Tas, a student in the Environment and Business 2 plus 2 program, affiliated with the University of Waterloo and Nanjing University of Fiannce and Economices (NUFE) speaks of his once in a life time opportunity with the UN. We were able to connect with Tas in China to share his thoughts on his experiences and provide advice for prospective students. Read the interview below.
1. Tell us how you came to be involved in the UN meetings on climate change in Doha. What was your role there?
My involvement with the UN dates back to the Summer of 2012. In August 2012, Ilive2lead International -an American organization working with the Chinese National Development and Reform Commission - I organized a summer camp called 2012 International Youth Leadership Summit for Climate Champions in my hometown, through this involvement, I got a chance to join them. In the summit, I was chosen to be a Climate Change Ambassador on behalf of the camp to attend UN Climate Change Conference in Doha.
2. Why did you choose to attend University of Waterloo and the 2 plus 2 program for Chinese students?
uWaterloo has an excellent global reputation and is one of the best universities in the world, which led me to ultimate choose uWaterloo and NUFE. Another reason for my decision is the innovative Environment and Business program the University of Waterloo offers. My mother’s work relates directly to this field. She researches wind power and business so she gave me advice and inspiration to pursue this growing field.
3. What was your biggest challenge in the program and how did you overcome it?
I am a Chinese student so English is my second language. My hearing is not very good and sometimes I can’t understand what others say. To make up my shortcoming, I worked hard to read more books and practice my English more. Although I haven’t overcome these challenge completely, I have done better and more comfortable with my communication.
4. Do you have any advice for students who may be interested in pursuing a similar path as yours?
- Not everyone may realize the importance of protecting the environment, so some students may think the Environment and Business major is not very useful or is not helpful in finding a successful job. But I want to tell them the environment field is becoming an unavoidable issue. So, please take this curriculum and the studies seriously and don’t doubt your choice!
- Don’t take your sight on only the environment field or you will not find the value of this program. Environment includes many aspects, not only environmental problems but also others like resource development and environmental policy and regulation. So it can easily be connected to the business world, such as the economy, law, marketing and many other. Through a full interdisciplinary outlook, you can then see the program's powerful use.
- Do not waste your holidays - do something meaningful. It will be beneficial to your interests and studies. Therefore you will be better educated in class and enriched in your knowledge for future opportunities related to your field.