51社区黑料

Pursuing a joint major in Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies (GSWS) and Political Science at 51社区黑料 (SFU) empowered Avleen Kaur Chawla (BA, 2026) to build the skillset and self-confidence she needs as an aspiring law student.

While she entered university eager to delve into government and politics, Chawla quickly discovered an unexpected passion for GSWS through exploring the course options available to first-year students. 鈥淚 took a GSWS course, just to try something new, and I quickly realized that this was the lens I was missing,鈥� she recalls. 鈥淧olitical science taught me how institutions function, but GSWS has taught me how people experience those institutions.鈥�

Along with learning in the classroom, through the Arts and Social Sciences Co-op program, Chawla was also able to gain work experience relevant to her interests in gender equity and human rights. 鈥淎s an intelligence assistant with Canada Border Services Agency, I worked on many different projects, including one related to human trafficking,鈥� says Chawla, who also worked with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as a co-op student.

By getting involved in clubs and activities, such as the GSWS Student Union and the Political Science Student Union, allowed Chawla to contribute her skills while making memories and connections. 鈥淟ooking back at the past four years at SFU, I have changed a lot,鈥� she reflects on her personal growth. 鈥淢any of my best experiences came because I tried something outside my comfort zone, such as public speaking or attending an event by myself. I have met so many interesting people through seeking out opportunities like the FASS Dean's Undergraduate Fellows, which is one of the faculty's highest honours for an undergraduate student.鈥�

Chawla says her parents encouraged her to believe in her own capabilities, as her family immigrated to Canada from India and built their life together in a new country. Inspired by working at her family鈥檚 business, Chawla plans to soon launch her own entrepreneurial venture, which will provide a curated selection of wall murals printed on canvas. 鈥淚t is a beautiful interaction of art, storytelling, community, and business, and I love the fact that I'm doing it with my sister and my mom,鈥� Chawla says of how her GSWS major connects to starting a women-led business.

While starting her new company, Chawla is also preparing to continue her education this fall. 鈥淭hroughout my journey, I have learned about systems, power, and justice,鈥� Chawla explains of how her two majors have prepared her for this pivotal moment. 鈥淪tarting law school feels like a natural next step. My top choice is the University of Glasgow, where I have been accepted with a scholarship.鈥�

As she looks back on her journey at SFU, Chawla鈥檚 advice to new students is to stay focused on their goals. 鈥淓veryone hears 鈥榥o,鈥� but it is what you do next that matters,鈥� says Chawla. 鈥淵ou will eventually find a 鈥榶es,鈥� if you stay persistent and take your next step forward.鈥