Claire De Souza

My name is Claire de Souza, I am a fourth year Geography and Environmental Studies student at McMaster University. CityLAB Semester in Residence has exceeded all my expectations and has been one of the most valuable experiences in my undergraduate degree. CityLAB has introduced me to new ideas surrounding community engagement, designing cities, and project management. As an interdisciplinary program, students in CityLAB have given me new perspectives, changed my opinions, and have made me think more critically about the social systems in places across Hamilton and Canada. CityLAB SIR prepares students for professional careers by implementing experiential and problem-based learning. The program is designed to give students the skills and knowledge necessary to engage with the public, re-imagine city designs, and work with multiple stakeholders and organizations. The instructors and professors have developed my professional networking and team building skills immensely. Through the City projects I am working on, I am able to put the skills I learn in class to work and carry out meaningful projects in Hamilton. CityLAB semester in residence has grown my confidence by challenging me to step outside of my comfort zone, speak in front of large groups, and share ideas without fear of being ridiculed or criticized. This program has also introduced me to so many students from various backgrounds, who have turned out to be some of the best people I have met in my time here at McMaster. The relationships and bonds I have formed throughout the semesters are like none other, and would not be possible without a program like CityLAB SIR. Through our City Hall 101 sessions, the class has been exposed to Hamilton’s City Hall operations and the varying committee’s that work for the city. We have also had the opportunity to meet Mayor Fred Eisenberger, City Manager Jannet Smith, and General Manager of City Planning and Economic Development Jason Throne. Meeting with these city staff has built our networks, taught us important meeting skills including facilitation, how to take meeting minutes, creating agendas, and much more. CityLAB SIR prepares students for professional careers by developing our project management, organization, communication, and design skills. This program also develops personal characteristics that we will be able to carry with us for the rest of our lives.