Final-year Hons. Bachelor of Public Administration (BPA) major specializing in the Law, Justice and Public Policy stream.

Hello Everyone! My name is Reva Mulani, and I am in my final year of the Hons. Bachelor of Public Administration (BPA) program, specializing in Law, Justice and Public Policy. I did not start my academic journey in Public Administration, but rather, in Business. I was intrigued by Marketing and got my diploma in Business Administration, where I gained experience as a marketing coordinator and social media marketer. During my last year of college in 2019, I felt drawn towards learning more about government and how the law plays a role in our policies. I was home-schooled from an American syllabus growing up, so the inner workings of a Canadian-centred government were still new to me, and I was ready to learn. After countless hours of research into a program that encompassed my interest in the law, government, and public policy, I finally came across the School of Public Policy and Administration (SPPA) at York University that allowed for a multi-disciplinary public service focus. Joining my program in 2020, I entered with an open mind and was ready to make new connections. I quickly gained an interest in the Public Policy and Administration Student Association (PPASA) as I had a strong desire to be a part of the community that was serving and helping me expand my network. At the PPASA, I became the Director of Academic Affairs for the 2021-2022 academic year where I helped guide students in the program with any questions related to academic advising and general support as needed.

In addition, I have been privileged to be taking part in the AP/PPAS 4995 6.0 Practicum in Public Administration through which I am placed within the Ministry of the Attorney General (MAG) as part of the Project Implementation Branch (PIB) under the Corporate Services Management Division (CSMD). Within this opportunity, I have learnt to expand my skill set and network with those who share the same goals as I do. In learning about the Ministry, I came in with an open mind in understanding how people got to where they are and assisting in large projects that are currently transforming as well as modernizing the Justice sector, which is the best part of this practicum. I recall my supervisor at this practicum placement telling me at orientation that the OPS is a “people’s business” where we have to keep in mind the needs and wants of the public first and foremost when crafting policies or executing a public service.

If I am able to offer up a piece of advice from my time at York, it would be to not be afraid of taking chances. I remember being wary of joining the waitlist for AP/PPAS 4995 6.0 Practicum in Public Administration at first, as I was fearful of having my graduation timeline misaligned or not getting selected. However, it was through the lovely guidance of the BPA program advisor Stefanie Lamonaca Caputo and the Director of the School of Public Policy and Administration, Professor Alena Kimakova, that I applied for and attained guidance, support and reassurance through the process. The amount of support that was available to me throughout that endeavour was unforgettable, and is always available throughout the program as well. Although I am in the last semester of my program and will be graduating in Winter 2022, I hope to further my education at York University in the near future and remain an alumna that cherishes her time in the BPA Program.