writing papers and skating canyons ☀


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the passing of seasons

Do you use headspace?

If you haven't heard of it, headspace is a meditation app, and one of the lessons it often repeats is that of impermanence.

It's an idea I've been working on internalizing lately because it reminds me of two things:

1. nothing (bad) lasts forever, and

2. nothing (good) lasts forever

Impermanence can be interpreted as either 'hard times don't last' or as 'good times don't last.'

I think the nifty part is learning to take both of these as true and not assigning any value judgement to the passing of seasons in your life. That is, experiencing without expectations.

Especially after moving to Toronto and gaining a new sense of autonomy, I've had to think more about how I spend my time and, equally importantly, who I spend it with. Taking each experience as it is and without expectation has allowed me to really appreciate people and situations that I may not have otherwise.

That's enough from me on this, but if you're interested in reading up on impermanence, I found this article by Forbes to be a good summary.

Below, a quick update from me and some resource recommendations.

Thank you for being here :)

The Laidlaw Foundation

I'm ecstatic to be joining the 2022 cohort of scholars at the Laidlaw Foundation! Their two-year Leadership and Research Programme trains incoming researchers to embrace data-based decision-making and become active global citizens.

The foundation supports scholars via a grant for independent research, development training, and an in-action experience via expeditions and service-based missions.

I've learned that community is a key piece of personal growth, and I've already met so many new friends and bright minds in the global Laidlaw community.

I'll be working as the principal investigator on my research project this summer under the supervision of Professor Gazzale (shout-out and a huge thank you!!!).

My research will investigate how economic decision-making might be impacted by different forms of observation in situations that involve a pro-social choice, that is, a choice that is non-selfish. I'm excited to use the space at the Toronto Experimental Economics Lab (TEEL) and share my findings with you all in a few months!

lab internship at Stanford

I'm over the moon about joining the team at the Stanford Digital Economy Lab (SDEL) as an intern this summer! The SDEL is a part of the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence and investigates how emerging technologies are impacting work, organizations, and the economy. Thank you to Christie Ko, Susan Young, and Shawneric Hachey for making this a possibility! I can't wait to work with you all.

building foundational knowledge + writing papers

One of my biggest reasons for attending university was to build foundational knowledge. Something I realized in high school was that I would often skip to the cool and interesting applications of things like blockchain or mathematics without first learning the basics.

Having just finished my first year at UofT, I feel more than satisfied and content with the knowledge I've built. I'm excited to continue to gain depth!

I'm also now finishing up an internship at the Los Angeles Behavioural Economics Lab by writing a paper with Professor Brocas, the director of the lab. Moving forward, I'll be working on a paper with a post-doc student this summer on the impact of COVID-19 on the gig economy.

Having done both corporate and start-up internships, my goal this year was to dip my toes into the world of academia - and I'm happy to report that I have.

making memories

The past few months haven't been all work and no...pausing? Using "play" doesn't seem to fit me, so I'll have to substitute here.

Perhaps one of my the biggest shifts in my priorities over the past year has been relationships. I've noticed it's very easy to incite and begin relationships - the hard part, and the worthwhile bit, is investing in existing relationships.

From going on learning retreats in Muskoka with some brilliant people, skating frozen canyons in Banff with my closest friends, and even having regular check-ins with the people I care about most have all been integral in helping me build and realize the importance of a support system.

A lot changed this year with moving out and, as I mentioned earlier, gaining a whole new level of autonomy. Striking a balance between quality alone time to work and progress and consistent quality time with people has been one of the highlights of my year so far.

Speaking of highlights - I'll be headed to NYC towards the end of the summer! If you're around, I'd love to grab coffee and catch up :)

3-2-1

Courtesy of James Clear, whose newsletter I highly recommend, I want to end this update with three ideas, two quotes, and one question.

Ideas (from me)

Learn what people value. For example, not everyone will value quality time just as not everyone will value the lending of a helping hand. Support can take many forms.
As much as you question whether certain people, institutions or organizations want to be around you, question whether you want to be around them. It is not arrogant to be thoughtful.
Things that make us feel good often only make us feel that way after the fact rather than before. Going on a walk without music feels better after than before. Working out feels better after than before. Eating a healthy meal feels better after than before.

Quotes (from others)

No one changes the world alone, and no one doesn't change it at all - Hank Green
Be brave. Take risks. Nothing can substitute experience - Paulo Coelho

Question (for you)

What's one thing a stranger would change about your life if they could?

Thank you for welcoming me into your inbox every so often. It brings me joy to share my progress with the very people who helped me get here.

Sending thank yous and virtual hugs,

Ruhani

Ruhani Walia

You received this email because you have been a valuable part of my journey :)

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