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​​Navigating the Urban Jungle: My Journey with LevelUp Planning
By: Anas Ahmad
Hey there, fellow travelers of the professional realm! It's your urban planning enthusiast, Anas Ahmad, reporting in with tales from my time in the trenches during my placement at LevelUp Planning earlier this year. Buckle up because we're about to embark on a journey through the bustling streets of Metro Vancouver and dive deep into the world of transportation equity, one document at a time!
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From delving into the depths of transportation equity within Metro Vancouver to dissecting reports faster than you can say “urban sprawl,” it was quite an adventure. My comrades in arms? None other than Dr. Victoria Barr and Alex Pysklywec, the brains behind LevelUp Planning. Together, we unraveled the mysteries of transportation and social inequities in the region. ​​
Photo credit: Freepik
But wait, there's more! As we reached the final stretch of our project, the focus shifted to gathering insights from city planners across the land. It was like a treasure hunt, hunting for data nuggets to fuel our report for TransLink. With documents categorized and reports analyzed, we worked to distill our findings into a concise yet comprehensive report.
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The final couple of weeks brought the final pieces of the puzzle together in my placement journey at LevelUp Planning. With the focus on crafting a comprehensive report summarizing our findings from Task 1 of the TransLink project, I found myself at the culmination of my efforts over the past three months. This report wasn't just another document; it was a testament to the countless hours spent diving into reports, analyzing data, and synthesizing information alongside Victoria and Alex.
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Throughout this whirlwind adventure, I had the privilege of learning from the best in the business. Dr. Victoria Barr and Alex Pysklywec were more than mentors – they were guiding lights in the murky waters of urban planning. Their expertise, coupled with their unwavering support, made this journey not only educational but downright enjoyable. ​​
As I reflect on those three months, I can't help but marvel at how far I had come. From transportation inequities to urban growth strategies, I navigated the urban jungle with newfound confidence and expertise. And with the promise of presenting our findings at a symposium on the horizon, I was more excited than ever to share our discoveries with the world.
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What started as a mere placement evolved into a journey of self-discovery, which pushed me beyond my comfort zone and into uncharted territory. Through the highs and lows, I emerged not only with a deeper understanding of transportation equity but also with newfound confidence in my abilities as a budding urban planner.​​
Photo credit: Story Set (via Freepik)
But it was not just about the knowledge gained or the skills honed; it was about the connections forged and the friendships formed along the way. From brainstorming sessions to coffee breaks, the camaraderie at LevelUp Planning was nothing short of extraordinary. Whether swapping planning puns or sharing personal stories from the field, we formed a bond that extends beyond the confines of the office walls.
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As I bid adieu to my placement at LevelUp Planning, I did so with a heart full of gratitude and a mind buzzing with possibilities. The lessons learned, the friendships forged, and the memories made will forever hold a special place in my journey as an urban planner. As I set sail for new horizons, I did so with the knowledge that the road may be winding, but with the right mindset and a dash of perseverance, anything is possible. As I bid farewell to this chapter of my life, I did so with a newfound sense of purpose and a determination to continue making a difference in the world of urban planning.
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So here's to those three months: a journey filled with challenges, triumphs, and everything in between. And here's to the future: brimming with endless possibilities and opportunities yet to be discovered. With LevelUp Planning as my launchpad, I'm ready to soar to new heights and make my mark on the world. Let the adventure continue! ​​
Photo credit: Macrovector (via Freepik)
About the Writer:
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Anas Ahmad
Urban and Regional Planning Student
(he/him)
Anas is a driven undergraduate urban and regional planning student based in the vibrant city of Toronto. Born with a passion for understanding the dynamics of urban spaces, Anas's journey into the realm of planning has been marked by an insatiable curiosity for the interconnectedness of communities and their environments.
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Beyond the classroom, Anas' interests are as diverse as the neighborhoods he studies. With a heart that soars alongside the airplanes he admires, Anas finds solace and excitement in plane spotting, a hobby that allows him to marvel at the ingenuity of human engineering and the vastness of the skies. Whether it's at the airport or through the lens of his camera, Anas finds joy in capturing the beauty of flight. ​
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In addition to his love for aviation, Anas is an avid cricket enthusiast. Whether he's cheering on his favorite team or honing his skills on the field, cricket serves as both a source of entertainment and a way to connect with his cultural roots.
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However, it is within the realm of urban transportation and mobility that Anas' passions truly converge. Recognizing the pivotal role that transportation plays in shaping the fabric of cities, Anas is committed to exploring ways in which equitable access to transportation can lead to more inclusive and sustainable urban environments. His studies delve deep into the complexities of urban planning, with a particular focus on creating cities where everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, can thrive.
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As Anas continues his academic journey, he remains dedicated to bridging the gap between theory and practice, with the ultimate goal of contributing to the creation of cities that are not only functional but also equitable and inclusive for all who call them home. With his unwavering passion and dedication, Anas is poised to make a meaningful impact in the field of urban planning and beyond. ​