and UPPERROOM on loop.
Are you hoping to find love at Burman? How about finding JESUS at Burman????? BAHAHAHAHA
What are some of your red flags? I love to eat good food
Do you have an academic goal you’re aiming for? What’s one thing you want to do to help u achieve it? My basic goal is to excel in all of my classes. I'm building a routine and protecting my study timebesides that, I'm just gonna give it my best!
What is one thing you can’t live without? God, family, and elephants...
What are some of your fave hobbies/interests? My favourite is swimming- but skiing/snowboarding, hiking, cooking/baking, crafts, and lots of flute.
What is one thing you really want to do while you’re in Alberta? Go on an unplanned road trip:)
Do you have anything to say to your fellow Burmanites? Let's start our year strong and also put God first:) WORK HARD PARTY HARD (family motto lol)
Cue Quest Recap & Highlights
WRITTEN BY TERESA BRUCE Perhaps the most iconic thing about being a Freshman at Burman is the orientation experience. CUE Quest is a week of information overload, frantic exploration, and relationship formation. Burman’s website shares that “CUE Quest is Burman University's freshman orientation for first-year students that will help you make a smooth transition into university by providing you with the information and resources you will need”. Essentially, it is a transitioning into university crash course. The days are long and the itinerary is packed with everything from campus tours, shopping trips, camping, and auditions. Here are some of the memories shared from fellow freshmen Hazyra Pacito, Kara Tacloy and Rosely Gutierrez.
T he suns
e t a n d la
best memory: The obstacle race & the wall climbing. Somehow, w o u ld the whole team made it up even though Keani W h er e w e er y ni gh t h a ng o u t ev dropped a couple of people. people. Breakfast, Lunch, or dinner! The meals were a great time to connect with others. You could really enjoy the fellowship and got lost in all the laughing. laughing. Swimming and playing in the water at the camp. camp. Bonding in the cabin and getting to know some of the other freshmen. Being in such close proximity and doing so many activities together made it really easy to develop friendships.
Pi ct u re s I to o k du ri ng C U E qu es t 2 02 5
worse memory: The wa ll clim bin g
Falling down while attempting the various obstacles at camp - your body will certainly be sore All the bugs and critters at camp and also in your dorm room bring bug spray and be prepared Going to bed really late and waking up really early! The fun is worth it but you will be exhausted. Your social battery may get depleted but you just need to make it through the few days, and then you can relax in your room. Also, it’s so hard to pass up the opportunity to develop connections when there’s still no homework to complete.
ke
Let’s hear from a member of SWAT (Student Welcome and and Affirmation Team) member: member: Selina McIntyre Memories of preparing: All the skits we had to practice. There was a total of 7 but I was involved in only 3. In one skit, I had to practice yelling at Noah and it was funny since neither of us are argumentative. Eventually, we got the hang of it, but it’s hard unleashing that side of yourself out to people that aren’t your siblings. siblings. Going over all the mental health and suicide awareness training - I am now much more knowledgeable and self aware about behaviours to look out for and what supports are available. 1st Impression of Freshman:
No offence to last year’s freshman (which I was a part of), but everyone this year seems more chill. There seemed to be a readiness for a transition. I met some really great, funny, and social people. You can tell that some people are bringing warmth to the atmosphere and it’s so great to see. Memories for the No Talent Show: My favourite group was the pink (Keani’s) group: they did a fashion show and dressed up Alex and tears were falling out of my eyes - it was so funny. My group (orange) did a bunch of Gen Z terms/memes Core Memories from this experience: I love that 10 foot wall challenge. I always feel so connected to my team. Also, participating in group activities and eating together really brought everyone closer together. together. My sister is here and it was so cool to see her get accepted into groups for who she is. Cue Quest is a great space for both extroverts and introverts to find their people. people. Helping to make a SWAT shirt by using the maker space in the library. Prior to this, I had never been to that room before, and now I’m kind of an expert.
Would you recommend to be on swat: Yes, I would recommend people to join SWAT as it is a great way to start getting involved in Burman ministries. It is a perfect foot in the door for exploring opportunities and connections. Also, Mel is amazing and helps you feel right at home.
