Bachelor of Public Administration (BPA) Spec. Honours (Management) and Secretary of Public Policy and Administration Student Association (PPASA)

When I first came to York University, I was originally enrolled in the Political Science program. There I had learned the basic theories of politics and government but, I felt unfulfilled in my studies. After one semester, I was starting to consider if taking a minor that I’m more passionate about would be a good idea. Generally though, I didn’t feel a sense of belonging to the student community or to the University. But this changed when I met a graduate of the Master of Public Policy, Administration and Law (MPPAL) and the Bachelor of Public Administration (BPA) programs at York. Prior to coming to York, I had never even heard of Public Administration when I was in high-school. But this graduate, who later became one of my close friends, had taken the time to introduce me to the program. He sat down with me, pulled out an academic calendar, and explained every course in-depth and its benefit to me both as a student and someone who wants to work in the public sector. By the end of that year, I had applied to switch into the Public Administration program. From there things started to look up for me.

After I joined the BPA program, I heard about the student association for Public Policy and Administration – PPASA, and began attending their events. I became interested in what they were doing, and I was especially interested in how they engaged students. By the end of my second year at York, I decided to run for the Secretary position within the student association. And I won!

I am currently in my third year of the BPA Specialized Honours in the Management stream, and I could not be more confident in the choices I’ve made since joining this program. Looking back, the courses that I’ve been taking such as AP/PPAS 2195: Professional Skills and Communication in the Public Sector and AP/PPAS 3135: Public Law I, have made me passionate about what I’m studying, and excited for what the future holds for me. Furthermore, the experience of learning from professors who have held the positions that we are pursuing now has been so beneficial for my education.

If I could give advice to any student who is considering joining Public Administration or is currently in the program, I would recommend that you make use of all the resources that are offered to you by the School of Public Policy and Administration and by the Student Association. - Ismael Hashim