Hi, I am Ada. I am a student in CityLAB Semester in Residence 2019. I am currently in my fourth and last year of the Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour program at McMaster University. I entered university as a Life Science student in my first year and chose to specialize in PNB in my second year due to my interest in the first-year introductory psychology classes. My first three years of university followed a very traditional style of learning. Like many other students, I attended many hours of lectures, participated in numerous tutorials, and studied for tests and examinations. I enjoyed the content that was taught in many of the classes I have taken; however, the traditional classroom lacked an opportunity for me to apply what I have learned in class to real life scenarios. When I found out about the CityLAB program at McMaster, I was immediately drawn towards the hands-on problem solving project component. I applied right away to be part of the program, and now I can proudly say I am a student in CityLAB 2019.
The program has been everything I expected and more. There have been many opportunities for me to apply the skills and knowledge I have accumulated to solve real life problems in the City of Hamilton alongside other like-minded CityLAB students, professors, and City staff members. I have also gained valuable skills in project management, teamwork, organization, time management, meeting preparation/facilitation, general professionalism, communication, and public speaking. The best part of the program are the people I have met. My classmates and professors come from such different areas of expertise. The interdisciplinary nature of the program allows me to work with a diverse group of people in project work, which mimics real life scenarios in the workplace. Everyone comes with their own unique strengths, and we synergize together to reach a common goal. Each person holds an integral role, and our parts all fit together like clockwork to reach the completion of projects. I enjoy working with different people and learning from others’ experiences to better my own working and communication styles.
To current and future students who may be contemplating taking a semester at CityLAB, I strongly recommend it. I am loving my experience, and it is definitely fulfilling to be a part of such a wonderful family at CityLAB.