A day in the life

Find your own adventure

Thomas Hansen was born in Halifax and spent many summers in the city. But being in a military family meant moving around when he was younger. He was in high school in Toronto when he applied to Dal, and looked at it as a sort of homecoming when he arrived to do a double major in Political Science and German.

“I wanted to go somewhere familiar but also wanted to get away from my family and friends to do something on my own and make a new group of friends,” he says. “I always considered myself a Haligonian so it really felt like I was coming home.”

Ironically, after Thomas applied to Dal, the Canadian Forces posted his father back to Halifax where part of his job was to teach in Dal’s Political Science department through the Centre for Foreign Policy Studies.

“It’s actually turned out to be a very good thing,” says Thomas. “He’s incredibly approachable and a great resource. I’ve realized I was getting a political science education around the dinner table my entire life.”

He says the inherited passion for talking politics has helped him get more of out of his university experience, both in the classroom and out.

“You always get way more out of your classes if you’re engaged and actively participate,” he says. “Being shy will only hold you back. Joining different societies has allowed me to meet a lot of great people with like minds. There are tons of societies on campus, and if there isn’t one for you, you can start one.”

Since he is doing a double major in Political Science and German, Thomas is a member of the undergraduate societies for both departments, and was involved with Toastmasters. Off campus, he spends two nights per week, one weekend per month, and his summers as a naval reservist with the Canadian Forces.

While his salary as a reservist pays for much of his tuition and will allow him to graduate without debt, he says it was a challenge learning to juggle his school, work, and home lives.

“There’s also my social life, which is as important as anything else,” he says. “Learning good social skills is vital to a successful future and career. It’s one of the most important things I’ve learned in university.”

After graduation, Thomas plans to stay in the Reserves and become an officer. Then it’s on to a career in the public service.

“I’m ready for something bigger—outside the classroom,” he says. “I’m looking for a new adventure, and university is all about finding your own adventure.”