Jas Sidhu: “I am a firm believer in the interconnected oneness of all living beings, which is a principle that Ignatian spirituality emphasizes.” Photo: Submitted
Jas Sidhu, a medical student at McMaster University, recently joined Canadian Jesuits International (CJI) as part of the Canada Summer Jobs program.
Jas, who earned undergraduate and master’s degrees in political science from the University of Toronto, is “deeply interested” in understanding the impact of policy decisions on people’s health and that of their communities.
When he’s not at school, he likes to go to the gym, spend time with his friends, and dance.
CJI asked Jas some questions related to his placement at CJI. Excerpts:
What made you decide to apply for a summer job at CJI?
I am a firm believer in the interconnected oneness of all living beings, which is a principle that Ignatian spirituality emphasizes. With a desire to learn more about this philosophy and get involved in community-based projects that help the most marginalized in society, CJI seemed like a perfect fit!
What expectations, if any, do you have about the position. What are you hoping to learn, or what skills are you hoping to acquire at the end of your stint?
I hope to gain a deeper understanding of how social justice, advocacy, and policy intersect with global health and human dignity. I’m also looking forward to strengthening my skills in community engagement, research, and communicating complex issues in a way that inspires action. Most importantly, I hope to learn from the CJI team and the communities they work with.
What skills are you excited to share with CJI?
I’m excited to contribute my research, writing, and policy analysis skills, as well as my experience communicating complex social issues to diverse audiences. Through my work in healthcare and community advocacy, I’ve also developed strong collaboration and interpersonal skills, and I’m eager to support CJI’s mission while learning from the team.
