By Melissa Wong

When I started at SFU in the fall of 2021, I had absolutely no idea what I wanted my future to look like. Unlike most of my peers at the time, I did not have an intended major or a dream career, but I certainly hoped I would by the end of my first year. So, throughout my first three semesters, I took courses from eight different programs (even some outside of FASS), hoping at least one would stand out from the rest. This is where my Linguistics journey began! 

I took LING 160, 100, and 111 in those three semesters, and discovered I was interested in Linguistics because it examines language–something we typically take for granted in our everyday lives–in complex and meaningful ways. 

I enjoyed learning about how language is used and by whom, speech production and perception, and phonetic and syntactic properties of words and sentences—all concepts I had never given much thought to prior to taking these courses. Linguistics also introduced me to Speech-Language Pathology, a profession that resonated with me because its focus on helping individuals navigate challenges and enhance their quality of life closely aligns with my personal values and desire to make a significant impact on others. My professors were also genuinely fascinating, as they were all so knowledgeable and passionate about their niche areas of study. I knew by choosing my major in Linguistics, I would be in good hands! 

Leaving my first year behind, I felt relieved that I had actually managed to find a discipline that truly spoke to me. Little did I know, I would find two more in my second year! I realized I was also interested in Philosophy and Print and Digital Publishing, which led me to complete minors in both. Philosophy courses in logic and ethics taught me how to deconstruct arguments, interrogate beliefs, and articulate myself carefully, which I found both challenging and invigorating. Print and Digital Publishing courses revealed the meticulous and collaborative processes that brought books I love to shelves across Canada, which made me feel like I was getting in on a grand secret.  

While finding my academic footing, I was also searching for ways to make friends and get involved at SFU, which was important to me because I had always felt like university was meant to be more than simply going to classes and getting good grades. I am fortunate to have been part of student opportunities that spoke to my core values and allowed me to put them into practice. 

For example, in the FASS Peer Mentorship Program, I provided academic and emotional support to first-year students, helping them adjust to university life and gain confidence within the SFU community. Joining the Linguistics Student Union and Philosophy Student Union as a Departmental Student Union Representative and Events Coordinator, respectively, further allowed me to collaborate with my peers on initiatives to improve campus life and student visibility, and ultimately advocate for student engagement and wellbeing. These groups have given me so much throughout my degree, including a sense of purpose and belonging at SFU, and life-long memories and friendships. I am grateful to have contributed to the important work they do for the FASS community. 

Since my involvement was so rewarding in and of itself, I was overcome with shock and gratitude when I found out the Department of Linguistics was nominating me for the FASS Dean’s Undergraduate Fellowship, an honour granted on the basis of academic accomplishment and leadership potential. I had heard of the Fellowship from the year prior, as that cohort featured the most inspiring students, so I felt extremely humbled to be recognized in the same league as peers like Hannah El-Hilo, Nava Karimi, Kayla Koch, and Itzel Symonds. I cannot thank the Department enough for their ongoing support and for thinking of me in such high regards–it is truly surreal. 

Part of the Fellowship included an invitation to participate in a 6-week seminar in conversation with prominent political, civic, and artistic leaders about their paths to leadership and accomplishment. Prior to its start, I had expected to hear about their experiences working hard and what their jobs are like, which we naturally did, but I was surprised to also hear stories about childhoods, families, sacrifices, time spent at SFU, and adversity in both personal and professional spheres. I was often moved by these humanizing anecdotes, and inspired by their journeys from beginnings similar to mine. I learned that success for even the most powerful and influential people is not always linear, or even intentional, but holding your values close and letting them drive you unconditionally will always pay off in the end. 

The biggest highlight from the Fellowship, however, was getting to connect with people in my cohort. Throughout the program, it was often remarked that the best part of the Fellowship is that it brings together students from programs across FASS, and we get the chance to become friends with people we might have never met. I am constantly in awe of the Fellows’ intelligence and accomplishments, but also their charisma, kindness, and compassion. My cohort highlights benevolent and determined individuals who will surely change the world for the better, and I am lucky to call them my friends and cheer them on for all that they achieve in the future. 

As for my own future, I’ve just graduated this June after five memorable years at SFU. I intend to pursue a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology next year, and I must thank the Department of Linguistics for continuously uplifting me towards this goal. In the meantime, I will be working with the Language and Brain Lab and volunteering within my community, and also enjoying spending more time with my family and friends.