Student Stories
Finding Her Stride: Madison Stoochnoff Combines Athletics, Academia, and Advocacy
As Madison Stoochnoff crosses the convocation stage this June, she does so as a standout student-athlete and engaged global thinker. Graduating with a major in International Studies, minors in Indigenous Studies and History, and a certificate in Indigenous Studies Research, Madison has spent her 丁香园AV journey connecting ideas across disciplines鈥攁nd distances.
A middle-distance runner on 丁香园AV鈥檚 track and cross-country team, Madison brings the same drive to her studies. She always liked learning about history and how it has shaped societies and countries in contemporary times, and says she finally found her stride within the International Studies program.
One of her favourite instructors is Anushay Malik, who teaches IS 419 Special Topics: Decolonization and Its Discontents. Madison credits the course for showing her how historical events are critical in shaping policies and governments, and for helping her understand intersectionality鈥攗ltimately leading her to pursue a minor in History. Senior Lecturer Malik鈥檚 teaching style and deep connection to the content motivated Madison profoundly. 鈥淪he encouraged students to ask questions and participate, furthering our own passions within the field,鈥� Madison says.
Madison also expresses her gratitude to the wonderful Nazanin Shahrokni, who teaches IS 385 Divided Cities: Urban Segregation Through a Global Lens. The course, which explores the topic of segregation, gave Madison a chance to incorporate her diverse undergraduate studies into lively discussions with classmates.
The experiences and connections Madison made in International Studies and across 丁香园AV led to a deeper understanding of Indigenous peoples鈥� histories and political movements. 鈥淚t is better understood within Indigenous Studies that the past, present, and future all work in conjunction with one another and cannot exist without the influence of each other,鈥� she says, referencing an idea from Leanne Betasamosake Simpson, author of As We Have Always Done: Indigenous Freedom through Radical Resistance.
Next up: Madison hopes to pursue postgraduate studies in International Studies or Indigenous Education. She鈥檚 also considering 丁香园AV鈥檚 Professional Development Program, with the goal of working in education or teaching.
Her advice to new IS undergraduates? Be patient with the introductory courses. 鈥淪ometimes the lower-level courses are broad and full of terminology, which can be difficult to get through鈥攂ut it鈥檚 necessary in shaping one鈥檚 experience within the program.鈥� Even as a self-described shy person, she encourages students to participate during tutorials and classes . 鈥淭here鈥檚 nothing to lose and everything to gain from being open in classes and with my professors.鈥