FRESHMEN SURVIVAL GUIDE:: FROM A FOURTH-YEAR POV FRESHMEN SURVIVAL GUIDE FROM A FOURTH
YEAR POV
WRITTEN BY BRONWYN CHRISTISON Ever fe felt lt overwhelmed? Unmotivated? Lost? Or that there are too many voices telling you too many different things? If your answer was “yes” to any of the above, then you're in the right right compilation spot. Over my three years at Burman, I’ve felt the whole array of emotions. Here is a compilation Think of tips from dorm essentials to friendship advice that have helped me during my time here. Think of this article as me wanting to share a little survival kit of tips and tricks that could also help you out during your time at Burman:)
DORM ESSENTIALS THAT NO ONE TELLS YOU: Heating H eating pad: for those Alberta A lberta cold nights - iykyk aand nd girls, iykyk Movie projector: for for in ccreating reating a cosy vibe in good yyour our dorm room. A good sspace pace = a good mind Very moisturizing cream for the dry Alberta Alberta Like the most moisturizing cream you can aair. ir. Like can ffind! ind! Sandpaper skin is not fun.
MINDSET If you w want ant to be part of something on campus, campus, asking. tthen hen just ask! No one will bite you for asking. The zone T he best time to step out of your comfort zone iiss now. On the other hand, it isn’t sustainable to join and say “yes” to everything; say yes to only the things that matter to you. It takes time to figure out what really matters. Make a list of things that matter and ask yourself if the things you are involved in align with that.
LAUNDRY ROOM As someone who survived the wild west A of laundry room (that shall not be named), I learned how to protect my my clothes from ending clothe ending massive up in the massive communal bin or communal a table. Do yourself a ur favor and put ur right laundry bin right the beside the ur dryer/washer ur using :)
THINGS YOU ACTUALLY DON’T NEED LET ME DEINFLUENCE YOU: The newest iPad. Don’t let the Apple Th Education discount fool you. Many students are selling an older version that will function just as well. well. Rhode Lip Tint (for the girls) - yup, it’s trending. Do you want it? Yes. Do you need it? No. I know you may be wanting that really cute shade, but tbh saving up for a road trip/adventure with friends may be more worth it. Experience over things
HEALTH/FITNESS
STUDY TIPS
Freshman Fr eshman Flu: Ahh yes, that that mysterious bug that always mysterious always goes around wiping out goes out everyone around you. You everyone You know it when you see all your know your classmates in choir one day classmates day and ⅓ of them the next… It and It happens every year. happens year.
FFind ind places to study other than your room! room! or LLibrary, ibrary, top floor of the gym, Tollers or Ona O na if you have a friend with a whip.
Continue Co ntinue to wash those hands, wear a mask mask on to protect others who are vulnerable on campus, and drink lots of tea! Freshmen 15: You either lose or gain 15. It’s tough in the first sem when you are trying to figure things out with your eating, study, work, exercise, and sleep schedule. There are a lot of new things to balance, and it can be stressful! First, give yourself grace because it happens. But then, try to focus on a routine that makes sense to you and your body. Don’t compare it with others. Food is fuel, and nourishing it with good food helps with good performance!
FRIENDSHIPS Burman is tight; everyone knows everyo everyone ne pretty pretty much. There are your “hi” friends, which which you you pass between classes and exchange a few few words words with. Then there are YOUR people. Keep Keep your your people close; you’ll lean on each other when when things things get rough. rough. Friendships wax and wane; that’s okay. You both both may up m ay grow in different directions and may end up moving different m oving in differ ent circles. There doesn’t have to to bbee animosity or beef. It’s just part of life.
