Serena An: Transformation Scholarship Winner
Meet Serena An! Originally from Ottawa, Serena is pursuing an Honours BA double major in Law and Political Science with a minor in Criminology. Serena is one of the recipients of this year’s Law and Legal Studies Transformation Scholarship!
Outside of her studies, Serena is also a talented freelance photographer who has done work for various organizations, including the Faculty of Public and Global Affairs.
What lead you to pursue your degree at Carleton?
In my senior year of high school, I was initially unsure of which school to attend, but I had already decided on my program. My strong interest in the intersection between law, policy, and crime set my eyes on programs with that scope. As for post-secondary, I had no (financial) desire to leave the country, and honestly, Canada is a great fit for me. Unlike many Canadian universities, Carleton has three incredibly attractive features: renewable scholarships, smaller class sizes, and a more remote (i.e. safe) and scenic campus. Being in Ottawa has an overwhelming number of perks, despite the common narrative. I have the chance to interact and learn from people from all walks of life. I can eat Turkish, Chinese, Jamaican, Italian, and Peruvian food, all in the same day, at the convenience of my city. Ottawa, being the nation’s capital, is also the hub for those interested in breaking into the federal government or the Big 4.
What is your favourite part of the program?
This might be a hot take, but the breadth requirement is one of my favourite components for BA students. I have gotten the great opportunity, under the guise of it being a graduation requirement, to take courses that I would have never been able or thought to have taken. Some of my most memorable and useful courses I have taken outside of my majors were from the Integrated Science and Food Science programs. The rigour and content have actually been applicable in real-time at my co-op placement and professional life.
What are you hoping to do after graduation?
I am interested in either continuing my studies at graduate school and/or joining the workforce. I hope to use my knowledge and skills, developed both in class and outside, to support my goal of pursuing a career in a collaborative space that actualizes change to better the lives of its citizens.
Do you have any advice for new students?
Strike a 60/40 balance between planning and adapting, respectively. It is important to have a rough idea of what to expect in your program, like the course requirements, labs, co-op, and field placements. School culture and clubs come next, but the priority is doing your research to plan for academic success. However, never close yourself off to the possibility that things can change. Different program. New interests. That goes for job opportunities, internships (paid and unfortunately unpaid ones too), school clubs, and social events. Though education is valuable and basically a necessity for most career paths, it is also a luxury. For the incoming students, treat school as a luxury to take advantage of, and do not be afraid of making mistakes because we are in a perpetual state of learning.