A Commuter's Tale
By Asad Khan
Issue date: 11/17/05 Section: Opinions
University of Toronto is arguably Canada's most prestigious and storied institution for higher learning. Its enormous size is a testament to the weight its name carries around the world. The sheer wealth of opportunities available for students is staggering; I find it virtually impossible to experience everything U of T has to offer.
I had always been enamoured by U of T's impressive reputation, along with its image as a cultural and architectural mosaic. It's full of old, historic buildings in the midst of a sprawling, urban city. People from all walks of life attend, united in their pursuit of knowledge and enlightenment. Those, along with the odd homeless person who, for all intents and purposes, is as much a part of the U of T experience as the rest of the surroundings.
The fact that I could not afford the rather pricey cost of residence was no surprise; I come from an average-income family and live a relatively average life. Unwilling to amass the lengthy bill, I figured commuting would be the best route to take - no pun intended. I had taken the bus to school for nearly my entire academic career, so I assumed it would not be much of a hassle.
I was wrong; commuting is more bothersome than I ever expected it to be. For one, it isn't as simple as getting on a school bus which takes you straight to school. I first need to be driven to the GO station, which is an adventure all on its own as I'm often trying to outrace the GO bus , or running to catch the last GO train.
The trip to Union isn't so bad, as long as I have a seat. Standing for 45 minutes is incredibly tedious and prevents me from being able to nap; trying to sleep while standing is another story altogether.
From Union, I quickly make my way underground to take the northbound TTC subway, and get off at either Queen's Park or Museum depending on where my class is.
Though it may seem simple enough, I've gone the wrong way more than once. By the time I realize I'm going in the opposite direction, I exit and cautiously approach the train on the other side, usually pretending that I'm waiting for someone or looking around at the colourful scenery so I don't look like a complete moron.
I had always been enamoured by U of T's impressive reputation, along with its image as a cultural and architectural mosaic. It's full of old, historic buildings in the midst of a sprawling, urban city. People from all walks of life attend, united in their pursuit of knowledge and enlightenment. Those, along with the odd homeless person who, for all intents and purposes, is as much a part of the U of T experience as the rest of the surroundings.
The fact that I could not afford the rather pricey cost of residence was no surprise; I come from an average-income family and live a relatively average life. Unwilling to amass the lengthy bill, I figured commuting would be the best route to take - no pun intended. I had taken the bus to school for nearly my entire academic career, so I assumed it would not be much of a hassle.
I was wrong; commuting is more bothersome than I ever expected it to be. For one, it isn't as simple as getting on a school bus which takes you straight to school. I first need to be driven to the GO station, which is an adventure all on its own as I'm often trying to outrace the GO bus , or running to catch the last GO train.
The trip to Union isn't so bad, as long as I have a seat. Standing for 45 minutes is incredibly tedious and prevents me from being able to nap; trying to sleep while standing is another story altogether.
From Union, I quickly make my way underground to take the northbound TTC subway, and get off at either Queen's Park or Museum depending on where my class is.
Though it may seem simple enough, I've gone the wrong way more than once. By the time I realize I'm going in the opposite direction, I exit and cautiously approach the train on the other side, usually pretending that I'm waiting for someone or looking around at the colourful scenery so I don't look like a complete moron.
