Written by Armaghan Khalaj, 2020 Cohort
Hello everyone! I am Arma.
Let me tell you my story; last year, taking my IELTS exam, I managed to achieve the overall language requirements for MDM, except for a half mark lower in one of the skills. At that moment, I felt not happy that I needed to pass a whole pre-program for that 0.5 grade, thinking how unlucky I was.
But my mom reminded me of one of my deepest beliefs in life that everything happens for a reason.
The first semester started with the challenges of online education alongside the new experience of being an international student. At the very first sessions, I was not confident and comfortable enough to jump into the conversations. But, step by step, the friendly ecosystem of the program and the friendly approach of the professors helped me get rid of the stress and encouraged me to socialize more and more.
In only one month, we had a lot of fun that our families could hear our voices laughing at our jokes.
On the other hand, as a language program, the method was very professional and practical. The lessons contributed us to progress our English cohesively while boosting our teamwork skills and getting familiar with the culture of the Canadian work ecosystem and how to enter it. In addition, storytelling, game design fundamentals, academic writing, work interviews, and pitching and presenting our ideas were other topics we went through, to name but a few. More importantly, now we know how to work online on a team-based project and from different places and time zones. It was the most challenging part of the program from my point of view.
Now, I feel so lucky to be a member of the pre-MDM program. Not only did it pave my MDM path but also made a turning point in my entire life.
For me, Pre MDM is not a “pre” program but a complete one full of valuable practical experiences.
So, first of all, thank you, CDM, for providing such a great program!
Then, I want to thank a person without whom Pre-MDM could not be as it is. The person who uplifted the courses to step even further than knowledge. Aida! Aside from her elevated work from a linguistic perspective resulting in our significant English improvement, she opened a new window to life in front of our eyes and trained us to boost our personality and humanity.
I want to thank Jason, who taught us to think critically and to be creative and logical at the same time while teaching technical courses in a fun manner. He taught us to strengthen our concepts by building the groundwork through making and answering questions.
So, these days, I use the word "why? " much more than before, at least five times.
I want to thank my peers for building a friendly atmosphere via their respectful and friendly manner. The ones we worked all together, both in ease and difficulty. And in every situation, we worked hard and backed one another up.
And thank you all, CDM people, for being here with your valuable pleasant presence. You illuminated our party tonight.
And finally, I want to thank that lovely damn 0.5 missing grade.