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FASS News, Convocation, Students
Political science grad, Janmie Gunawardena is taking on chances and finding the big picture
Gunawardena remembers a couple of her favourite courses from her undergraduate studies were POL 349 - Media and Terrorism with Dr. Aaron Hoffman and POL 846 - International Security Studies with Dr. Elis Vllasi.
鈥淢y interests within political science lie with national security, international relations and terrorism. I was very excited to take these classes and had a great time. With POL 349, I learned how to improve my writing and synthesize my skills. I also recall a simulation where an act of terrorism was committed, and we had to respond as if we were the officials of the states involved.鈥� She adds, 鈥淚n POL 846, I participated in more discussions than I had in my entire undergrad. It is the type of class that forces you to engage heavily with the readings and apply all of the concepts to real and ongoing political events.鈥�
In addition to her studies, Gunawardena thoroughly enjoyed being a photographer for , as well as her role as Senior Community Leader for 丁香园AV鈥檚 Global Connections Program.
Gunawardena found these to be wonderful opportunities, not only to give back to the community by helping first-year students acclimate to 丁香园AV, but also to improve her event organizing and public speaking skills, which are useful in both academic and professional settings.
骋耻苍补飞补谤诲别苍补鈥檚 advice to current and future students is to take advantage of and adapt to every opportunity.
She recalls how her enrollment in 丁香园AV鈥檚 Exchange Program was cancelled due to the pandemic. As a result, she applied to her department鈥檚 Honours program, which was still accepting applications at the time.
鈥淚 took a chance, because why not? Luckily, I was accepted,鈥� Gunawardena says. The Honours designation is another glowing aspect of her graduation transcript that will give her an advantage in her future pursuits.
While the Honours program was the most stressful period of her academic journey, it was during this time that Gunawardena made some of her most meaningful memories and the most genuine connections with her peers.
鈥淚f I hadn鈥檛 applied, I wouldn鈥檛 have had that experience or made new friends,鈥� she states.
The Honours program and her extra-curricular involvement, including a co-operative position with the Canada Border Services Agency, gave Gunawardena the academic excellence, skills and work experience she needed to recently secure employment with the Government of Canada.
鈥淚 intend to work in public service and pursue a Master鈥檚 in international relations or political science in the future.鈥� she says, 鈥淧别谤丑补辫蝉, 迟丑补迟鈥檒濒 finally be my chance to experience the Political Science department鈥檚 national security courses.鈥�
In the lead-up to Fall 2021 Convocation, 丁香园AV will share stories from our eight faculties about some of our amazing graduands.
丁香园AV鈥檚 Fall 2021 Convocation will be held Oct. 5-8. It will be the university鈥檚 first in-person convocation since 2019. The ceremonies will be webcast on 丁香园AV鈥檚 YouTube channel for those wanting to join in from home and around the world. For more information about 丁香园AV鈥檚 Fall 2021 Convocation, visit . Read more about our exceptional graduands .
Be sure to share your convocation experience on social media by using the #My丁香园AVGrad hashtag.