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A huge congratulations goes out to over 200+ APHD students who have become alumni today as they graduate from various APHD programs. We are so proud of them and wish them well as they embark on this new and exciting chapter.

We got some words of wisdom and final thoughts from some of our graduates as they embark on life post grad school!

In no specific order.

Dr. Melissa Hunte
Developmental Psychology and Education (DPE) program, PhD '24

Words of wisdom:
Have a clear vision of your career goals and the milestones you aim to achieve, but embrace the ebbs and flows of life, as your journey may look different from what you initially envisioned. Stay adaptable and open to new opportunities along the way. Also, don't get too consumed by graduate work; remember to take care of your whole self—mind, body, and spirit. The University of Toronto is a huge institution with numerous activities and support services for graduate students. Venture out of OISE and interact with students from other disciplines. Make friends from different programs and take advantage of the athletic centers and extracurricular activities.

What next?
I am excited to share that I have begun a post-doctoral fellowship at the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute at Sinai Health.

Why OISE?
The ¥������ (OISE) remains at the forefront of the latest research and innovations in human development and education. The work emerging from this institute significantly contributes to global research scholarship and informs policies in Ontario. My greatest growth during my Ph.D. journey resulted from the interdisciplinary approach to learning and research at OISE, which has made me a versatile scholar with specialized skills and experiences.

Dr. Yoav Cohen-Rimmer
Child Study and Education (CSE) program, EdD '24

Words of wisdom:
Embrace the cohort model of the program and rely on each other for support. I will always be grateful for the help and guidance I received from my friends in the EdD program, and I couldn't have achieved this milestone without them.

What next?
I am continuing at an independent school in the GTA called Netivot as the Director of Teaching and Learning. I have also been accepted to a fellowship supporting up-and-coming leaders in Jewish communal organizations.

Why OISE?
The faculty in the CSE program are not only impressive and highly knowledgeable scholars in their fields, but also incredibly dedicated educators. At the end of the day, the opportunity to learn from excellent teachers is always one worth pursuing.

Dr. Diana Burchell
Developmental Psychology and Education (DPE) program, PhD '24

Words of wisdom:
Graduate school is a choose-your-own-adventure program. Don't be afraid to make it your own - explore courses from other departments, join clubs and committees from the greater UofT campus, and find your community. Graduate school can be isolating, so it's really important to build up a network of support in your first few months.

What next?
I'm starting a new job as a Research Project Manager with the York Region District School Board. It's a perfect place to wear my research and teaching hats combined, and I really love the work I do.

Why OISE?
My favourite parts of OISE were the people. I loved the community and made strong relationships with students, professors, program and admin staff, and OISE alumni throughout my time there. I miss being in that community every day, so soak up every minute! And as an alumni - reach out anytime. We're all here to support you on your journey!

Dr. Erin Dowds
Child Study & Education (CSE) program, EdD '24

Words of wisdom:
I would encourage new students to read extensively in your field and stay current with the latest research. Identify key authors and seminal works. Regularly seek feedback from the faculty at OISE, your peers, and academic advisors, as this is essential for the growth and development of your project. Finally, attend conferences and present your work while you're moving through the program. It's both exciting and beneficial.

What next?
I am very excited about my future work. I will continue to work with Dr. Jessica Brian at the Autism Research Centre at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehab and plan to continue with the large-scale implementation of the Social ABCs program for children with emerging autism. In the future, I look forward to opportunities where I can teach future early childhood education students in college and university programs.

Why OISE?
The support from the faculty at OISE was excellent, especially from my supervisor Dr. Jessica Brian and committee members Dr. Rhonda Martinussen, Dr. Melanie Penner, and Dr. Richard Volpe. The time, feedback, and encouragement were above my expectations. Additionally, the coursework was designed in a way that allowed me to build my project and use my time efficiently. As a mother of two young children who works full-time, I appreciated the direct relationship between the coursework and my research project.

Josanne Buchanan
Developmental Psychology and Education (DPE) program, MA '24

Words of wisdom:
First, set aside focused time to think about the life you wish to have and the person you wish to become during your time in graduate school. You’ve worked so hard at school, work, or your research institution to get into OISE; you should celebrate your capacity for hard work and goal-achievement by beginning your OISE journey with amplified confidence and joy. However, as you take this next step and start setting goals for yourself, I challenge you to go beyond setting goals that are purely academic or job-related. Expand your goal-setting to include goals pertaining to the type of lifestyle and legacy you want to grow during your time here. When you cross the stage during convocation, what kinds of achievements, stories, and experiences do you want to cross the stage with you? I encourage you to create what I call a Horizon Line CV: write a fake CV that lists out everything in academics, work, personal-development, relationships, finances, and spiritual growth you HOPE to experience in each upcoming year (or you can choose a shorter or longer interval of time). Print it out or put it on your desktop to remind yourself of the future you’re working towards. It will help you to stay grounded in your values, identify unique opportunities for achieving your goals, and keep you encouraged as you move through your program.

