Interview with Abigail Boorsma
Tell us about yourself and why you chose to study Political Science at the University of Guelph?
My name is Abby Boorsma, and I am currently a student in the Master of Information (MI) program at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. I choose to study Political Science at the University of Guelph because I believe that public policy is a versatile tool and effective pathway toward meaningful change in Canadian public institutions and the communities they serve. Moreover, I also have a deep passion for learning about the world through the lens of politics.
What did you like most about your program? Is there anything in particular about the courses or professors that stands out to you?
I loved the Comparative Politics courses offered in the program, specifically relating to regions around the world, such as Politics of the Middle East and North Africa, Politics of India, etc. These courses granted me new perspectives and invaluable frameworks through which I could improve my understanding of these parts of the world, which in turn helped me to better understand Canada’s political dynamics and role on the global stage. I also enjoyed the relationships I was able to create with professors as a result of the smaller class sizes in upper years, and getting to know professors through taking multiple classes with them throughout my university career.
Where are you currently working and what is your role?
I recently completed my practicum with Dalhousie’s Records Management Office, and will soon be starting as an Academic Library Intern at Dalhousie’s largest library, the Killam Memorial Library, over the summer and next academic year.
How did your degree and time at the University of Guelph help get you to where you are today? How do the skills and education you gained help with your current work?
My time studying Political Science at the University in Guelph highlighted the unprecedented amounts of information and data available and accessed on a daily basis, as well as the associated risks of misinformation our world is increasingly facing. Additionally, the program strongly affirmed my belief in the importance of public services and institutions in our communities. I chose to further my education with the MI, thereby developing my skills in deriving and transforming value from data, information, and knowledge, in order to create empowered citizens with access to reliable data to facilitate informed decision-making. My degree in political science has given me a strong basis of research, communication, and critical thinking skills across a diverse range of information sources, including statistics, databases, government documents, legal documents, historical documents, policies, academic journals, books, and more. I have found that my degree in political science has given me a unique background and perspective in discussions with my peers.
What advice would you give someone considering the Political Science program or applying to the University of Guelph?
I would encourage anyone choosing the Political Science program to take one of the regional-based comparative politics classes! My personal favourite was POLS*3080: Politics of Latin America. I would also recommend taking a diverse assortment of classes across the five streams offered: Canadian Politics, Public Policy, Governance and Law, Comparative Politics, and International Relations and Global Studies. I believe a well-rounded political knowledge base is important, and you may find a new passion or interest you would have never considered prior, just like I did! Additionally, I would affirm that it is possible and important even as a “quieter” student to make connections with professors through attending classes, sitting at the front, and making thoughtful use of office hours.
Bonus Questions
Where was your favourite place to eat on campus and what was your go-to food order?
I loved the Windows Cafe in Mountain Dining Hall! My go-to’s are a specialty latte, cheesecake, or crepe.
In your opinion where is the best place to study on campus?
Thornbrough Engineering building in the evenings - quiet and cozy with vending machines close by!
What was your pre-exam ritual?
Doing anything but studying. My approach was to prepare well in advance, as I knew for me, last-minute cramming wouldn’t likely make a difference.
What are your top 5 favourite things about U of G?
In no particular order:
- The persistent animal presence on campus, such as the birds from Wild Ontario, the service dogs, and the farm animals.
- The library.
- The walkability of campus.
- The food.
- The sense of community.
