'All my work was worth it': Medal-winning UTM grad shares tips for success
When Hafsa Murtaza began her undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto Mississauga, she heard it was normal for grades to dip a bit in first year. She adjusted her expectations accordingly but still gave every academic task her best effort. The result? A perfect score on her first midterm exam. Over the next four years, the exceptional marks kept coming.
In June, Murtaza received a 2026 Governor General’s Silver Medal for being the most academically outstanding humanities graduate at the University of Toronto. The 22-year-old was awarded the medal as she graduated from the art and art history program.
In a conversation with UTM News, Murtaza looked back on her academic journey and offered advice to students looking to make the most of their time at university.
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As a top student, you had your choice of university programs. What made you choose UTM?
I’ve always been interested in making art and learning about art. When I discovered the art and art history program, the balance between the academic and the practical was exactly what I was looking for. I also loved the architecture at UTM and the natural surroundings.
How was your academic transition to university?
My most intimidating first-year class was an introductory art history course with over 300 students. It was a different style of learning than I was used to. I was nervous about the midterm, but I ended up getting 102 per cent because of bonus marks.
How do you account for this outstanding grade and all the ones that followed?
Taking handwritten notes during lectures helps me process information. Writing is like muscle memory that then translates to memory. I use colour coding and underlining to see patterns and themes. Drawing art pieces instead of just studying photos also helps me remember. Overall, I think the key for me was always reflecting on my learning experiences and finding out how I learn best.
Any other tips for academic success?
Go to office hours. Ask questions, show the work you’re doing or talk about different study tactics. Making connections with professors outside the big lecture halls boosted my confidence. It also helped me think like my professors when I was studying, for example what topics they’re emphasizing and what ideas keep coming up. Often, I could predict the exam questions that way. Another tip: take a writing course in first year. I took the UTM Institute for the Study of University Pedagogy’s ‘Writing for University’ course, and it was useful in all my classes.
Describe a time when you struggled, and what helped.
In fourth year, I wanted to go outside my comfort zone, so I became president of the visual studies student society and a research assistant at the same time. Juggling these new responsibilities with my academics was really challenging, especially as a commuter student. I’m not a good multitasker, so I arranged my schedule to prioritize one task at a time. I also asked for extensions and found ways to de-stress through art practices like embroidery.
How did it feel to receive the big award?
When I received the email about it, it felt almost surreal. But my parents were immediately so happy and proud. Then, when Principal Alex Gillespie presented the medal to me, it became very real. It meant that all my work was worth it, and that my decision to do a master’s degree next was a good one.
