Areej Waseem: Mr and Mrs. Louis L. Goldstein Book Award in Law recipient
Meet Areej Waseem! Originally from Etobicoke, Areej is pursuing a double major in Law and Psychology with a concentration in Forensic Psychology. Areej is the recipient of this year’s Mr and Mrs. Louis L. Goldstein Book Award in Law.
What led you to decide to pursue your BA at Carleton?
I chose to pursue my BA at Carleton because it would allow me to experience a new city, and I was intrigued by the university’s proximity to government and research opportunities, especially for law; it just made sense to come to Ottawa to study it, with Parliament Hill so close by, for instance. I also wanted a closer-knit campus and the opportunity to build stronger relationships with my peers, as well as with resources, professors, and teaching assistants.
Do you have a favourite part of your program?
My favourite part of my program so far has been the flexibility it gives me to pursue multiple interests at the same time. Having a combined major allows me to dip my toes in two fields of interest, and instead of having to pick one, I gain a greater depth of knowledge while leaving more doors open for me after I graduate. Additionally, I love the opportunities it gives me to talk to new people and seek new experiences, which makes networking very approachable.
What are you hoping to do after graduation and what do you hope to gain from your degree?
Currently, I am not certain what I would like to do after I graduate. Although flexibility is a nice part of my program, it also means I have many avenues I want to explore. I’d like to pursue a career in law enforcement, which would allow me to apply the intersection between psychology and law to the real world while helping others. Going to law school and eventually becoming a lawyer or Crown Attorney, as well as research in psychology on crime, personality and socialization, remain other pathways I want to continue exploring throughout my degree here at Carleton.
Any advice for incoming students?
The most important advice I can offer to incoming students is to make friends, be honest with yourself, and focus on balancing school with fun! One of the best things about my university experience thus far has been the friends I made. It’s very challenging to remain in an academic mindset all the time, and stress builds up, so taking breaks is important.