By Helena Bryan

Jimmy Peterson is testimony to the fact that even in the world of academia where logic and analysis reign, it sometimes pays to follow your heart.

When he first began university, Peterson was bent on earning a business degree, with the longer-term goal of becoming either an accountant or lawyer.

After one year, he switched to political science simply because he enjoyed the classes more.

Professor Alex Moens, of the political science department, is glad he did.

Not only has Peterson earned a Governor General’s Silver Medal for one of the highest grade-point averages among all SFU undergrads, but in his fourth year he co-wrote, with Moens, a chapter on Canadian foreign policy in Africa.

The chapter appears in a book published by the prestigious Defense College of Rome, NATO’s hub of foreign policy expertise.

The two worked, through NATO, with the African Union to write the text, which looked at the history of Canada’s role in Africa and its recent position on the continent, and made recommendations for a future relationship.

A player on the international political stage: not too shabby for an undergrad.

As proud as Peterson is of that achievement, though, it doesn’t compare to the pride he feels for a homegrown initiative he’s involved in with Special Olympics North Shore (SONS).

Seven years ago, he and his best friend started a basketball program for Special Olympics athletes. They’ve since coached more than 60 athletes and the SONS basketball program is now the most popular in western Canada.

“I’ve developed close relationships with many of my players,” says Peterson. “And while I try to be a role model, they teach me a lot about perseverance, overcoming challenges and staying positive.” 

Next year, Peterson will be on scholarship as he begins a master’s in political science here at SFU. After that, it’s either a PhD from Stanford or Law School at UBC.