This article is part of a series focusing on the grads of the ±«Óãtv Class of 2020. Visit our to share in the excitement with our newest graduates.
Dante Samson left his home in Cape Breton for ±«Óãtv four years ago with a clear purpose in mind: to learn how to create and design sustainable and inclusive spaces. This spring, Dante completed his degree with a double major in planning and sustainability with an honours in urban design. He also leaves Dal with a wealth of experience arising from his time as vice-president and honours representative for the society of undergraduate planners and from his efforts in contributing to events such as the SHIFT Equity conference.
Why did you choose to attend ±«Óãtv University?
I chose to study at ±«Óãtv University because I wanted to study at a university that was both close to home and far away enough to experience a different atmosphere. It was a pretty easy choice because ±«Óãtv is the only Atlantic Canadian university that offers an accredited urban planning program.
Why did you choose to study community design and urban planning?
I have always had a passion for design. Growing up, I wanted to be an interior designer or an architect. And after learning that the Bachelor of Community Design program had all these components and explored them at different scales, I decided that it was the perfect fit for me.
What did you enjoy most about your experience at Dal?
 The thing that I enjoyed the most about ±«Óãtv was the opportunity for community-based interactive learning experiences. You cannot plan a city without understanding the way it works. So I enjoyed that ±«Óãtv maintains strong relationships with community stakeholders to make this learning possible.
In what ways did you contribute to the Dal community?
I was the vice-president and the honors representative for the society of undergraduate planners. I also helped organize and participated in many planning community conferences such as the SHIFT Equity conference. I also participated in Dal’s Community Day, and I have also been an O-week leader for a few years.
What is your favorite spot on campus?
My favorite spot on campus was the Dalplex. It was a place where I could get academics out of my head and focus on my mental health and well-being, which I feel is super important when going to university, especially.
Do you have any advice for new and current Dal students?
The best piece of advice I can offer is to challenge your perspective. We live in a world where solutions require interdisciplinary approaches, and I think that an essential step in tackling modern-day issues is to acknowledge diversity.
What are your plans for the future?
I hope to use my community design degree to help people and communities live more vibrantly, equitably, and sustainably.Â
Grad Profile: Finding purpose in urban planning
Dante Samson, Faculty of Architecture and Planning
Obinna Esomchukwu - June 4, 2020