Bachelor of Public Administration (BPA) minor, major in Criminology

Four years ago when I graduated from high school, I was unsure of what I wanted to study so I took a year off to really think my options through. Due to my interest in the contemporary issues in the correction system in Canada, I decided to major in Criminology. Currently, I am in my third year majoring in Criminology and minoring in Public Administration. My aim is to go to law school and become a human rights or criminal lawyer, or become a detective.

In my first year I took Introduction to Political Science POLS 1000 as an elective and was considering to add this as a minor. However, my older brother, who at the time was pursuing his Master’s in Political Science at York, encouraged me to minor in Public Administration. As I took the first year requirements for PPAS, I loved it. The professors as well as the TAs were very approachable. One of my most influential TAs was Kirk Atkinson, whom I had for Canadian Government PPAS 2110. He challenged us in class, always tested our ability to think practically and encouraged us to read and work hard towards our goals. Having professors and TAs who teach with passion really helps push students to work hard and prove their ability. This aspect of my PPAS courses finalized my decision to declare my minor. Currently, my favourite third year class is Public Administration PPAS 3190 with Prof. Caroline Dufour. This course has expanded my knowledge of Canadian governmental structure and its related policies.

I am also active in the Public Policy and Administration Student Association (PPASA). I was first introduced to PPASA by one of my classmates - Munisha Basiram, who was an executive member of the club and encouraged me to attend events. The events sparked my interest as they were both fun and beneficial, so I decided to get involved with the Association. As I became part of the PPASA executive team, I was excited yet very nervous. However, the rest of the team encouraged and assisted me in my tasks as the Director of Communications.

This fall we held several events including the Ottawa trip and the Ontario Public Service Breakfast. As the Director of Communications, I am responsible for assuring the PPASA social media pages are updated in order to remind students of upcoming events and opportunities available to them. I was very excited about the success of the Social Dinner I hosted at the end of the fall semester. PPASA members and non-members came together to relieve exam stress while holding intellectual conversations. Some of the upcoming events that I am excited for are the Superior Court Tour as well as Broaden Your Spectrum. Both of the events enable the students to network and gain new knowledge about future career opportunities. As an academic student association, we aim to pave the way for our members academically and professionally. However, while doing so, we also wish to get to know and socialize with our fellow students in order to strengthen our York University community bond.

Finally, to all my fellow “Yorkies” who are stressed with exams and life in general, I leave you with a quote from one of my most inspirational role models: “Do not let your difficulties fill you with anxiety, after all, it is only in the darkest nights that stars shine more brilliantly”, Imam Ali. - Nilufar Bahman