I started my PCJ journey a bit differently than most students; I began the degree in the third year of my undergrad. So in order to complete my degree in four years, I received special permission from the director to take the first year and second year courses at the same time.

Anyone who studies social sciences knows that if you aren’t reading in between your classes, then you’re falling behind. Although I love PCJ and everything that we learn in the courses, I must say there is a whole lot of reading to do (expected of course). I can’t say I’ve kept up with every single piece of reading I’ve been assigned in my courses but I must I’ve done a lot of it.

As the first course we take for PCJ is an introductory course, I find that it’s actually a bit harder than the third year courses. In first year, we are focused on learning about theories and how they should become our frame of reference when looking at different conflicts. I am a lover of knowledge but grasping some ways of thinking about conflict can be very hard. In fact, sometimes I have to read one article over a couple times before I get the hang of it. But I realize that the skills I’m gaining from the first year course set me up for the second year material.

Because I’m taking the second year courses at the same time... I do feel a bit out of the loop sometimes. But in that case, I take it upon myself to figure out whatever information I’m missing. Second year PCJ courses depend a lot on the professors you get. In my case, the things my professors have chosen to focus on are very interesting. We get to explore the nitty gritty details of conflict through talking about history. Last semester, in PCJ360 we discussed the formation of Rebel groups, why groups prefer to employ child soldiers and contemporary conflicts such as Afghanistan in 2001. This semester in PCJ361, we are focusing on transitional justice all over the world. We’re currently discussing how international law is playing a greater role in the human rights conversation within our more connected system.

Although PCJ260 forms the foundation of your PCJ education, and second year courses ask you to apply the knowledge from your foundation, I’ve been pretty comfortable. This is not because I’m a genius (anything but in fact); it’s simply because I’ve been able to balance the courses. I cannot say I’m doing it with great ease but I do think taking two PCJ courses at the same time is possible. The professors I’ve had have all been kind and approachable, so that helps to make asking for help less daunting. On top of this, being a university student means being proactive on your own time. Luckily once you join PCJ your work won’t be evaluated on the basis of other class members’ work but on your own merit. So this encourages a lot of collaboration and student networking in the program.

However, I would recommend doing the courses in proper order, because you get to stick with the same classmates throughout your degree (a major PCJ perk). But luckily I’ve been able to make friends who are both in their first and second year of PCJ. This way I get both perspectives on everything PCJ. So if you find yourself in situation like mine, there’s no reason to fret. Just make sure to note the things that you think you lack knowledge on and do some research on your own time to make that up.

I’ve realized that during most of my undergraduate experience, it’s more about what I do myself than anything else. I know this feels like an obvious way of thinking, but going to such a big school can often cause you to feel like school is happening to you and not for you. The only way to make sure that school is in fact happening for you; is to enjoy what you learn and work hard at it. This type of thinking can only come from your attitude; you are the master of your own destiny!