Put your phone in Pu in when aanother nother room when no sstudying tudying - no (Putting ddistractions! istractions! (Putting iitt on d&d wasn’t eenough nough for me) The more time you f find ind trying to find aa you pperfect erfect way to study. The less time you have aactually ctually spend studying. Who would have study tthought! hought! If you follow those study DON’T iinfluencers nfluencers on IG, that’s okay, just DON’T actually llet et them distract you from actually is sstudying. tudying. An imperfect study method is perfect 1100x 00x better than trying to find a perfect method. sstudy tudy method. Anki, Quizlet, flashcards, bl blurting, urting, Pomod Pomodoro oro method, writing notes, AI tools tools study aare re all study techniques. NOT a study you ssystem. ystem. You have to learn what tools you last nneed eed and when to use them. These last video ttwo wo tips are from a great 7-min video I’ve tthat hat topped the hundreds of study vids I’ve watched: w atched: FFinally, inally, you may have many types of friends, but the ones who take academia seriously, keep them close, learn their ways!
Alright, A lright, that’s a wrap. If even one of these tips helps you, I consider it a win! Wishing Wishingyou all the best on this new start. You got this :)
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in College Written by Teresa Bruce
Hey you—yeah, you. Ever since you first stepped foot in a classroom on this hilltop, you have become a fully fledged university student. You can now boast about being an esteemed scholar as you step into the role of an established young adult, paving the way ever forward. You are actually doing adult things, and, for perhaps the first time in your life, you feel a sense of independence and pride as you take that next step. Or… I could call you out and say that perhaps you’re still a teenager. You don’t have your full license, think ramen counts as meal prep, get nervous when you have to make your own doctor’s appointments, don’t understand the importance of paying off your credit card, and are still somehow both incredibly insecure and comedically egotistical. But I won’t. Because even if you resonate with some of those things, that doesn’t change the fact that you are a university student. You have earned your place here, and you are here for a reason. But as you know, simply being enrolled in classes and inching your way toward a degree doesn’t take away from the fact that you may still feel small sometimes. The truth is that these two realities can exist together. You can strive to excel academically, intentionally pursue personal development, chase leadership opportunities, and still feel like you don’t belong. You can work so hard to become the person you want to be while having no idea who you currently are. You may find yourself looking in the mirror and wondering how in the world you ended up where you are. You may feel like you don’t deserve to be in the rooms you are in or hold the positions that you do. That feeling has a name: imposter syndrome. And while it may be uncomfortable, I encourage you to see it as an opportunity—not to prove yourself to everyone else, but to prove to yourself that you are capable and competent of handling the responsibilities placed before you. University is a time to expand, grow, and push yourself beyond your comfort zone. Growing pains will naturally accompany progression, but remember that discomfort is not permanent. You belong here, and you will do great things.Remember your why. Remember where you came from. Surround yourself with people who make you feel valued and who celebrate your accomplishments— both big and small. Build trust in yourself by showing up, being consistent, and following through on the goals you set for yourself. Be open to feedback, and be gentle with yourself. Don’t confuse unfamiliarity with inability. Remember that action builds confidence. You don’t need to wait until you feel qualified to do great things. All experts had to start somewhere. Let today be your somewhere.
STUDY SPOTS ON CAMPUS WRITTEN BY JUSTIN PANDALA
Whether Whether you’re a returning student or a brand new freshman, you might be asking yourself, as the studious (or not so studious) student you are, what are the best study spots on campus? Well, luckily for you, after much thought and input from various high-GPA Burman students and alums, I’ve compiled a list of some places that are arguably the best public study spots on campus. campus.
The library Alright, this one is no surprise. This is by far the most popular place to study on campus, and it’s for good reason. There are tons of resources available all around, and the study rooms are great. The 24-hour section is the only place that stays open at night for studying. It does have quite harsh white lighting, which may be a dealbreaker for many students, but if you can get around that, it may be just the spot you need.
The Business lounge
This is the best place to study in the evenings. Most students don’t take advantage of this spot. Once classes are over and the building gets quiet and empty, the business lounge literally becomes elite. Turn off the main light and use the lamps to create perfect lighting.
The Mez
This one is a great spot for group assignments and doing work with others that doesn’t necessarily require a fully dialled lock-in sesh. Just know it gets noisy, especially when the lobby is loud. The couches and tables are great for chatting and meeting with others. There’s also a great view from the windows that gets 10 times better at sunset and sunrise. Computers and being able to print are also a big plus.
