1. Describe a time when you were late for something important

One time I was late for a really important coffee chat in downtown Toronto. I was supposed to meet a University of Toronto graduate who studied design and was planning to launch a jewelry business. She was looking for a photographer who could shoot film photos of her jewelry products on models, and she wanted to talk with me about it.

Usually, I’m very punctual. I always set multiple alarms and reminders before important meetings. That day, I followed Google Maps and even left 20 minutes earlier than suggested. However, when I got to St. Clair Station, the subway just stopped there and didn’t move for a long time. I looked around and realized—oh my god—it was the day of the Toronto Marathon! I completely forgot!

There were lots of people waiting with me, and the TTC staff told us to wait for a shuttle bus. I stood there waiting and waiting, but no bus came. I started to get anxious and checked the time. I was already running late. I didn’t want to make a bad impression, but I had no choice. Eventually I took a detour, walked a lot, and finally made it to the coffee shop nearly half an hour late.

Luckily, she was really understanding, but I still felt bad. That experience taught me that even when you plan ahead, unexpected things like traffic and city events can mess up your schedule.

2. Describe a time when you decided to wait for something

One day I had an important coffee chat with a UofT graduate downtown. She was planning to open a jewelry store and wanted to collaborate with me on shooting film photos for her brand. We agreed to meet in a nice café in the city center.

That day, I left my home early. According to Google Maps, I had enough time. But when I got to St. Clair Station, the subway suddenly stopped. After waiting for 10 minutes, they announced that the train would not continue because of the Toronto Marathon. I realized I had totally forgotten about that event.

I had two choices: wait for the shuttle bus or try to call a cab. I checked the Uber price, and it was very expensive. Also, I knew from past experience that during city events like this, the traffic could be horrible. So even if I booked a cab, I might still be stuck. After thinking for a while, I decided to wait patiently for the shuttle.

Many people around me were also waiting, and the line was getting longer. I felt nervous but reminded myself that sometimes waiting is the smarter choice. Finally, a shuttle arrived, and I made it to the coffee shop late but not too late. She was kind and still happy to chat.

That day taught me that waiting, though frustrating, can sometimes be the best decision when all other options are even worse.

3. Describe a time when you had to tell your friend the truth

This story happened when I was going to meet a friend downtown for a coffee chat. She graduated from UofT and was planning to start a jewelry business. She wanted to talk to me about doing some film photography for her brand, and we planned to meet in a café in the city center.

I left home earlier than needed, thinking I would arrive ahead of time. But when I got to the subway, it stopped at St. Clair and didn’t move anymore. That’s when I found out about the Toronto Marathon—some roads and subway lines were closed. I quickly tried to get an Uber, and it picked me up fast. I felt lucky at first, but when we got near Wellesley Street, a police officer stopped our car and told us the road was closed.

The driver tried to find another way, but we ended up stuck in a tiny alley full of cars. I looked at the clock and realized I was going to be very late. I didn’t want to lie, so I texted her the truth: “I’m really sorry, I’m stuck in traffic because of the marathon. I might be 30 minutes late.”

She replied kindly and said it was okay, but I still felt embarrassed. In the end, I asked the driver to let me out and I walked the last few blocks. When I arrived, she was already there and smiling. I was really thankful for her understanding.

That moment taught me that being honest is always better than making excuses, especially when the other person is trusting you.

4. Describe a time when you were stuck in traffic

One time, I experienced a really bad traffic jam that made me late for an important meeting. I had a coffee chat with a graduate from the University of Toronto who wanted to discuss a photography collaboration. She was starting a jewelry brand and needed someone to shoot product photos with film. I was really looking forward to the chat.

I left my apartment early and followed Google Maps. But I didn’t know that it was the day of the Toronto Marathon. When I arrived at the subway station, the train stopped at St. Clair and wouldn’t go any further. I panicked and tried to order an Uber. Luckily, I got one quickly.

But things didn’t get better. As we drove closer to the city center, the police had blocked many streets. At one intersection near Wellesley, they told us to turn around. The driver took a small alley, and soon we were surrounded by cars—no one could move. I sat in the car, feeling helpless and checking the time over and over again.

Finally, I asked the driver to stop, and I walked the rest of the way. I was sweating and tired when I finally got to the coffee shop. I was almost 30 minutes late. Thankfully, the person I was meeting was very kind and didn’t get mad.

After this experience, I learned that in big cities, traffic is very unpredictable. Even if you plan ahead, events like marathons can ruin your whole schedule.