Brennan Balkovec is a political science major coming from Surrey, BC. She studied neoliberalism and how it shapes every aspect of economic, political and social life. She started graduate studies at UVic this fall. Balkovec is graduating with a BA in political science and a minor in sociology.
What moment or memory stands out most from your time at UVic?
Moving into my dorm. I was so nervous and had no idea what I was doing. I wish I had known how much I would love my program, how many friends I would make and how much I would enjoy university both inside and outside the classroom. Now I want to become a professor, so clearly, I never want to leave!
Where did you spend most of your time studying, hanging out or unwinding on campus?
You could always find me at Munchie Bar! They have the best coffee on campus. I met lots of friends there by hanging around all the time and ordering lots of coffee. A small amount of studying and a lot of socializing took place.
Which course or instructor had a positive impact on your academic or personal growth?
Dr. Justin Leifso’s courses and mentorship deepened my passion for political science and encouraged me to pursue my MA. His continued support has given me the confidence and skills to work toward my goal of becoming a political scientist.
Dr. Michael Ma’s mentorship and kindness provided me with the opportunity to apply my academic knowledge through community engagement. This experience was insightful, fulfilling and impactful on both my academic and personal growth.
What activity or experience outside the classroom meant the most to you?
Conducting observational research on the daily street sweeps on the Pandora block. I talked to people on the block and heard their stories. Connecting and building relationships with people and hearing that my work is meaningful has been fulfilling.
What are your plans for after graduation, and is it the path you envisioned for yourself growing up?
I am currently pursuing my MA in Political Science and Cultural, Social and Political Thought at UVic! I have always wanted to become a political scientist. The experiences and connections I made at UVic have allowed me to begin working toward that goal earlier than I expected.
What’s one lesson or mindset from your time at UVic that you’ll carry with you into the next chapter of your life?
The biggest lesson I learned was not to expect myself to know everything. Everything in university is a learning curve, including learning how to be a university student. University taught me to see myself as a work in progress and to be excited about getting better, rather than expecting perfection.
What would you tell someone who is considering choosing UVic for their degree?
UVic is great for forming close connections with your peers and professors! The smaller class sizes allow you to get comfortable participating in discussions, asking questions and getting to know the people around you. Having professors who knew me and supported my interests helped me build confidence and discover what I was passionate about.