Science Building Study Room
Okay, this one might be a little more niche. If you go upstairs in the science building (I do not recommend taking the elevator), you will find a small study room. It’s not always unlocked, but anyone around with keys will unlock it for you. It’s a small, cozy spot with a big white board and a pretty good view. There’s definitely not a ton of space in there, but it’s perfect for a small group or a solo grind. The noise level is usually very low, especially after hours.
The Hideout
Everyone knows about the Hideout, but I don’t think many people realize how good a study spot it can be. It genuinely has it all – it’s usually quiet (when there’s not an event going on in it), has tons of desk space, couches, TVs, lights that can be adjusted to whatever brightness you prefer, and when you’re on your study break, you can always hit a quick game of pool or ping pong.
Roomate Survival Tactics: A GUIDE TO PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE
I probaby had more stuff than this
Picture this: You have endured a long and arduous journey from your hometown to Calgary International Airport. You wait an eternity for your luggage, only to discover that your transportation to Burman is late. The smell of fresh manure welcomes you to the hilltop—your new home for the next few years. You drag your baggage into Lakeview Dorm, where an eager team immediately overloads you with information and asks you too many questions. You finally make your way toward your room, desperate to collapse onto your bed.
You swing the door open.
BAM. There is someone else in your room.
YOU HAVE A ROOMMATE?! A SURPRISE ROOMMATE?! So you force a smile and awkwardly say hi, desperately trying to mask your disappointment. It dawns on you that, if this is your fate, you must make the most of it. Somehow, you must find a way to peacefully coexist with a complete stranger. For some of you, I have just described your exact experience. For others, perhaps you were lucky enough to get a single room or share a space with someone you chose yourself. Whatever your situation, here are a few things to keep in mind to make any roommate arrangement more tolerable, and maybe even enjoyable :)
YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE BEST FRIENDS…JUST DON'T BECOME ENEMIES You don't have to become inseparable and you don't need matching friendship bracelets. But you do need to make an effort to create a welcoming environment. They are probably feeling just as awkward as you are. Smile. Say hello. Ask how their day was. A little friendliness can go a long way when you're sharing a room with someone.
DON’T GIVE THE SILENT TREATMENT Seriously. You cannot simply ignore the person who lives right next to you. You don't need to share your deepest secrets, but you should at least be able to communicate about basic things: chores, schedules, guests, noise, sleeping habits, and personal preferences. Communication becomes especially important when something starts bothering you! Remember that minds can’t be read! o m e ti m e s H o w it fe e
ls li k e s
DON’T CALL THE COPS BEFORE TALKING Before you immediately involve a Dean or your whole friend group, try having a conversation first. You might be surprised by how many problems can be solved through a simple conversation and a little compromise. Of course, there are situations where involving someone else is necessary, but always give communication a chance.
RESPECT THE SACRED SCHEDULE If your roommate has an 8 a.m. class, maybe 2 a.m. is not the ideal time to take the world’s longest shower. I also suggest having a shower schedule. There is nothing worse than both of you desperately needing to shower at the same time. You also don’t need to be all formal with it and whip out a Google Calendar, but just have some sort of casual understanding of timelines.
PROTECT YOUR ALONE TIME
Having a roommate can make it feel like you no longer have any privacy. That's why it can be helpful to know each other's schedules! This way you can see when you may have the room to yourself. Use this time to truly unwind and enjoy your tranquil solitude.
ACT LIKE AN ADULT IF YOU WANT TO BE TREATED LIKE ONE Now is not the time to act like a dramatic teenager - you need to be intentional about your actions and behaviours as now they affect someone’s personal living experience. This is also where you become aware that people are raised differently and have different expectations. This is where you get to start practicing the skills of communication and compromise that become a staple in adulthood. You don't have to be perfect. Just be considerate.
LIFE-SAVING TIP: YOU DON'T ACTUALLY HAVE TO BE IN YOUR ROOM 24/7
You don’t need to be in your room 24/7. Get involved on campus - clubs, leadership, research, worship. Try to make friends in your program or in other rooms so you can visit places. Having a roommate may make you feel stuck or trapped, but realizing that you have a whole campus to explore can be freeing. At the end of the day having a roommate is a unique and somewhat integral part of the university experience. It represents change, growth, discomfort, and compromise. You will also learn a lot about yourself and find out where your values and priorities truly lie. You may be lucky and manage to find a lifelong friend or a sworn foe - either way both make for great stories down the road.