Next, seek support BEFORE you need it. Your time in graduate school will offer many peaks (high points) and valleys (low points). Anticipate this turbulence, and ensure that you can access trusted mentors, upper-year students, therapists, family members, and health care practitioners who can help you move through things without jeopardizing your health over the long term. Rest assured that the majority of  graduate students have experienced mental health challenges and life challenges; you’re not alone. Graduate school is supposed to be challenging, as you’re learning and becoming so much in such a short span of time. Establish a strong ecosystem of supportive resources for yourself at the beginning of your journey, and re-evaluate how things are going on a consistent basis to ensure you have everything you need to thrive and get the most out of your time here.

Finally, nourish yourself with messages that empower and energize you. Most of us are familiar with the phrase “You are what you eat.” As a media scholar, I believe we also become what we watch, listen to, and read. Be smart about the content you’re watching and the messages you’re hearing. Find messages and people that amplify your genuine sense of curiosity, normalize having a growth mindset, and activate your sense of hope and wonder. And remember that you have time to figure it all out, whether it’s a research question, a new statistical package, or a new relationship. You. Have. Time. And you’ll be a bright light when it’s all over.

What next?
I’m completing my PhD degree in the Developmental Psychology & Education program here at OISE, where I’ll conduct research aligned with my intersecting passions for digital equity, youth wellbeing, media effects, communities that support positive aging, and public health. I hope to generate findings that will feed into strengthening our city and creating a Greater Toronto Area where all children and young people can flourish and feel safe. I also founded an educational platform for youth called , which equips teens and young adults with the practical tools and educational resources  they need to understand and create solutions to pressing media-related issues (e.g, privacy and security, digital wellness, digital inequity) and use digital media in ways that support their wellbeing.  In the coming years, I hope to leverage the insights I get from my research at OISE —as well as my experience working in the children’s media industry and the digital wellness field — to grow the platform so that it reaches more youth and has a tangible, evergreen effect on youth mental health and digital use habits. 

Why OISE?
OISE offers all students the chance to learn from world-class researchers and scholars. In the Developmental Psychology & Education program, this means being surrounded by driven, impact-minded, and highly-cited researchers who deeply care about supporting children and young people. As someone who wants to deeply understand the antecedents and outcomes of healthy childhood development, the intellectual garden offered by the DPE program is unparalleled. You already have access to incredible, multidisciplinary scholars just through completing your classes and research requirements. However, if you branch out and choose to drink up all the learning opportunities that the OISE / University of Toronto community has to offer (e.g, Developmental Interest Group meetings; opportunities to volunteer with child-supporting organizations; building friendships across labs; attending local free expert talks, seminars, and lunches), you will curate an intensely rich learning and doing experience for yourself. Take full advantage of every learning opportunity that is presented to you. My favourite memory has to be welcoming my first preschool-aged participants to the lab to participate in my thesis study. From watching them come into the lab with their wide-eyed wonder at the newness of it all, to abandoning all adult norms and playing with them before each experiment (making kids feel comfortable and safe is important), to running the experiment with them and having them move through the methods I spent so much time writing, the experience of conducting research with children is unmatched. I loved showing up for kids each day, learning about their lives and fantasies, and helping them to work through my research paradigm.

If any new, incoming, or first-year students have any questions about OISE, the DPE program, or anything else pertaining to grad school, just :) 

Luyao Xu
Developmental Psychology and Education (DPE) program, MEd '24

Words of wisdom:
It’s always a good choice to build your own network—connect with professors and peers, as they are invaluable resources.

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; raise your hand to seek support and express your opinions in the classroom. 

These experiences will enrich your learning journey and help you grow both personally and professionally.

What next?
I am going back to school to put theories and ideas into practice, with the hope of building and maintaining a better learning environment for students. I am also considering returning to OISE to pursue further studies.

Why OISE?
The faculty and staff at OISE are very knowledgeable and supportive. I have made many friends here and built a network that will last a lifetime. OISE truly equipped me to become a better educator."

