Milana Ilincic

 “University  is going to be the best years of your life”, “you’re going to have an amazing time” is what everyone says when someone mentions that they’re going to university. All those coming of age movies highlight the joy of meeting new people, living on campus, and finally being independent. I grew up mesmerized by that fantasy script and thoughts of how my university experience would be … So how come when I got here, all bright eyed, full of hope and ambition it was nothing like how everyone said it would be? I quickly realized that my experience in University would not be how I imagined it. I was excluded and isolated which in term left me alone with my thoughts, fears and unhealthy coping mechanisms. I never knew that my experience in University would be a constant challenge. With one issue after the other I listened to the thoughts in my brain and wondered, were these really supposed to be the best years of my life? 

This series allowed me to drive deep into my experiences these last 4 years and bring to light what has been hidden for far too long. Although this series is a self documentary I want to bring to light the reality that is considered taboo in our society. “Were these supposed to be the best years of my life” exposes all those movies, tv shows and everyone who said “you’re going to have an amazing time” and show them, was this what you meant?

Milana is a freelance photographer/ illustrator based in Toronto and the greater Toronto area. Milana is a Toronto Metropolitan University graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, along with a minor in Graphic Communication Design Management. Milana specializes in studio and self portraits as well illustrations. Milana is also knowledgeable in various types of typography that she integrates into her photographs.