CityLAB has offered me an opportunity that no other class has ever been able to offer. It has allowed me the chance to learn the ins and outs of the City of Hamilton, recognize design problems and solutions such as open flood plains all the way down the spectrum to improving City Hall, and enhance my ability to understand and navigate dialogue of all different topics. It has also given me the ability to meet and learn from students across a variety of programs and gain perspectives that I would never have had before. While having business, social science, life science and health science students all working closely together may seem like some fantasy land when you think about the stereotypes thrown at one another, it has truly turned into the best learning environment I have been a part of, while also building bonds and friendships that feel like they could last a lifetime. Alongside the personal friendships built, CityLAB partners students with different city staff members and organizations that partner with the city in order to enhance our professional network.
The first half of our semester has focused on three separate sections – City Hall 101, design, and dialogue – and then one large project. City Hall 101 gives us the chance to dive into what municipal politics looks like and how it functions. We have had amazing opportunities to meet and engage in Q&As with city staff such as Jason Thorne, the general manager of Planning and Economic Development, the City Manager Janette Smith, and Mayor Fred Eisenberger. Design is split into a standard lecture one morning of the week, and a three-hour walkabout and redesign of difference spaces all across Hamilton. We have looked at better uses for the roof of Jackson Square, how to better use a flood plain in Dundas, and what we could do to make Westdale more inviting. Dialogue has taught us that respectful and open-minded conversation can be had with any topic. Two mornings a week we have lectures about navigating dialogue with vulnerable communities, participating in exercises that helps us better understand the challenges poor dialogue creates, and then we have open dialogue with the class about a variety of topics.
While the hours can be long, and it can feel like there is always something to catch up on, I would highly recommend a Semester in Residence at CityLAB for any third or fourth year student. This break away from your standard academic semester launches you into the professional world, but rather than being by yourself, you are surrounded by unconditional supports. The professors and CityLAB staff always ensure that our best interest is at hand, and if we need a hand editing an email, learning about problems in the city that aren’t covered in the semester, or even just a day extension on an assignment, they are more than understanding and attempting to go the extra mile. This experience has opened my eyes to opportunities and interests that I never knew existed. For that, along with the bonds, supports and networks built, I will forever be grateful for such an opportunity.