avatar

Jessica L.

Orientation Leader at Mount Allison University Orientation

She/her/hers

Class of 2023

Hometown: New Brunswick, Canada

Major: Psychology

Minor: Economics


I chose Mount A because...

I was so indecisive about where I wanted to attend university all throughout high school. I had no idea what I wanted to study and I didn't know if I wanted to be far from home or not. Everything changed the day of my campus tour at MTA; I knew this was where I wanted to go. The campus has that effect on people. It just feels so homey and Sackville is a great little town for someone who wants to live away from home but might be scared about living on their own in another city for the first time. The fact that it's so small makes it a lot less scary and my favourite part is that I run into someone I know almost every time I go out. I think the town plays a big part in the feel of the university and Sackville is definitely the perfect university town.

How have I changed since coming to Mount A...

I've seen a huge difference in myself since I first arrived at MTA. I used to never go out of my comfort zone and was always too scared to get involved in school because that meant I had to put myself out there for people to judge instead of just blending in the background. I've really managed to go out of my comfort zone at MTA and be more involved and it feels so rewarding! I've also become much more independent since I moved out. I strongly recommend living away from home during university; you'll learn so much more by living on your own and I think building that independence will help prepare you to face adulthood once you graduate!

Advice I would give to incoming students...

Do things that scare you! Join clubs, volunteer somewhere, go to office hours and talk to your professors, talk to new people in your classes. Because MTA is such a small university, you have so many chances to get to know your professors and to get involved, so take advantage of those opportunities! I promise you that the things you do outside of your comfort zone will be the most rewarding! You will look back years later and be thankful that you did. I would also advise you to take it all in and really try to enjoy these next four years. A lot of the time you're going to feel overwhelmed and just wanting to get your degree, feeling like it's so far away. This may sound cliché but like everyone says, it really does go by so fast and before you know it you'll be graduating. Try to make the most of it and enjoy these last few years before you have to go out in the real world!

My favourite thing to do in Sackville is...

I love going to study at coffee shops! I am always more productive when I get work done outside of my apartment, and I love that I almost always see some friends while I am there; it makes a long study session so much better. The coffee helps too :) My personal favourites are Aidas and Cranewood.

I'm involved with...

MtA Orientation
View all team members for Mount Allison University Orientation