I remember the fall semester of grade 12 so clearly—I was so stressed out about choosing a major when I was applying to universities. After months of deliberation, I entered SFU with an intended sociology major, but I soon found myself most drawn to the social-psychological aspects of my introductory sociology classes. In my second year, I made the switch to a psychology major and chose to enhance my degree with a Minor in Sociology and a Certificate in Social Justice. For a long time, I struggled to see whether I made the right decision about what to study. But now completing my third year, it's clear that I wouldn't want to be doing anything else. I'm realising more and more each day that I'm learning about things my younger self was always curious about, and for that, my academic journey has been really rewarding.
My advice is to be open to what every class can teach you, within and outside of your areas of study. There are no rules to this. If you can, take your time. Naturally, as you continue to grow and learn, your path will change, and that's okay. It only means that when opportunities you're excited about finally come your way, you'll be ready, and you'll be sure that it's for you.
What gives the liberal arts a bad reputation? An SFU FASS student shares their perspective on the colonial roots of the devaluation of liberal arts degrees and how their contributions to society are indispensable despite it.
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I didn’t go into Co-op thinking that I would learn how to take care of myself. I was expecting to gain the traditional benefits–building up your resume, strengthening your professional skills, obtaining good references–but it ended up becoming much more than that.
