What does success look like? ICM alumna’s journey of growth and giving back
When Jyoti Sharma first came to Canada, she was certain that she wanted to pursue Biology and eventually continue into medical school. At the time, it felt like the “right” path and what she believed would offer her the best future. She began her journey at the International College of Manitoba (ICM) with that mindset, but once classes began, she gradually started questioning whether it was truly what made her happy.
During her first year, Jyoti took Psychology as an elective and, unexpectedly, found herself far more interested and connected to it than Biology. She became uncertain about her future and spent a lot of time trying to understand what she truly wanted for herself. She used to visit her academic advisor at ICM almost every week, seeking clarity and guidance. One piece of advice he shared that she will always remember was: “Choose what you feel will make you happy and what you would enjoy doing every day.” Those conversations helped her think more openly about her future and make decisions based on what genuinely interested her, rather than what she thought she “should” do.
Eventually, Jyoti decided to switch to Psychology, and looking back, it was one of the best decisions she has ever made. Now close to completing her degree, she can confidently say that she is much happier with the path she chose. Psychology opened her eyes to meaningful career possibilities she had never considered before and helped her better understand both herself and others.
One of the things that helped Jyoti tremendously was starting at ICM before transferring to the University of Manitoba. The smaller class sizes and supportive environment at ICM made the transition to university much smoother and less overwhelming. Professors knew students personally, making it easier to ask questions, seek support and gradually adapt to university-level studies. Looking back, she truly believes that if she had gone directly to university, she would have felt lost. ICM gave her the confidence and academic foundation she needed to succeed at the University of Manitoba.
When Jyoti first learned about ICM, she was unsure about what to expect, as there were very few YouTube videos or student experiences available online at the time. Once she settled in, she decided to start creating videos about her own experience to help future students feel more informed and comfortable. Over time, many incoming students reached out to her with questions about ICM, student life and the transition to university. She loved being able to support and guide them through their journeys.
ICM also encouraged students to get involved in the community, inspiring Jyoti to begin volunteering. She first volunteered with ICM as a Peer Advisor and was later promoted to Peer Advisor Manager. Since then, she has also volunteered with the Faculty of Arts, Let’s Talk Science, University of Manitoba Students’ Union and other community organisations. Currently, she volunteers with Klinic as a Crisis Volunteer and with Victoria Hospital, while also working at a school daycare.
Through these experiences, Jyoti has been able to apply what she learned in Psychology to real-life situations and help people in meaningful ways. Volunteering and working in community-focused roles have helped her grow both professionally and personally.
Looking back at the person she was when she first arrived in Canada, she can confidently say that she has grown tremendously and is proud of the person she is becoming. Most importantly, Jyoti is proud that she chose a path that truly makes her happy.