WRITTEN BY TERESA BRUCE
BEST SPOTS TO CRY ON CAMPUS: RANKED WRITTEN BY BRONWYN CHRISTISON
Happy new school year, Burmanites! I’m sure many of us are eager and ready to take on the academic year. Others, however, are on the precipice of crammed schedules and minimal sleep. Whoever you may be, there is one thing in common: you've probably cried at least once…or twice, or 100 times - don’t lie. Never fear, Bron is here! I’ve ranked the top spots to cry on Burman Campus. They aren’t all winners, and many should be avoided, no matter how desperate. Here are my top recommendations once midterms hit….
1.Chap’s Office
★★★★★
Location: Student Services in Admin Display: Cosy and well-lit room with couch and pillows Reasons to go: Kind humans with big hearts and hugs that listen Certified chaplains They keep things confidential/private Snacks provided (not endorsing eating your feelings tho) Fun sand tray and tactile fidget toys Loads of tissues for those issues Reasons to avoid: None
2. Sakala Success Centre
★★★★☆
Location: Downstairs of Admin Reasons to go: Tamara, Elise, and Crystal are always there for you Tea station Massage chair Elise’s homemade desserts (while supplies last) Reasons to avoid: You lean towards crying alone with no support
3.Friends' Dorm Room
★★★★☆
Reasons to go: They just get it. They have a peak snack collection You will probably end up laugh-crying while you're there Reasons to avoid: questionable therapy advice at times (shhh!)
✨
✨
4. Walk Behind Science Building
★★★ ☆☆
Specifications: 94% guaranteed fresh air (unless during manure season) Reasons to go: Park bench to sit on Listening to chirpy birds View of Barnett Lake Private and peaceful atmosphere Reasons to avoid: Encountering a jackrabbit staring you down. Then having the audacity to hop away, making you question your life choices
5. Cafeteria
★★☆☆☆
Reasons to go: You detest the wilted lettuce that has been served three days in a row, and crying could help(?) You enjoy people-watching while you sob Reasons to avoid: Having strangers watch you cry
6. Your Bedroom Closet:
★☆☆☆☆
Reasons to go: You enjoy dark, cramped spaces Reasons to avoid: Possibility of smelling your roommate's dirty laundry/smelly cleats Cramped Your bed and pillow are literally 1 meter away
7.Lakeview bathroom:
Actual lakeview bathrooom (I don’t even want to know how bad the guys side is)
☆☆☆☆☆
Reasons to go: ummm…there are tissues? If the TP hasn’t run out… Reasons to avoid: It’s stinky Cramped Not comfy to be in for long periods of time Emotional support not easily available
My wish is that none of you have to go to these places for these reasons, but now you know there are options! All jokes aside, crying is inevitable and a natural way to regulate the body, and most importantly, it shows we are all just human. “Even Jesus wept.” (John 11:35) We’re the only known species to shed tears in response to emotions like pain, sadness, or joy. So, I encourage you to lean on ur people; let them in. Or, to those friends who always seem a little too okay, check in on them.
Career Anxiety and PostGrad Uncertainty Written by Justin Pandala Being at Burman and living your best university life is great, but I’m sure those sneaky thoughts about post-grad life have seeped into your mind from time to time. I remember when I was a freshman, I hardly gave it any thought because it felt like I was going to be at Burman forever. Graduation seemed so far away that it was something I could worry about later. But somehow, here I am in my senior year, about to graduate and move on to the next chapter of my life. For a lot of us, school is far from over after Burman. You might be looking to apply to postgraduate programs and further your education (because let’s be honest, a Biology degree isn’t going to do you much good if you stop at your Bachelor’s). But with that comes a lot of anxiety and uncertainty. I have many friends taking a gap year because they were either rejected or waitlisted from schools they were hoping to get into, and they’ve told me how nervous this time in their lives has been. The competitiveness of getting into programs, especially in Canada, can be daunting. And outside of Canada, some programs can cost an arm and a leg.
