Finding Her Path: Camila Calderon-Cruz’s Academic Bridging Journey

With applications now open for the Millie Rotman Shime Academic Bridging Program (Fall 2026 session), we invited Bridging graduate Camila Calderon-Cruz – now pursuing her undergraduate studies in the Faculty of Arts & Science – to reflect on her experience and share insights for prospective students considering the Bridging program. In the interview below, she speaks about building confidence, finding community and the impact Bridging has had on her academic journey.

Please tell me a bit about your life before U of T, and how you became interested in the Bridging program. 

Before coming to U of T, I had recently immigrated from Peru and was trying to figure out how to continue my education in Canada. It was a big transition really, new country, new system, and a lot of uncertainty about what the future would look like. When I learned about the Bridging Program, it felt like a real opportunity to get back on track academically and build the skills and confidence I needed to succeed at university. 

During the Bridging program, how did you feel in class? What did the Bridging community feel like?   

During the program, I remember feeling challenged but also very supported in class. The courses pushed us to think critically and engage with the material in ways I hadn’t experienced before, and in a different language. What stood out to me was that everyone had different life stories and paths that brought them there, but there was a shared understanding and encouragement among students that made the environment feel very welcoming. 

What was the most unexpected thing about Bridging for you? 

One thing that really surprised me was how much my confidence grew during the program. At the beginning, I remember doubting whether I really belonged at a university like U of T. But over time, through the work we did in class and the support from instructors and classmates, I started to realize that I was capable of succeeding here. 

A moment that sticks out to me was when I began doing well academically despite all the doubts I had at the beginning. It may sound simple, but that realization meant a lot. It helped shift my mindset and made me feel proud of the progress I was making. 

What impact has the Bridging Program had on you? 

The Bridging Program had a huge impact on me. It gave me the academic foundation and confidence to continue my studies at U of T. Today I’m studying public policy and economics, and I’ve been able to get involved as a research assistant, TA, and other opportunities that I probably wouldn’t have imagined when I first arrived in Canada. 

Would you recommend the Academic Bridging Program, and if so, why?   

I would definitely recommend the Academic Bridging Program. It’s not just about preparing you academically; it also creates a supportive space where people can rediscover their potential and feel like university is something they truly belong in. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that the program completely changed my life. Before Bridging, I could have never imagined myself doing the things I’m doing today. For example, this summer I’ll be going to Germany for a research exchange program to work on an economics project. The program didn’t just give me the opportunity to enter U of T but also changed my mindset and the way I see my own abilities and capacity. It helped me realize that I was capable of much more than I had initially believed. 

Applications for the Academic Bridging Program (Fall 2026 session) will close on June 22, 2026. 

Learn more about the Millie Rotman Shime Academic Bridging Program.

Questions? Email us at academic.bridging@utoronto.ca.