Royal Canadian Navy Reservist Christopher Chen came to U of T in 2019 through the Academic Bridging Program to study political science and history. Now on the eve of graduation from the Faculty of Arts & Science, he reflects on what he most appreciated about the university and his experiences as a work study student in Hart House’s Hip Hop Education Program.
Unlike some students who may, at first, feel alienated by the magnitude of the University of Toronto, Christopher Chen loves how big it is. “One of my favorite things about U of T is the size of it! For me, personally, I like it because it offers a variety of places to study or do work — the John P. Robarts Research Library, the John M. Kelly Library or Hart House.” For most of his undergrad years, he commuted to the St. George campus from his home in Caledon.
"I also really like the diverse crowd of people at U of T. I'm living here now, in Toronto, so I like the fact that I can be exposed to different walks of life, to so many different people. I feel the University really encourages that.”
Chen particularly likes King’s College Circle. “I remember from my first and second year, I would always love to go out there and see the community. You know what I mean? Just seeing people playing Frisbee, mingling and enjoying the sun ...” These are some of the most cherished memories he will take with him after graduation.
Hart House became a home
He learned about Hart House by exploring the campus with his peers in Woodsworth College's Academic Bridging Program. “I had a bunch of friends from that program — we all started our bachelor’s degrees together. We'd go around campus and explore different buildings for fun.” They first discovered the gym at Hart House Fitness Centre.
The following year, he noticed an advertisement for a few work study positions at Hart House. He applied and got a job in the Hip Hop Education Program. A Drake fan, he had been interested in Hip Hop since Grade 10.
He took to Hart House right away. “The house has become like a home for me this academic year. I'm grateful for it,” he says. In fact, he wishes he had discovered it earlier in his time at U of T.
Many highlights in the Hip Hop Education program
Chen thoroughly enjoyed programming at Hart House. “In Hip Hop Education, we basically teach the many aspects of Hip Hop — music, dance and art,” he explains. “We hold master classes featuring Canadian artists who host the class, teaching people how to do things and providing some information that participants might not have known about Hip Hop.”
He particularly liked when award-winning Hip Hop journalist Dalton Higgins held one of the master classes. Another host showed the group how to work turntables and DJ. “It was pretty interesting. We had different stations where she would show us how to scratch records. I’d never done that before, so it was new to me. I appreciated it a lot."
He also loved working with Program Associate Francesca D'Amico-Cuthbert, an award-winning historian of American and Canadian Hip Hop culture, the creative industries and the music marketplace. “She's a Hip Hop professor,” he says. “I didn't know there was such a thing! It was a surprise to me.”
The Hip Hop Block Party was another highlight in spring programming. “There were a lot of things going on, but the focus was teaching people, informing them about how diverse Hip Hop is.”
Hart House’s inclusive programming won him over
Reflecting on his experiences as a work study student at Hart House, Chen says his favourite thing about the House is that “there's something for everyone. The programming is really inclusive.”
He shares a story about how he spontaneously joined in a candlelight yoga session, and notes that the room he is chatting in [at the time of the interview] has a piano for those who like to play — again, something for everyone.
Hart House allows people to express themselves in their own unique ways ... for a lot of people, it is a little refuge or sanctuary inside the university.
“Hart House attracts a very diverse crowd. It allows people to express themselves in their own unique ways. That's what I like about the house. I know for a lot of people, it is a little refuge or sanctuary inside the university,” he emphasizes, adding, “Once you find your space, you build a community around that space. You know what I mean?”
Advice for students?
Chen encourages students to join Hart House. “Go for it because you never know. You won't know things that you like until you try them. If you don't go and try things, you could miss an opportunity that you might be passionate about.
That's the best way to make friends, build a community and learn more about yourself.
“I would encourage anybody to see what's around, apply for things, get involved. Absolutely. Test the waters. See your interests. That’s the best way to make friends, build a community and learn more about yourself.”
Learn about Hart House Hip Hop Education and watch out for employment opportunities.