On top of all that, you might graduate and realize that you don’t actually want to pursue the career you’ve been working toward this whole time. Maybe your interests have changed, or maybe you simply don’t know what you want anymore. Finding a job after graduating isn’t always easy either. Many industries are becoming incredibly competitive, especially with the rise of AI and other changes in the job market. Now, all this being said, life after Burman isn’t some hopeless dead end where everything is going to explode and the world is going to end. It’s okay to be nervous, and it’s okay to not have everything figured out. Honestly, I don’t think anyone really does. Be prepared for setbacks and for things not working out the way you thought they would. You might get rejected from a school you really wanted to attend. You might have to take a gap year. You might even have to change your plans completely. There will be hiccups and bumps along the way, but that doesn’t mean you’re falling behind. Life isn’t a race where everyone has to graduate, get accepted, find a job, and have their entire future figured out at the exact same time. Sometimes the path you planned for yourself isn’t the path you end up taking, and that doesn’t mean you failed. Sometimes a setback takes you somewhere you never expected, and that can end up being a good thing. Most importantly, trust God. We can make all the plans we want, and we should absolutely work hard and prepare for our future, but we can’t control everything. Sometimes God’s plan is going to look completely different from the one we had in our heads. That can be scary, but it can also be comforting. You don’t need to have your entire life figured out before you leave Burman. Take things one step at a time. Work hard, make your plans, and do everything you can to prepare yourself, but don’t forget to actually enjoy the time you have here. So don’t be afraid of what comes after Burman. Be prepared for it, but don’t be afraid of it. Things might not always work out immediately or exactly how you planned, but you’ll figure it out as you go. Trust God, keep moving forward, and remember that it’s all going to be okay in the end.
Lessons in Personal Finance: Budgeting BROUGHT TO YOU BY BUSA WRITTEN BY FINANCIAL VP SANDRA GLOVER
You need a budget. Or, that’s what people keep telling you. But what is a budget? And how do you make one? A new school year is a great time to review your current financial strategy and decide whether or not it actually works for you. Don’t have a strategy? Now is a great time to start. Personal finance doesn’t have to be scary; having a good plan might actually reduce your stress!
So, what is budgeting ? A budget is a tool for tracking, analyzing, and predicting income and spending. It helps you understand where your money is going so you can set goals for how much to spend or save.
How do you budget ? Budgeting can be as simple as keeping your receipts and recording how much you spend on different categories (e.g., textbooks, clothes, food, car). After tracking your money for one month, analyze those numbers. Does that $150 Costco purchase make sense, or were you just hungry? Then, make a plan for next month. For example, I want to spend only $50 on restaurants and $100 on clothes. Track your spending to see how you're doing, adjust your goals if necessary, and repeat! Don’t forget to plan ahead for when your spending will be higher, like Christmas and birthdays. There are lots of free online templates for tracking your spending in spreadsheets. You can also use apps, some of which link to your bank account, so you don’t have to keep paper receipts. Some paid platforms are YNAB (yes, I borrowed the opening line from this company), Quicken, PocketGuard, and Monarch. Free apps can be good too, although the features are often limited. If you don’t want to get fancy, you can track your spending in your notes app or on paper. Source: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/personalfinance.asp
Why should I budget ? One day, your car might break down, or your roommate might buy a TV and expect you to pay half, or you can’t find a free version of that new textbook. A budget prepares you for these kinds of situations. In your budget, and every good budget, you should have a plan to build an emergency fund. This is about three months' worth of living expenses, give or take. If you’re spending $300 every month as a student, your emergency fund should be at least $900 dollars (300 x 3). If you can’t save all that at once, try saving $5.00 from each paycheck you get from working at the front desk, or keep your birthday money in a separate bank account. To stretch your money, identify needs from wants, and attend free Burman events (shameless plug). It’s a good idea to set up savings goals in your budget now, even if they’re small, because one day you’ll need those habits, and one day you’ll need that money. If you’re still not convinced about budgeting, at least now you’ve heard about it and know how to start. This article is for information purposes only. Please do your own additional research (this includes testing budgeting apps for yourself before purchasing a trial).
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Picture taken by Ryan King