Interview with Julia Moraes
Tell us about yourself and why you chose to study Criminal Justice and Public Policy at the University of Guelph?
My name is Julia, I grew up in Brazil and moved to Canada when I was fourteen years old. Moving countries and leaving behind everything you've ever known is never easy, and it took a while before Canada felt like home. Like a lot of high school students, the idea of applying and going to university terrified me, especially the thought of moving again. Originally, I planned on going to law school and majoring in English at a different university (but ultimately turned down the offer). However, the more research I did, the more I fell in love with the University of Guelph and the Criminal Justice and Public Policy program.
First, Guelph was large enough to offer a wide variety of courses, amenities, and opportunities, but still small enough to have a tight-knit community feeling. Second, the CJPP program felt like the perfect combination of diverse social science courses and relevant societal topics that deeply resonated with me. I figured it would help me even more when it was time to apply to law school. (Plot twist, I did not go to law school! More on that later...)
What did you like most about your program? Is there anything in particular about the courses or professors that stands out to you?
There are so many things I loved about the Criminal Justice and Public Policy program, but what stands out to me the most is the flexibility it grants students to choose the path that best fits their interests and career aspirations. As with most programs there are many required courses in first and second year but by fourth year, I had several friends in CJPP, and we all were doing completely different things! My roommates went down a more sociological route, other friends focused on public policy, international politics, and constitutional law. I was able to find a happy middle: a minor in political science that allowed me to solidify my knowledge on current political issues and judicial processes, while leaning on the sociology courses from my CJPP major to critically explore relevant social issues. This balance gave me the variety and diversity I needed to stay engaged and committed to succeeding, even when I felt overwhelmed. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it.
Also, the CJPP professors were some of the loveliest, kindest, most caring people I have ever met. They truly care about their students and will do everything they can to help you succeed (as long as you are willing to put in the work!). I was extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to work with a few of the CJPP profs as their research assistant and even get a publication with one of them. I am currently working on another publication with one of my amazing professors, which I think speaks to the long-lasting connections you can make through this program.
Where are you currently working and what is your role?
I am currently working at Mount Sinai Hospital and Women's College Hospital as a research assistant on the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology research team. I have the privilege of working with world-renowned doctors and researchers on projects to improve access to sexual and reproductive health care for women and gender-diverse individuals, especially those from vulnerable populations who have historically faced barriers to health care. It has been incredibly rewarding to have a job where I feel like I'm making a difference and contributing to a cause I am extremely passionate about, and I feel very fortunate to have received this position right after graduation. I have been in my position since June 2024, and plan to stay there at least until June 2026, after which I will pursue my master’s degree!
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?
Once in the program, I realized the world of criminal justice and public policy is much broader than just law. Honestly, I planned on going to go to law school because I believed it was what I was "supposed to do". In high school, you can have a pretty narrow perspective of what career options are available, but once you're in the "real world" you discover there are so many opportunities and options available.
To me, the flexibility of CJPP program helped me get to where I am today. In my fourth year, I had completed the majority of my required courses and was free to follow my curiosity. I took this opportunity to dive deeper into topics I was interested in by taking two fourth year reading courses, in sociology and political science. These were still part of the program, but it basically allowed me to design my own courses to investigate a specific topic. I reached out to two professors to be my advisors in these courses, and fortunately they both said yes. Together, we designed courses on women's sexual health and reproductive justice. The knowledge and research skills I gained in those courses directly lead to me applying for and landing my current position as a research assistant.
What advice would you give someone considering Criminal Justice and Public Policy or applying to the University of Guelph?
DO IT. You will not regret it. But try and make the most out of it. If you only do the bare minimum and just go from one class to another, your time at the university will fly by and you’ll regret not doing more. But if you and try and make meaningful connections with your peers and profs and get involved. I promise that in the end you will enjoy your time at Guelph SO much more. Oh, and don't forget to HAVE FUN! I didn't always believe it when people said these are the best years of your life, but they truly are. So, make time for your friends because you will carry these relationships with you for the rest of your life. I love the friends I made at Guelph and even though we far apart, we still stay connected. They are the ones that make all of it worth it in the end.
Bonus Questions
Where was your favourite place to eat on campus and what was your go-to food order?
Mom's Kitchen at either Creelman or the University Centre. It really felt like having home-cooked meals, and the food is always DELICIOUS. Me and my roommates would always brag about what kind of chicken we got that day. It never missed!
In your opinion where is the best place to study on campus?
If you want to be social - the Bullring; if you want to be serious - the private study rooms in the library (I even reserved one when I had my online Canadian citizenship ceremony, so I basically got my citizenship at the University of Guelph!)
What are your top 5 favourite things about U of G?
- The time I got to spend with my roommates
- The amazing CJPP professors and how much I learned from them
- Getting to de-stress after a midterm or exam at the gym
- The friendly, welcoming, tight-knit community feel of our campus
- The unbelievable food (by far the BEST I've ever seen or had in any university)
