The economist and the environmentalist, the introvert and the extrovert, the curricular and the extra-curricular are not contradictions. Rather, these spectra represent all the experiences and interests Faiz Fuad is determined to explore as an undergraduate. The third-year University College student from Malaysia is doing a double major in economics and environmental science. The two subjects he is passionate about are coming together in society, academia, and industry like never before.
“One of the courses I took back in Malaysia was called Environmental Systems and Societies,” Faiz explained. “Taking that course opened my eyes and made me more optimistic about the changes we can make to improve the environment. And, from what I’ve learned in economics, many of the problems we face today are related to externalities, like the common resource pool problems and negative externalities from air pollution, noise pollution, and other types of pollution. These issues are very connected to economics. I love the combination that I chose because there’s so much overlap and many opportunities for the future.”
If he is going to embrace those opportunities, Faiz knows, demands that he develop his character and habits in preparation. Participating in extra-curricular activities, including student clubs and international associations, is helping him to do just that. Whether it’s helping to plan and host the Malaysian Singaporean Student Association’s Lunar New Year celebrations, participating in the UofT Chapter of Student Energy, or sitting on the editorial team of the Association of Malaysian Economics Undergraduates’ journal Econsilience, Faiz is focused on challenging himself to grow.
“I consider myself a particularly introverted person, so I feel like going to networking events really just forces me to talk to more people, even though it’s scary at first,” Faiz said. “I remind myself that I’ve had good experiences before. It allows me to explore my extroverted side a bit more and forces me to step out of my comfort zone.”
A recent networking event at Hart House led to Faiz meeting a mining company executive who gave him new perspectives of the industry, where it is going, and the people who work in it.
“As someone passionate about the environment, I thought it would be a great chance to talk to her,” Faiz said. “Often, when you hear about mining, you hear about its negative impact on the environment. I was asking her some controversial questions, like why she chose to be in this industry, and I learned so much. The main thing I learned was that she is an advocate for the environment and sustainability. What interested me the most was that she is encouraging students to join the mining industry! She talked about the necessity of people like me, who are asking these types of questions, getting into the industry to fix what’s happening behind the scenes.”
The extra-curricular experience isn’t all about learning to network. As deputy editor of an undergraduate journal, Faiz has also had to learn about taking leadership of projects and teams. It’s a process that has made him more accountable to himself and his goals.
“Taking on leadership roles is basically telling yourself that you have more responsibilities on your shoulders,” he said. Having those responsibilities will always push you to do more.”
Learning to lead is not just about the role itself, its also about supporting other team members and ensuring their voices are heard and their contributions acknowledged.
“An important aspect of becoming a leader is understanding the importance of collaboration,” Faiz explained. “As an introvert, I tend to do my work alone and not care about what anyone has to say about it. But that doesn’t happen when you’re a leader. In all my past leadership experiences, collaboration has been a core aspect. I love hearing what my teammates have to say because I feel like everyone’s ideas are important. We can have discussions on how to approach and solve problems or organize specific events. By fostering an inclusive environment, we can achieve anything we set our minds to.”
Are you a member of a recognized club or student affinity group you’d like to talk about? Email communications.economics@utoronto.ca to set up an interview.
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