The PCJ Society is gearing up for another academic year with two newly elected Co-Presidents. But who are they, and what makes them so passionate about Peace, Conflict and Justice?
Rachel Ball-Jones
1. Tell us about yourself.
Rachel Ball-Bones
I’m a fourth year double majoring in PCJ and political science. My academic interests include Indigenous rights in Canada and Latin America and environmental politics. This year, I’ll be writing a thesis on Indigenous – corporate conflict around mining in Latin America. I’m originally from the San Francisco Bay Area in California, and I came to U of T to participate in the Munk One program. Outside of school, I volunteer for an environmental NGO (along with my Co-President, Nick) teach reading, and travel whenever possible. I’m looking forward to my final year at U of T, and I can’t wait to help PCJ grow as a community.
2. Why are you studying PCJ?
U of T is a huge place — I initially chose the program because it offered small classes and the opportunity to become a part of a small community on campus while also allowing me to have a lot of choice in the classes I take. Academically, PCJ fosters important conversations and encourages students to think of problems in different ways. The type of learning employed in PCJ — learning that is both experiential and theoretical — will have a lasting impact on the way I see the world and my education.
3. To you, what’s the most important thing you’ve learned in the program?
First and foremost, I am fascinated PCJ’s subject matter and I’m very grateful to have the opportunity to study with our professors and classmates. Outside of its subject matter, the relatively unstructured nature of PCJ’s curriculum has allowed me to explore different courses and it has also taught me to be self-motivated in my design of my degree.
4. What advice do you have for incoming PCJ students?
My advice to incoming students is to make as many friends as possible in the program. The program’s professors, classmates and administrators are a unique group of people with fascinating perspectives, and I’ve gained a lot of knowledge just by sitting in the lounge or getting to class early. My second piece of advice would be to attend the speaking events that look interesting, and always ask questions.
5. As Co-President of the PCJ Society, what can students expect from you?
My goal as Co-president is to help PCJ students integrate themselves into a tight knit community. I hope to do this through the events we hold, and by getting to know classmates from the incoming cohort, but also through encouraging the entire executive to create a welcoming environment.
6. How did you spend your summer?
This summer (and for the last couple summers) I taught reading skills for a company that specializes in reading/ language therapy for people with learning delays. I also traveled a bit in the East Coast and went home to California to see my dog!
Nicholas Sopuch
1. Tell us about yourself.
I’m entering my fourth year as a PCJ specialist with minors in East Asian Studies and Political Science. My academic interests are in the areas of Asian politics, the effects of environmental degradation on development, and the relationship between policy and high-tech innovation. Outside of school, I enjoy playing pick-up basketball and mountain biking!
2. Why are you studying PCJ?
PCJ allows me to pursue in depth analysis of some of the world’s most complex issues- ones that interest and frustrate me on a personal level. Though the topics are wide-ranging, I value the program’s consistent emphasis on the lived experiences of those in the context of conflict and its blend of theory and practice in addressing large scale problems.
3. To you, what’s the most important thing you’ve learned in the program?
I’ve learned the importance of appreciating diverse opinions on complex and controversial issues. A lot of the subject matter in PCJ falls under these categories, and it’s critical to recognize the validity of others’ beliefs, even if they oppose your own.
4. What advice do you have for incoming PCJ students?
First off, get involved! Don’t be shy about running for the class rep positions or attending PCJ Society events. One the greatest strengths of this program is its strong community, and you will experience greater success by immersing yourself in it.
Furthermore, seek out and embrace the new opportunities this program has to offer. How PCJ prepares you for life beyond the program is dependent on your choices, and so I highly recommend stepping out of your comfort zone to test unfamiliar waters. Whether it’s an internship, research opportunity, or class, pursue even your vaguest interests and enjoy the new doors which open for you.
5. As Co-President of the PCJ Society, what can students expect from you?
PCJ Society has had fantastic student leadership during my time in the program and I hope to follow the past Co-Presidents’ lead in fostering an inclusive, academically stimulating environment. To all students of the program, you can expect my full support and guidance regarding all PCJ related topics activities. Feel free to contact me with questions, concerns, or comments, and we’ll have a terrific year together!
6. How did you spend your summer?
I am working under Dr. Shiri Breznitz on the Creating Digital Opportunity project at the Munk School’s Innovation Policy Lab. So far, I’ve been organizing data on Canadian arts and cultural districts and angel investments in Canadian and American digital media industries.