Gabriel Trozzi Stamou, Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management Honours

Where are you from?

That’s a great question! I always laugh because I can never give a super straightforward answer to it. I was born in Windsor, Ontario but spent my childhood in Costa Rica before coming back to Peterborough, Ontario — where I completed high school. Now, I consider Ottawa home.

What attracted you to PAPM?

I was always attracted to the practical and interdisciplinary nature of PAPM. I loved the ability to take courses across disciplines like communications and political science, and how the program clearly blended theory and academia with practical professional skills. Funny enough, what excited me most was the specialization I ended up taking: Strategic Public Opinion. As someone who was obsessed with politics, shaping public opinion, and the strategy behind advocacy and communications campaigns — it felt like a perfect fit.

What are the top 3 reasons to be a PAPM student at Carleton?

1. In the world of politics, public affairs, communications, policy, and government — PAPM helps you stand out in a crowded field, especially in Ottawa.
2. You are exposed to endless opportunities where you can meet, learn from, and work with the best (on- and off-campus!)
3. The tight-knit community we have in PAPM is unmatched, from other classmates to great administrators and faculty.

What was your favourite course?

I can’t pick just one! It would either be COMS 3302 (Political Communication) or POLM 3000 (Introduction to Political Management).

What was the most challenging part of being a university student.

The burnout from spreading yourself too thin across work, school, and extracurricular/volunteer commitments (and still feeling like you weren’t doing enough).

Favourite things to do outside of class.

If I avoid the PAPM answer of following politics/working: I love to cook and, in the summer, garden.

Favourite hangout spot on campus.

In 4th year, I loved spending time in the library Bridgehead (especially when I had to get to campus early in the morning). The quad is also great as soon as the sun starts coming out. 

What is your favourite memory?

This is a hard one. I’d have to say my first communications class, Communications as Propaganda, where I also became close with my good friends Lili and Emma.

What advice would you give your first-year self?

Don’t overthink things, go off-campus more often, and ask your TA’s more questions. Also, that first political science essay on Quebec separatism you were so stressed about? Not the end of the world.

What’s next for you?

I’m working as a Strategist at Emdash, a progressive communications agency! I’m also coming back to Carleton again in September to start my Masters in Political Management.