"Diversity and Social Justice Studies is unlike any program I had heard about."

Meet Keeda, UPEI Diversity and Social Justice Studies and Sociology student

Sep 3, 2024 | UPEI Viewbook 2025

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

I grew up in a small city in central Alberta, called Wetaskiwin. We were once only known as the city with the worst crime rates in Canada. Coming to UPEI was a bit of a choice I made on a whim—I wanted out of Alberta, to experience other provinces and places. I had only ever lived in the same areas, with my family always close by. I wanted to be able to adventure out and experience other sides of Canada, and not just what I was familiar with.

To be perfectly honest, the first reason I chose UPEI was due to the tuition rates. It was much more affordable than other universities. It is a small campus, with close-knit programs. I did not want to just be a face in the back of a classroom, I wanted to get to know the other students, as well as the professors.

What do you find unique and interesting about your program?

Currently, I am doubling majoring in Sociology and Diversity and Social Justice Studies (DSJS). Diversity and Social Justice Studies is unlike any program I had heard about back in Alberta. We had women and gender studies, and social justice studies, but nothing that encompassed it all. DSJS manages to touch on a variety of topics and social issues, all while focusing on things that are relevant to our current global state. I would almost guarantee that anyone looking into this program, no matter their major, will find a course that calls to them.

a UPEI student in the Performing Arts Centre and Residence lounge

What kinds of support have you received during your time here from UPEI students, staff, and faculty members?

Campus-wide, I have had an amazing experience here. I have spent three of four years living in residence, and the Residence Life Advisors helped me adjust to an entirely new province and the new life I was making for myself in PEI. In my classes, professors and students have always been warm and accepting. Students are willing to help each other out, and my professors care about how I'm doing. It is a perk of a small program in a small university. Specifically, Dr. Ann Braithwaite in the DSJS program has been an enormous help to both my degree and my networking with communities. She supports her students and helps in whatever ways she can.

What kinds of opportunities have you experienced because you're studying at UPEI, or because of the Island location?

I have been given some unique experiences due to the close-knit community of the Island. It makes it so there are more opportunities for networking and making connections with various aspects of the community. I have met people through professors, job experiences, and networking circles. It is unique, because of the culture of PEI.

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

The university and Island experience is one of a kind. It can be intimidating to come to a fairly small university and island, where a lot of people do know each other. But once you break through the intimidation it becomes worth it, in the ways you start to meet others and experience all that UPEI and PEI offer.

"I have had an amazing experience here. I have spent three of four years living in residence, and the Residence Life Advisors helped me adjust to an entirely new province and the new life I was making for myself in PEI."

What would you tell a high school student considering your program?

Ignore what people might think or say, and follow your heart because it is so worth it. So often, being in an Arts program, people are told they are “useless degrees”, when in reality they are some of the most helpful and universal degrees out there. You will learn concepts and skills that not every degree offers, so just go for it!

two UPEI students and a laptop computer in the Performing Arts Centre and Residence lounge

What are your general plans after graduation?

After graduation, I hope to get in with working in some form of community programming and social services that focuses on LGBTQ+ youth. In a perfect world, I would love to work with a non-profit similar to that of PEERs Alliance. They are a local non-profit that works with the LGBTQ+ people in PEI, as well as aiding in sexual health and education.