Journey through Recreation and Leisure Studies
Marcus Pereira is currently enrolled in the Master of Arts Recreation and Leisure Studies thesis program in the Faculty of Health with plans to graduate in June 2025. His academic journey received a significant boost when he was honoured with a Social Science and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) scholarship during the first year of his master’s degree, offering both validation and crucial support for his research endeavors.
Having completed his bachelor’s degree in Recreation and Sport Business at the University of Waterloo, Pereira found a profound sense of belonging within his department. His time at Waterloo has been nothing short of fulfilling, as he discovered that his research interests aligned seamlessly with the program's curriculum. What truly enhances Marcus's graduate experience, however, is the close-knit community he has formed with his peers and professors in the Faculty of Health. This newfound connection has enriched his learning journey in unexpected ways.
With a focus on gentrification and its implications for Toronto’s Little Jamaica neighbourhood, an “ethnic enclave” and community initiative by the Black Business and Professional Association, Pereira is deeply immersed in exploring the complexities of this pressing urban issue. In addition to his academic pursuits in Recreation and Leisure Studies, Pereira is also a full-time DJ, blending his passion for music with his commitment to community engagement and social justice.
“Being a first-generation student, I take immense pride in embracing the challenge of navigating academia and achieving success,” says Pereira. “It's not just about personal accomplishment; it's about breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations in my family.”
Navigating graduate studies with confidence, time management and self-care
Presenting at the Graduate Association of Recreation and Leisure Studies (GARLS) Symposium and sharing his future research with peers and department members marked a significant milestone for Pereira, strengthening his confidence and reaffirming his belief in both his work and his ability to effectively communicate complex ideas. This experience has ignited a renewed sense of motivation, inspiring him to explore new avenues in research and pursue his academic goals with even greater determination and conviction.
Throughout his journey as a graduate student, one lesson has stood out above the rest: mastering time management is essential for success. Pereira says that while the workload may appear daunting, effective organization of time is key to avoiding falling behind. Pereira firmly believes that fostering connections within the academic community is integral to success. He encourages others to reach out to those professors that they admire or whose work interests them, emphasizing the importance of networking. Additionally, he stresses the significance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance by prioritizing self-care alongside academic responsibilities.
“Incorporating self-care practices, such as regular exercise, adequate rest and meaningful downtime can help manage stress and maintain overall health,” he says. “Remember: a healthy mind and body are essential for sustained success in graduate studies.”
The role of leisure in shaping and reflecting societal norms and power dynamics
Pereira's standout class has undoubtedly been REC 621 – Issues in Leisure and Social Justice. The course has proven to be profoundly thought-provoking, enriching his comprehension of how leisure intertwines with social inequalities and matters of justice. The readings assigned have broadened his perspective and prompted him to reassess his preconceptions, compelling him to critically analyze the role of leisure in shaping and mirroring societal norms and power structures.
“It's not just about the coursework; it's the discussions, collaborations and mentorship that have made grad studies at Waterloo so rewarding for me,” says Pereira.
Creating awareness to the ongoing gentrification of Toronto’s Little Jamaica
In June 2020, he co-founded Reclaim, Rebuild Eg West, a group to address issues in the Little Jamaica area along Eglinton Avenue West, and created a GoFundMe to raise money to support Black-owned businesses and future endeavors. With 3,000+ supporters on the group’s Instagram page, the non-profit aims to raise awareness of gentrification and systemic racism, filling a void left by city and provincial inaction during construction and the pandemic.
Their endeavors yielded significant results in October 2020 when Toronto's city council officially designated the Eglinton Avenue West area as 'Little Jamaica,' recognizing its cultural and economic significance to the Black community. Plans include establishing it as a heritage hub to expand its legacy.
“What I'm looking forward to is preserving the existing culture, traditions, businesses and legacies of the people who shaped Little Jamaica,” says Pereira. “I'm excited about highlighting these individuals and preserving their stories as we move forward.”
To preserve Little Jamaica's Caribbean culture, the group initiated two additional fundraisers: the Little Jamaica Black Business Grants fund, aiding struggling businesses with rent and utilities, and the Little Jamaica Tenant Relief Fund, providing financial support to community members in need.