I also only applied to the MT because I'm a U of T alumnus and wanted to stay within the institution and the area. I minored in Education at U of T and already the left-wing social justice focus of the program was killing me. They teach as if there is one correct political ideology that must be (for some reason) incorporated into your pedagogy. There are some wonderful people and lecturers in the field - but it is so saturated with monolithic thought and divergent opinions are often demonized both by faculty and peers. Tbh aside from the practicum, the MT sounds like my personal hell. I am thrilled to be taking the year off. Thank you for sharing. Everything you said is what I expected but it's still enlightening to get a perspective from the inside.