Stream of study: Co-op
Favourite co-op: Even though I have only had one non-co-op internship, even that was immensely fulfilling. In my time working for the WCRI student housing co-operative, I learned a lot about organizational structure and the value of initiative.
Are you involved in any campus clubs?
A bit too involved, perhaps! I absolutely love getting to know people and getting involved in different clubs and societies. Within the Faculty, I've participated in the Planning Student Association, Environment Student Society, and the Environment Orientation, all of which have given me the opportunity to contribute and partake in our amazing culture and community. As time goes on, I find myself getting more involved in dance as well, from our Haebeat and Vivify K-Pop crews to the UW Hip-Hop Club. My first piece of advice to every first year is to get involved - these clubs have given me an immense sense of community and belonging, and regardless of what you're interested in, you can find a club that does that for you too!
Why did you choose to study in the Faculty of Environment at Waterloo?
While the Faculty benefits from an intense sense of connection and stellar leadership, ultimately it was the program and co-op system that drew me to the Faculty of Environment. As my handwritten letter of invitation said, the program "will be a rewarding experience preparing you well for a professional career." I look forward to exploring all kinds of careers and locations throughout my co-ops, and covering a broad base of knowledge in my courses.
What do you love most about your program?
The Planning program at Waterloo enjoys a strong mentorship culture, awesome co-op connections, and so much more - but I find the breadth of fascinating classes helmed by interesting professors to be one of the major selling points. As someone with diverse interests, I have had the luxury of being able to take courses focusing on administration and finance to international development, and work on projects that take a deep dive into Indigenous planning, the urbanization of Moscow, and housing developments in New Zealand - and that's just in my first three terms! I look forward to tackling courses from our various specializations and learning about everything from environmental planning to sustainable development to effective research and consultation, and applying all of that knowledge directly in my co-op experiences.
What problem would you like to solve?
I came into the Faculty of Environment and the Planning Program with the aim to help make the world a more sustainable, more livable place. I didn't exactly know how, but I knew I had an interest in the built environment from workshops and municipal events I attended. Over the course of my first year, I have simultaneously broadened my perspective and narrowed my focus, landing on ideas like environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable development, innovative governance, cooperative organizing, and participatory planning. Even though I haven't landed on one yet, I have another 3 years of courses and co-ops to find an opportunity to make the world a more sustainable, livable place in a way that is meaningful to me.