What brought you to UPEI? Why did you choose to study here?

After living my middle- and high-school years in the dense Chicago suburbs, I began to feel like I didn't really belong anywhere. Too many people with so much going on made it difficult for me to feel like I was part of a community. I wanted someplace smaller, more intimate, where people could know who I was, and where I’d have an opportunity to make my own mark. UPEI came to my attention after taking a few “what college is right for you?” tests, and after visiting the Island and falling in love with the place, the rest is history. 

What do you find unique and interesting about the Master of Arts in Island Studies program?

The MAIS program holds a very special place in my heart, not just as a hub for learning but also a place of pure academic passion. In very few places in my academic life has schooling been anything but learning subjects simply because you have to, not because you want to. And while glimmers of it have appeared along with the rest of my education, the MAIS program is steeped in a philosophy that “to love is to learn”, and no greater excitement can compare to being able to pursue learning and adding to subjects you personally enjoy. Because MAIS isn't just about a broad notion of “learning about islands,” it’s about island sociology, ecology, philosophy, history, culture, arts, and anything that sparks a student's joy and creativity. All of these things make up MAIS, and from day one, the staff's work is to encourage students to pursue their passions and discover, not because they have to, but because it is fun to do so.

What kinds of support have you received as a student from UPEI students, staff, and UPEI faculty members?

I’ve been given clear avenues and opportunities to find work, both on and off campus, with additional guidance and experiences that have helped me build my confidence as I switch from learner to doer. From other students, whether Residence Life Advisors (RLAs), classmates, or just the people around me, I’ve not only built lifelong friendships and connections, but I’ve also really been able to gain a sense of security and community that gives me the chance to push forward with my own passions.

"If one wants a learning environment that encourages their passions on their own terms, the MAIS program is the perfect backdrop. The study of islands can take so many shapes, and so many niches, and the professors and staff do so much to inspire and support your efforts as a student to find which niche interests you most."

What's unique about UPEI, and Prince Edward Island, in your experience?

Especially compared to the many other universities that might otherwise have drawn my attention, UPEI and PEI embody such a special blend of everything I wanted. I desired a smaller campus and community so that I could not only make a greater individual difference, but also get to know my professors, fellow students, and neighbours in a way that is much more difficult in more densely populated places. Yet the campus and Island are large enough that most services, shops, and living experiences are within reach, unlike in more rural locations, where there often isn't anything to do at all. Not to mention, compared to most universities in the US or Canada, UPEI is generally very affordable. And while the cost of living may also be a concern for many, the community and support systems are often so tight-knit that supports are far easier to access than in larger provinces or cities.

What would you tell a student considering the MAIS program at UPEI?

Do it, no hesitation. If one wants a learning environment that encourages their passions on their own terms, the MAIS program is the perfect backdrop. The study of islands can take so many shapes, and so many niches, and the professors and staff do so much to inspire and support your efforts as a student to find which niche interests you most. Not to mention that, because the program is smaller, students receive much more personal support, both in terms of academic resources as well as encouragement. The program is practically an exercise in becoming a better, more curious person overall, and I cannot recommend it enough.

How do you feel UPEI, and the MAIS program are preparing you for your future?

With a community the size of Prince Edward Island, I think the best currency a university can give a student is not just the education to back them, but the connections to support students in finding their “what’s next?” opportunity. Even in just the past year, I feel like UPEI is doing more to bring experts, staff, and job creators to campus, practically handing students the chance to pursue their local interests on a silver platter (which is especially important in an era where the job market is so difficult for those on the entry level). As for the MAIS program specifically, the education and connection-building are cranked up to eleven. Specifically during the summers, but also through career fairs and other activities during the school year, MAIS provides classes and outlets to connect students with experts in their field of interest (through practicum-based courses). With practicum work, research opportunities, and more being integrated into some class formats, students can practically find experts in any of the specific fields of work or research they aim to pursue.