My name is Hannah and I am in my 3rd year of Commerce at McMaster. As a future business leader, I have come to realize how crucial it is to explore how each member of society, especially corporations can work together to combat social and environmental issues.
An Average Week at CityLAB: The mornings are composed of professor led classes. Two are design classes where we reimagine and design the City physically in an effective, ethical and beautiful manner and two dialogue classes, where we use empathy and deep listening to unpack social, cultural, environmental and political issues. This material is learned in an interactive and experiential manner, through walkabouts and community engagement. The afternoons are full of project work, field work and guest speakers.
My Experience: This CityLAB experience has challenged me to look introspectively, to see my own prejudices and weaknesses as well to analyze the structures and systems around me and ask why they exist the way they do. We work directly with City Staff and Community Partners on projects to mitigate Climate Change. I am working on a Minimum Grid for Hamilton's Cycling Infrastructure and I have found myself critiquing current bike lanes and then questioning all of my critiques. Cycling infrastructure, this is more controversial topic than I ever expected.
Why Should You Do It: I have learned more in my daily experience at CityLAB than any other class in University so far. You have the opportunity to learn how decisions and projects are implemented in the city and by nonprofits across the city. If you want to grow as a person, learn from a variety of passionate students and staff and make some amazing friends, this is for you.