Guelph Grad Q&A: Jacquelyn Passarelli

Culture and Technology Studies Provides Grad Invaluable Lesson 

Jacquelyn Passarelli graduated in 2024 from the University of Guelph’s Culture and Technology Studies program. This unique major not only taught her invaluable life lessons but also gave her the skills she needed to pursue a Master of Library and Information Science at the University of Toronto.

Continue reading to learn more about why Jacquelyn decided to Choose U of Guelph and how her professors encouraged her to take the path less travelled. 

Interview with Jacquelyn Passarelli

Tell us about yourself and why you chose the Culture and Technology Studies program University of Guelph?

During my second year of my general Bachelor of Arts program, Culture and Technology Studies was introduced as a new major. While taking CTS 2010, I enjoyed the environment of the classes and the unique content that was being taught and began to see my future within the field. Once I declared my major (and a minor in Human Resources and Organizational Behaviour) I felt the strong community that everyone around me had been bragging about. 

What did you like most about your program? Is there anything in particular about the courses or professors that stands out to you?

The Culture and Technology Studies program was a very unique experience as compared to other undergraduate degrees. As I was a part of the first cohort of students, class sizes were quite small and allowed me to form relationships with my classmates and professors. Kim Martin, Paul Barrett, and Susan Brown changed my perspective of what I thought an academic professional had to be and encouraged me to take the path less travelled. The requirement to have a digital portfolio live on the web (you can see my revamped site at jacpassarelli.ca), helped me to become more confident in my work and the information about myself that I share on- and off-line. 

Did you do co-op? If yes, tell us a bit about your placement and your experience.

I did not do co-op as it was not offered at the time of my enrollment, but I have heard great things about the co-op program and would encourage anyone to check it out! 

I worked on campus as a Work Study student in the OGPS office and loved it!

Where are you currently working and what is your role?

I work part-time in marketing and information technology while completing my Master of Information, specializing in Library and Information Science, at the University of Toronto’s iSchool.

How did your degree and time at the University of Guelph help get you to where you are today? How do the skills and education you gained help with your current work?

The Culture and Technology Studies program at the University of Guelph taught me an invaluable lesson that I’ve carried into my graduate studies: mistakes are a vital part of the learning process. Working through challenges and completing a project is just as important as the final result, so soak it in.

What advice would you give someone considering the Culture and Technology Studies programor applying to the University of Guelph?

Try not to focus so much on what happens after university, but enjoy the time spent there. I often found myself backed into a corner as I tried to define what my end goal was and thought that I needed a complete five-year plan. However, my professors and the University of Guelph community showed me that I didn’t need to have all the answers right then and there.

Bonus Questions

In your opinion where is the best place to study on campus?

Finding a nice bench at the Arboretum to do my class readings! 

What was your pre-exam ritual?

Late-night review sessions with friends and classmates. 

What are your top 5 favourite things about U of G?

1. The Culture & Technology Studies community that we were able to create.
2. The Arboretum  
3. All the workshops and guest lecturers in the THINC Lab
4. The volunteer opportunities in the Guelph community
5. Its proximity to nature trails and beautiful picnic spots.