This article is part of a series focusing on fall grads of the ±«Óătv Class of 2022.ÌęRead all our profiles łó±đ°ù±đÌęas they are published, and visit the Convocation website for more information and to access the live webcast.Ìę
Rony Joseph openly admits he struggled to complete his degree in the Bachelor of Management program but also believes his Dal experience prepared him for the bigger world.
âDal was an eye-opening experience for me,â says Rony, who transferred here from the University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates, where he studied accounting. âIt can be overwhelming to come here as a transfer student,â he continues, adding he wishes heâd known more about resources available for students dealing with the challenges of coming from another country and taking on the academic pressure of the program.
âI never grasped the academics,â says Rony. The large class sizes made it difficult for him to pay attention and personal issues made it hard to study. He was nervous about approaching professors when he didnât understand a concept. And he found it difficult to interact with people in his group. âLots of times Iâd miss projects or have to do them by myself,â he says.
Rony describes his fellow students as great people and he was motivated by being around them, but even their enthusiasm and success could dampen his spirits at times. âWhen youâre not doing well, and you see these other people who are happy with what theyâre doing, it can bring you down.â
A positive force
Fortunately, Rony did find the support he needed to successfully complete his program thanks to his advisor, Katie Haigh. âShe always had kind words for me especially during the difficultâŻtimes,â says Rony. âDuring our appointments, she would ensure I was able to be at ease and speak freely. She always sent positive words my way. The only reason I graduated is because she was so helpful.â
He also now sees his Dal experience in a positive light. âMy time at Dal was a mix of emotions â some good, some bad â but the whole thing gave me a mirror and said âthis is what you need to be to go out in the world.ââ
Rony feels the most important lessons he learned didnât come from the classroom. âThe Dal experience prepared me for how the outside world treats you,â he says. âIâm much more confident now, and I know what Iâm capable of. Iâm able to be more assertive and negotiate better. I also have a thirst for knowledge; even with my academic issues, Iâm still eager to learn, eager to be better.â
Post-graduation, Rony is considering furthering his education by studying accounting, and maybe getting his MBA. But for right now, heâs just looking for a full-time job so he can settle for a bit and âpay off some bills.â
Even though the pressure he felt as a student at times hindered his ability to perform and heâs not happy with his grades, Rony says heâs definitely happy he came to Dal.
âIt was a rollercoaster ride, but I fought through it and Iâm here.â