Bishop’s culture is one like no other. It’s unique and in my opinion, you won’t experience anything like this at any other school. From the moment you step foot on campus, you are immersed in a community that feels like a second home. From friends to sports and academics – they’re all an essential part of daily life here. So, imagine me as your older sibling telling you the truth behind what it means to be a Gaiter.
Friendships for life
Let me tell you about my first days here, starting with the dorms. In my first year, I lived in Abbott and experienced the unique “Bog Style” room. In these rooms, you have your own space but share a bathroom with the person next door. Initially, I was unsure about this arrangement. What if I ended up with someone I didn’t get along with? What if problems arose? After all, I would be living in close quarters with a stranger for the next eight months.
Suffice it to say, my concerns were groundless and what I found was a best friend for life. From late-night talks to sharing every class, I found a friend I never knew I needed, a friend I know I’ll have forever. This is Bishop’s. Whether you come from Europe, Ontario, Nova Scotia, or Brazil, you’ll find lifelong friendships and a family here.
Navigating the journey together
There’s a lot of energy here. Everyone’s hustling and bustling throughout the day –just like you –and there’s a shared solidarity. During midterms, finals, and the frenzy of big assignments, we’re in it together and lean on each other for support and encouragement.
This feeling is especially pronounced in the Williams School of Business (WSB). When I first started at Bishop’s, I came in knowing no one, and I was worried it was going to be hard to make friends, especially entering one of the larger programs, the business program.
But from group work to presentations, I quickly realized that I wasn’t going to be alone. I clicked instantly with my future lifelong pals, and I consistently had classes with familiar faces. Since then, I have never once felt lonely or overwhelmed because I know I have a supportive community to lean on. It’s this sense of unity that keeps us going, reminding us that we’re all on this journey together.
The spirit of competition
Athletics are a unifying force at our school. Despite our small size, Bishop’s shows remarkable strength and spirit, especially when our Gaiters are playing a home game. Every new school year, I look forward to the excitement of football, lacrosse, and rugby. What I love most is witnessing the closeness between different sports teams and how each team will show up for the other. Personally, one of my favourite core memories was when the Men’s Rugby team won the game to put them into the playoffs. It was a close game from the start, but when Bishop’s scored with a winning kick, the stands went crazy, and all the students rushed to the field. This is another example of our school spirit and support for one another.
When Bishop’s competes, we show up in full force, making our presence felt. Whether I go bundled up in seven layers for a 7 p.m. game or rush to grab a hot dog and beer before they close, I am there to support my athletic friends along with the rest of the school because that’s what we’re known for – we bleed purple.
Embracing opportunities
Amidst all the hustle and bustle of student life, academics are at the heart of it all. Here, we’re encouraged to dive into different subjects, pursue our passions, and take every opportunity we come across. While we cherish those moments of free time, we also spend a lot of that together, so I highly recommend immersing yourself in clubs and events related to your program and interests. For instance, the WSB hosts internal case competitions. Participants voluntarily work on business cases and devise solutions presented to a panel of judges, often including the Dean of Business.
I was filled with nerves participating for the first time, but I pushed through embracing the opportunity to participate in such a prestigious competition. Good thing I persevered because my team ended up finishing first in the finals, each taking home $500. Though it may have seemed intimidating at first, this experience was life-changing for me and helped reshape my perception of my business degree, confirming my aspirations for my career path.
I encourage you to say yes to every opportunity that comes your way because you never know where it might lead, and in my case, my bank account was much happier with me afterwards.
