My understanding of social justice has grown significantly throughout this program. What started as a general awareness has developed into a deeper, more critical understanding shaped by both academic learning and real-life experiences. The courses I have taken challenged me to think beyond simple definitions and to recognize how complex and interconnected social justice issues truly are. Through this interdisciplinary approach, I have come to see that issues like inequality, poverty, racism, and human rights are not separate but closely linked and require thoughtful, long-term solutions.
My learning has also been strengthened by my volunteer experience with the Lana Sky Collective Studio. This experience gave me the opportunity to see firsthand some of the challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty. It helped me move beyond theory and better understand the structural factors, such as lack of housing, limited access to resources, and systemic barriers that contribute to these realities. This connection between academic knowledge and lived experience has been one of the most valuable parts of my journey.
In addition, learning about Indigenous histories, particularly the impacts of residential schools, has deeply influenced my perspective. Hearing these stories and engaging with this history made me reflect more critically on Canada’s past and present. It also helped me better understand the lasting effects of trauma and the importance of reconciliation. These lessons have stayed with me and continue to shape how I think about justice and responsibility.
Another important takeaway for me is how complex it can be to define concepts like genocide and justice. The fact that there is not always a clear or universally agreed-upon definition shows how political and contested these issues can be. This has made me realize that learning alone is not enough; there is also a need for action, advocacy, and for people to speak up.
Overall, this program has not only expanded my knowledge but has also changed how I see the world. It has made me more aware of the realities people face and the importance of approaching social justice with empathy, critical thinking, and a commitment to meaningful change