The Final Stretch

By Leila El-Behairy, People & Culture Director

As silly as it might seem to say, senioritis has been very real the last few weeks as I approach the final month of undergrad. In my final year at Queen’s, I’ve definitely felt it creeping in from time to time. The difference, however, is that while many students around me are embracing the slower pace that sometimes comes with a final year and lighter course loads, more time with friends and housemates, and the feeling of wrapping things up, I’ve found myself spending a lot of my time in the library and taking the most challenging courses I’ve taken throughout my degree.

Being in the CPA pathway means that the final stretch of university can look a little different. At times it can feel strange watching others celebrate their “last semester freedom” while you’re still working through difficult exams and classes and knowing that this is exactly what my summer in the Graduate Diploma of Accounting will look like. Ultimately, I know my hard work will pay off, but until then it can be a struggle to balance such difficult classes with the desire to hang out with my roommates and friends I may not be able to see often outside of Queen’s and embracing the “its 4th year” excuse that means I have to say yes to every plan.

But, one of the things that has made the experience so much more enjoyable has been the community that forms among students in the CPA stream. When you’re all taking the same demanding courses, spending late nights studying, and navigating the same career goals, you naturally become a close-knit group. Some of the friendships I’ve built through these classes have been some of the most supportive and motivating relationships of my university experience.

Looking ahead, I’m especially excited for this summer when many of us will continue together in the Graduate Diploma of Accounting. It’s reassuring to know that the same group of students I’ve grown close to through the CPA pathway and throughout my time on the Queen’s Accounting Association, will be alongside me for the next step and a lot of them will join me in my full time career.

Between these classes and my role as Co-Chair of the Queen’s Accounting Association, my final year has certainly been busy, but it has also been incredibly rewarding. Senioritis may exist, but so does the motivation that comes from knowing you’re working toward something meaningful and with such a support system around you.