Books pave the way to a master’s of public policy at SFU for world literature and international studies grad

The power of books and narrative drew Iulia Sincraian into the world of politics and propelled her on a path to change the world for the better. Currently a master’s candidate at the Simon Fraser University (SFU) School of Public Policy, Sincraian is completing her thesis on health care access for temporary migrant farm workers in B.C.

Sincraian has been involved in politics since age 13 and graduated high school with a desire to make the world a better place. After graduating SFU with an honours degree majoring in world literature with a minor in international studies, she still believes in the incredible power of sharing our stories to address and correct systemic injustices in society.

“There’s a reason why books have been, and continue to be, banned in countries with authoritarian leadership,” says Sincraian. “There is an understanding that books can break a system and help us become more understanding of other people’s viewpoints and struggles.”

Sincraian’s time at SFU and her experience building political movements have reinforced her belief in the need for new approaches to address social change. Eager to support Sincraian’s keen interest in improving her community, her instructors provided opportunities for her to become a stronger researcher by sharing her work beyond the classroom.

“It made a huge difference in my confidence to share my research with others,” says Sincraian. “My professors gave me opportunities to present at SFU conferences and at a UBC conference too.”

Sincraian was also selected to be the SFU representative at Harvard’s Institute for World Literature, where her research was well received. She found abundant professional support through networking at those seminars and events.

“All of these experiences helped me become a stronger researcher and be accepted into the public policy master’s program at SFU.”

When asked about her proudest achievements to date, Sincraian cites being chosen as the graduate speaker for the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences graduation ceremony in fall 2018.

“I’m incredibly grateful to have studied at SFU,” says Sincraian. “The opportunities I had and the relationships I developed really shaped where I am now.”