Kathleen Chen: I’m a fourth-year student pursuing an Economics and Mathematics Specialist. It can be difficult to get used to “thinking like an economist” at first, but once you overcome the learning curve you’ll see that many economic concepts are just variations of the same ideas. Be persistent, ask for help, and take ownership of your learning! Looking forward to seeing you at the study centre.

Christopher Sims: I am a fourth-year student pursuing a major in economics with minors in mathematics and philosophy. My favourite economics courses in my first two years were ECO100 (as it was called then), which got me interested in the approach and mindset used by economics, and ECO206, which provided an exceptional basis in microeconomic theory that can be applied to all sorts of problems. I would recommend students to try to engage in economics outside the classroom, be it by "thinking like an economist" as you encounter new things in your daily life or by reading some of the many excellent and relatively accessible books about economics out there. Outside of my studies, I am a keen classical pianist and choral singer and enjoy playing on the university's Quiz Bowl team.

Jenney Ren is a fourth year Rotman Commerce student specializing in Finance and Economics and minoring in Computer Science. She enjoys taking courses in a variety of subjects, from Business Law to Economic History to programming. Her favourite lower-year economics course was ECO100. In her spare time, Jenney enjoys reading fantasy novels and baking.

Andrew Harrison: I am a fourth year student doing a Bachelor of Commerce specializing in finance and economics. My favourite economics course was definitely ECO209 (Macroeconomics) because I like being able to discuss actual government policy and stay up to date with economic news. My advice to any first or second year student is to make sure you don't fall behind on any material. Most concepts in economics are cumulative and if you don't understand the fundamentals then you will never understand the more advanced concepts. Make sure you reach out to people for help early. 

Ivan Hsieh is a fourth-year student pursing a major in International Relations and Economics. One piece of advice he would offer to students in economics is to repeatedly practice problems in order to bridge the gap between understanding concepts and applying them on a test. Outside of academics, Ivan enjoys traveling to new places, drinking craft beer, and karaoke.

Mohamad Hammoud: I am third year student pursuing a Financial Economics specialist and a Statistics major. My favorite courses are ECO208 and ECO227. My advise to students is to come to the ESC if they have any questions. Some concepts that seem difficult become quite easy to understand with the right guidance. Looking forward to seeing you.

Theodor Iordache: I'm a third year student pursuing a major in Economics alongside a double-minor in English and Drama. My favorite Economics class in first year was macroeconomics (ECO102), and in second year my favorite class was statistics (ECO220) -- I really enjoyed learning about the "behind the scenes" of how we as economists get ahold of the data we work with, and how we use it to come to substantive conclusions. When I'm not studying, you can probably find me playing video games, cooking unhealthy meals, or buried in a Shakespeare play. If I had to give an Economics student one piece of advice, it'd be to never lose sight of the practical elements of your coursework. It can be easy to get lost in algebra, models, or theory, and forget that what we study has a real-world impact; making a conscious effort to bring my coursework to reality has always helped me find the logic embedded in the material.

Abdelrahman Amer: I am a fourth-year Economics and Mathematics Specialist. My favourite 2nd year courses were ECO206 and ECO227. Demanding ,yet rewarding courses, especially if you are planning to do more economics courses. Economics is a very broad subject and can be your door to various interesting topics, ranging from governments and institutions all the way to households and family behaviour. My advice to all Economics students is to always be curious and questioning, such mindset will drive you towards a better and more complete understanding. Soccer is my main interest outside of school, be it watching or playing. Looking forwards to helping you have a good experience with your economics courses!

Gia Long Ivan Thang: I'm currently a third year student at Rotman Commerce specializing in Finance and Economics and majoring in Statistics. My favorite economics courses are Eco206 and Eco227. From my perspective, economics is challenging, not because of the math or quantitative models involved, but rather the intuitions behind, i.e. the way to think as an economist. Simplifying a real world driven by infinite number of factors into a single model parameterized by a few variables is the challenge that makes economics so appealing. First and second year courses at U of T will prepare students with a strong foundation, making them ready for the more advanced future courses.

KaiOu Guo: I am a third year student specializing in Financial Economics who comes from life science background. Economics is interesting to me because it is one of the very few subjects where I am able to make direct real life connections with materials taught in class. My favorite 100 level economics course is ECO101, because it introduced me to the economic way of thinking. In second year my favorite ECO course is ECO208, because ECO208 taught me how to build economic models from scratch. This is not anything new, but I believe the key to successfully learn economics is to understand the material, memorization does not work well with economics.

Yuxi Chelsea Chen is a fourth year Rotman Commerce student specializing in Finance and Economics with a minor in Statistics. She is very excited to be joining the Economics Study Centre for the 2019 - 2020 academic year! She is interested in financial economics and macroeconomics, and her favourite economics courses are ECO209 and ECO365. Outside of the ESC, you can find her at the Rotman Finance Lab studying or working as a lab assistant. Her interests outside of school include graphic design, video editing, and badminton.

Zihao Tony Kuang is a third year Commerce student specializing in management with a focus in marketing and finance. He is beyond excited to be able to help students explore and understand the world of economics this year as an ESC learning assistant. His favourite economics course in first and second year were ECO100 and ECO220. His advice to all newer economics students is to never be afraid to ask questions or look for additional resources (be it in class, at the ESC, on the internet, etc.). There are so many ways to navigate these topics and no single way that works for everyone; it is just about finding the best method for yourself.