Bachelor of Public Administration (BPA) Spec. Honours and Junior Ambassador for Public Policy and Administration Student Association (PPASA)

Have you ever heard of or had that “ah hah” moment? Well, this is mine. For long I had thought that I was destined for a path where engineering or technological design would be the centerpiece of my future. My interest in both public policy and administration really   only spurred in the later years of high school when law and politics were always the classes that I looked forward to the most. This could have been for several reasons, but the sheer appeal of it all laid in the empowerment that I had felt with the materials I was learning in class; I wanted to be a leader who makes a difference.

That’s when I came across the Bachelor of Public Administration program at York University. I knew instantly that it was a program well suited for me. The ability to specialize in a field with an interdisciplinary curriculum like the BPA offered was the perfect harmony of everything I wanted. It’s safe to say that once I started the BPA here at York University, I have not once looked back to regret the hasty change in career path that I made.

The BPA program is preparing me for the interdisciplinary nature of government. I have taken courses across administrative studies, human resources management, economics, government and public policy. I realize that there is a plethora of futures in the public service, and this program has tuned my skills to be applicable to these fields. The specialization aspect of the program will further allow me to pursue the goal of excelling in public management.

In the first year of this program, every course has deepened my passion and commitment to the BPA program and pursuing a career in public service. Feeling compelled to get the most out of my degree, I decided I wanted to be more active in my program. I’m now a second year student and a Junior Ambassador for the Public Policy and Administration Student Association (PPASA). The PPASA has been a great opportunity for me to make friends, develop further my character, and explore future pathways. Through events such as our recent trip to Ottawa, networking events and career panels, I’ve had the chance to network and connect with others, including professors and alumni who share similar passions as I do. The professors have all not only worked in the field of public administration, but are also the most helpful and genuine mentors that I have met. I’ve even had the chance to network with those leading ministries through revolutionary policy changes, including Michael Coteau with the Anti-racism Directorate during the OPS breakfast hosted by the School last Fall. How cool does that sound? I will admit, starting university as a quiet student, joining the PPASA was definitely out of my comfort zone. Now and forever though, I commend myself for taking risks.

To every student at York, take those rewarding risks! Don't be afraid to leave your comfort zone. Get involved when you can, ask questions when you need to, and always take that extra step. It’ll be worth it, just as it was for me. - Gurkamal Dhahan