Tamara Talhouk

Tamara Talhouk | Class of 2023
Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Communication and Digital Media Studies (CDMS) 

I spent a lot of time second guessing myself.

Am I in the right place? Before attending Ontario Tech, I had graduated from Durham College with a Diploma in Advertising and Marketing Communications. While it was a great opportunity, I had always known that I just wasn’t done learning yet. After two years in the professional world, a profound realization struck me - my heart wasn't truly in it.

I began to worry that going back to school, especially university, would be a mistake and that I would regret it. I feared whether I would be able to find a job or pursue a career that inspired me. While this decision to return may appear daunting, it undeniably became the single most life-transforming decision I ever made.

I began at Ontario Tech in Communications and Digital Media Studies. The program explored how digital media shapes society, including its role in perpetuating stereotypes. It also examined how digital media impacts various demographics, considering cultural backgrounds and socioeconomic factors. This was one thing that really inspired me to further pursue a minor in Political Science - I wanted to understand how authority and power influence things like the media, laws, and society. I saw how similar these subjects were. In college, I learned to engage a wide audience using media forms such as print advertising, videography, and photography. At Ontario Tech, I explored how these media forms can affect people from diverse backgrounds and their potential impacts. It was only after completing my studies at Ontario Tech that I truly grasped the interconnection of these subjects. I realized how crucial it is on a personal level, as well as a professional level as I pursue my career path, to understand how our media affects our community.

After I completed my last semester at Ontario Tech, I received an email from FSSH [Faculty of Social Science and Humanities] asking if anyone wanted to volunteer with the university at the Oshawa Community Clean-Up. Since my first two years at Ontario Tech were online, I was eager to take part in in-person volunteering on and off-campus! At that time, I hadn't decided when to start applying for jobs, and the idea of beginning that process was intimidating - I figured the best way to get myself out there was to get involved somehow. Although I was excited about graduating, I felt anxious about what was coming next.

I'm thankful I went that day. Volunteering not only allowed me to contribute to my community, meet new people, and connect with some of my classmates, but also led to a valuable connection that secured my current job. It just goes to show that having good intentions, in whatever it is you decide to do, and being open may be the source to bringing positive opportunities your way.

I'm currently a Digital Media Coordinator at Parkwood Estate National Historic Site, collaborating with an amazing team. This role allows me to unleash my creativity while being mindful of how our content is conveyed. It's a fantastic blend of history, community events, content curation, and working with local partners. This experience has taught me the significance of self-compassion. Daily, I wrestle with doubts and overthink about my choices. My advice to anyone is to acknowledge your progress, appreciate your hard work, and don't shy away from taking chances. Although it's easier said than done, remember that nobody, not even me, is flawless. Always carry positive intentions and find ways to engage in your community; it can make a world of difference!