Martin Luciani Noli
Counselling Psychology (CP) program, MEd '24

Words of wisdom:
As you journey through this program, cultivating new skills, ideas, attitudes, and perspectives, remember this: you are granted the profound privilege of learning to be with another person. Your presence can validate them toward understanding, growth, and meaning, but only when it's done with the utmost humility, acceptance, and respect. 

What next?
What an exciting journey it has been! I still can’t believe I’m here, and it’s such a wonderful feeling to know that I have accomplished a life-long goal. Currently, I practice privately at a clinic in the GTA, but I ultimately hope to work with students in a post-secondary setting as a counsellor. I will slowly make my way there and hope to accomplish that dream as well.

Why OISE?
My favourite thing about my time at OISE were my professors. Anyone coming to study in the M.Ed CP program and OISE has an amazing opportunity to work with some of the top researchers and theorists in the world. Not only is it an incredible privilege to learn directly from them, but they are also approachable and willing to contribute to your development. I was fortunate to be able to get involved in special projects at OISE that I never imagined I’d be a part of. Take a chance, reach out, connect, and embrace the opportunity to contribute to our evolving community. You won’t regret your time here! 

Linda Zhao
Developmental Psychology and Education (DPE) program, MEd '24

Words of wisdom:
Make lots of friends, talk to your professor, discover your interest and most importantly enjoy the process. 

What next?
I'm currently working at the Accommodated Testing Services at University of Toronto supporting university students with disabilities. Education wise I am planning to apply to another master degree in Counselling Psychology.  

Why OISE?
I love the diverse support OISE provided for all students. Academically we have monthly colloquium talk that's eye opening for me, and lots of conference and research presentations for students to attend. Aside from academic support, OISE made sure that all students are mingled together through different workshops, social events and outings during the term. With all these supports I felts super confident during the process of completing the master degree.

Dellannia Segreti
Child Study and Education (CSE) program, MA '24

Words of wisdom:
Stick with it and enjoy the moment! Everything comes in handy once you are in the classroom!

What next?
Currently, I am a Long-Term Occasional teacher. In September I will be starting my PhD at OISE in Developmental Psychology and Education!

Why OISE?
The MA CSE program here at OISE balanced theory with practice. My favourite learning experiences were the practicum opportunities that were embedded during each term of the program!

Olivia Orsini
Developmental Psychology and Education (DPE) program, MEd '24

Words of wisdom:
Get involved with as many volunteer opportunities, projects and events as you can. That's where you'll meet people who share similar interests as you, and it will help guide you towards potential career area or topics. There are so many great opportunities at OISE, use them to your advantage.

What next?
In September I'll be continuing my journey at OISE, pursuing a PhD in developmental psychology!

Why OISE?
OISE is an institution that prides itself on practicality and experience. The professors are intelligent people with world class experience who truly care to see you thrive, the administration is there to support your success in any way they can, and the experiences you gain from things like course projects and extra curriculars set students up to be top tier professionals. I can't imagine pursing grad studies anywhere else. 

Salva Toufeq
Developmental Psychology and Education (DPE) program, MEd '24

Words of wisdom:
Be bold and courageous as you continue to pursue your dreams. Entering the program can be intimidating at first but never be afraid to ask questions and ask for support along the way. Build your professional network and establish meaningful relationships with your professors and your peers. 

What next?
Currently, I have moved up in my role but I am definitely trying to leverage my degree to move into the developmental psychology space. 

Why OISE?
I chose OISE because as a previous University of Toronto alum, I wanted the opportunity to come back to University of Toronto. OISE provided me with the opportunity to collaborate with experts in different fields and I appreciated that there was a wide variety of courses and programs to choose from or to specialize in. 

Yiyuan Zhang
Developmental Psychology and Education (DPE) program, MEd '24

Words of wisdom:
Don’t be afraid to leap out of your comfort zone; you’re brighter than you give yourself credit for. Just remember, even superheroes need their beauty sleep, a good workout, and a break now and then to stay awesome!

What next?
I plan to pursue an MA degree in Clinical and Counselling Psychology at OISE. In the meantime, I'll keep working to contribute to the mental health field and serve the community, while also taking care of myself.

Why OISE?
Choosing OISE was one of the best decisions I have made. The program offered in-depth academic learning and practical applications. The professors were not only leading experts but also deeply invested in our growth and success. One of the best highlights was the opportunity to engage in a research project that directly impacted my research practices. Additionally, I made some incredible friends who enriched my experience both academically and personally. The collaborative and supportive environment at OISE made my time there truly enriching and inspiring. I left feeling well-prepared and motivated to make a meaningful impact in the field of mental health.