Class of 2021: 5 questions with Chantelle de Jonge

This is part of series of articles where we asked the fall cohort of the class of 2021 to reflect on their time at the university and share what they learned and loved about their time here. For more student responses, visit Congratulations, Class of 2021.

Chantelle de Jonge graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Philosophy in fall 2021. She took a few minutes to answer our questions about her time at the University of Calgary. 

What advice would you give yourself on your first day of university?   

Don’t be afraid to ask people — students and teachers — for help. Walking around campus for the first time is intimidating; everyone seems plugged in and tuned out. What I’ve found over my years on campus is that people are very happy to help, and even walk with you to your next class. In my senior years, I was delighted to do the same. Tap on a shoulder and ask for directions. My first day of university would not have been so intimidating if I had done that sooner. 

Is there a project, discovery or moment from your time at the university that you are most proud of?    

One of my proudest moments in university was winning the Kubinski Prize in Economics for two research papers on Canadian regulatory issues. I worked very hard on both projects. It was very rewarding to receive recognition for that. Both of my professors, as well as other folks in the industries, were extremely helpful. Despite many tense conversations, and even disagreements, I was very proud of what I had produced and to be recognized for my work. 

Tell us about one person who supported you through your studies and powered you along the way.     

I wanted to graduate before my fourth year of university; however, this created several challenges and administrative hurdles to overcome. The head of the Philosophy department, Dr. Nicole Wyatt, went above and beyond to help me reach this goal. She advised me as I navigated the challenges, and even taught me a directed reading course during her summer. I will always be grateful for Dr. Wyatt’s advice and support, and the time given out of her very busy schedule to help me graduate early. I learned so much from her on course-related content and in our personal discussions. I wouldn’t have been able to reach my goal without her.   

What is your favourite physical space on campus? When you come back to visit in years to come, where will you make sure to stop by?   

My favourite place on campus by far is the philosophy student lounge on the 12th floor of the Social Sciences Tower. Towering above campus, the open-concept lounge in the centre of the department allows for graduate and undergraduate students and professors to relax and chat together. At times, it was a quiet and peaceful area to read. At other times, it was the stage for passionate philosophical debates. I’ll definitely be stopping by next time I visit campus! 

Now what? What’s your next big move?   

Going forward, I plan on applying to the University of Calgary Master of Public Policy program at The School of Public Policy. Studying at the SPP will provide a strong foundation for my interests at the intersection of politics, regulatory economics and apologia. Besides graduate studies and political aspirations, I also hope to pursue a career in regulatory economics.