International Spotlight: Cecilia Pang, Graduate Student in Political Science
Which program/department are you in?
I'm a M.A. candidate in the Department of Political Science studying American politics and political theory.
Which country (or countries) do you come from?
Canada.
How long have you been in the U.S.?
I moved to NYC 6 months ago from Vancouver, Canada and I am so grateful to be back in this vibrant city.
Tell us a bit about your projects/studies.
I'm interested in exploring the effects online communicative technologies have on the future of trust and truth within societies, particularly, democracies. Prior to coming to Columbia, I graduated from the University of British Columbia, with my B.A. in Political Science and completed my honour's thesis "From Collective to Connective Action: Civic Engagement and Participatory Politics in a Social Media Era."
Tell us about your research interests.
My research interests have stemmed not only from my academic work but also through activism and entrepreneurship in my community. As an artist, writer, and pianist, I actively try to harness the powers of story-telling and connection in my volunteering and civic engagement work with organizations. Over the span of the past nine years, I've helped to create various spaces for youth civic engagement; from founding initiatives such as ajourney2success.com (2012) and Art2Heart Foundation (2014) to co-chairing the YWCA Metro Vancouver's Youth Advisory Council or leading policy consultations for Canada's inaugural youth policy (2018). Currently, I serve as a board director for the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society - B.C. chapter and spearheads civic engagement initiatives as a World Economic Forum Global Shaper.
Do you have any hobbies or interests?
Some of my hobbies include: hiking, running, writing, reading, volunteering and the arts. In particular, I'm driven by a curiosity and passion for how we can contribute sustainably and meaningfully through collective action.
What do you like best about living in the U.S.?
While I grew up going to the States quite often, it's been quite a formative experience to live here and learn from this country and American culture especially as a political science student! I absolutely love exploring different neighbourhoods in New York and running through Central Park. The best thing about living in the US at this moment in time is recognizing how many opportunities exist.
What is the hardest thing about living here?
The hardest thing about living here is definitely the uncertainty. While most things remain familiar to me, navigating taxes, finances, and reorienting myself to understand a different government system has been a learning experience.
What do you know now that you wish you knew before coming here?
Just how helpful and kind people can be. Also, there are always ways to figure things out. While planning and stressing about the small details are important, there really was no need for me to over-stress things. Eventually with the right amount of effort and planning (not overboard), things work their way out and all will be well.
Connect with Cecilia:
Are you (or do you know) an international student, scholar, or alumni?
We’re looking to spotlight stories of academic or professional work, leadership, or personal adjustment to life at Columbia and NY in particular and the U.S. in general.
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