Growing up in Metrotown, I fell in love with cities – how we shape them, and how they shape us. Rather than on a global scale, I tend to think about what I see on walks, how streets are designed and kept clean, and how we can all enjoy nature, services, entertainment, and commerce.
This Fall, I’ll be starting school for urban planning. It’s something I’ve been working towards for a while.
I am a city person. Upon returning from a recent “glamping” trip, I was relieved to be back in my urban sanctuary. While my friends expressed their post-vacation dread in the group chat, I was at peace walking to the store and encountering a pop-up salsa dance class.
Part of my love for cities comes from a desire to make them more healthy, enjoyable, and resilient. I want to turn theory into practice, making communities more vibrant and fun, and breaking down barriers for others so they can enjoy life.
The senior years of my SFU Environment degree were during the pandemic, and I was hooked by two special topics courses on pandemics in cities. I started to write about urbanism, even getting published in a Burnaby newspaper. My interest in urban planning has grown since then, and I continue to learn and connect with peers in the industry.
For two years I had the privilege of working abroad, and it gave me valuable new perspectives about cities. I saw Scotland, Austria, The Netherlands, Italy, and other places I dreamed of seeing. Moving was a huge leap for me personally and professionally, and I’ve come out of it with more expertise, curiosity, and strength.
My career in Communications over the past five years has been diverse and given me skills I am proud to flex at my current job. Moving forward, I want to meld these skills with my love for cities.
Of course, I may change my mind as different opportunities arise in my long and winding career, and that’s ok.
Going into a post-bachelor program this Fall, I am bringing interests in placemaking, community development, green space, housing, Indigenous issues, recreation, and public art.
No matter what though, I believe in bringing intersectional perspectives into whatever work I do. I give credit to my SFU instructors for emphasizing the importance of this.
I’m a bit giddy about going back to school. I love to learn, and have missed the classroom. Working for a university research admin office has only fanned that flame. I’m grateful that while I start this new educational journey, I will continue working there.
It has been almost a year since I moved home from London, and I’ve been mindful of how good it feels. My friends and family are within reach, I live and work in vibrant neighborhoods, and the only way to go is up.
marina miller 