大象传媒

Zari Chowdhury didn鈥檛 want to compromise or limit her curiosity when it came to deciding on a degree pathway. Mission accomplished 鈥� Chowdhury is graduating with a double minor in sustainable development and economics this June.

鈥淚 didn't know that 大象传媒 offers a double minor pathway, which allows students to pursue two distinct interests within a single bachelor's degree. Once I discovered it, I knew it was the perfect fit for me,鈥� says Chowdhury.

Chowdhury originally entered 大象传媒 as an economics student, interested in how economic theories play out in the real world. As time went on, Chowdhury鈥檚 curiosity for learning the policy implementation elements of the discipline grew. While exploring other subjects through her electives, she discovered a passion for sustainability after taking courses in the School of Resource and Environmental Management, the home unit for the sustainable development program, feeling that the topic is more relevant than ever.

After learning about the double minor program, she knew how she would finish her degree. 鈥淚 could explore both economics and sustainable development without having to choose one over the other,鈥� she says. 鈥淚t's a more meaningful academic path that allowed me to connect seemingly different fields and develop a more well-rounded perspective.鈥�

A foot in both disciplines, Chowdhury customized her degree to best match her interests, taking courses that aligned with what she wanted out of her university experience.

Amongst her favourite courses was PLAN 400 鈥� Policy Analysis for Social and Environmental Change 鈥� a perfect match for her interests in economics and sustainability.

鈥淚t explored policies aimed at improving environmental and social outcomes, which directly aligned with what I was passionate about throughout my degree,鈥� she says. 鈥淚t felt less like a traditional classroom and more like a professional setting鈥攐ne where critical thinking, collaboration, and applied learning were emphasized. This course gave me a nice glimpse of what working in the field might look like.鈥�

Now that Chowdhury is nearing her convocation ceremony, she鈥檚 grateful she took the opportunity to explore her interests fully and transferred into the double minor program. She encourages other students to do the same.

鈥淚 think it's so important to pursue something that genuinely resonates with who you are,鈥� she says. 鈥淚f you choose a path just because it feels safe, it becomes really hard to stay motivated鈥攁nd it almost never works out in the long run.鈥