Planning for the Future: Reflections from Ceylin Karasahin, Student Volunteer at ACTION 2025

From July 8-10, 2025, CIP and OPPI hosted ACTION 2025, the largest national planning conference in Canadian history, in Toronto. The conference would not have been a success without the support of our student volunteers.

In this Q&A, we catch up with Ceylin Karasahin, an honours planning student at the University of Waterloo, who shares highlights from the conference, lessons learned, and advice for fellow planning students.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and why you decided to study planning?

I’m currently studying in the School of Planning at the University of Waterloo, where I’ve developed a strong passion for using planning as a tool for problem-solving. What I love most about the field is how it tackles complex, real-world challenges. Whether that’s addressing housing affordability, designing more sustainable cities, or improving transportation systems. Planning allows me to think critically and creatively about how to make communities more livable, equitable, and resilient. It’s a field that brings together collaboration, research, and design to create practical solutions that can improve everyday life, and that’s what excites me most.

What motivated you to volunteer at ACTION 2025?

I was motivated to volunteer at ACTION 2025 because I wanted to get more involved in the planning field and see how the topics we study in class are applied in real-world settings. I first heard about the opportunity through my school, and I saw it as a great way to meet other students, network with professionals, and learn more about the different paths within planning. I was excited to attend sessions and panels that connected directly to what we’ve been learning, but I was also a bit nervous about stepping into a professional environment for the first time. Volunteering felt like the perfect way to engage with the conference while contributing behind the scenes.

Was there a moment or session at the conference that really stood out to you?

One session that really stood out to me was a workshop led by one of my instructors focused on transportation planning and how it can better accommodate neurodivergent individuals. It was eye-opening to see how inclusive design and thoughtful planning can make a real difference in creating accessible, comfortable public spaces for everyone. The workshop helped me connect what we learn in school to the important work of making cities more equitable and responsive to diverse needs. Seeing my instructor apply these ideas in a professional context inspired me and strengthened my passion for using planning to create more inclusive communities.

What was your biggest takeaway from the conference?

The biggest takeaway I had from the conference is the profound impact that thoughtful and inclusive planning can have on people’s lives because every decision made in the planning process affects communities in both visible and subtle ways. I came away with a deeper understanding that planning is much more than designing spaces; it is about truly listening to diverse experiences and adapting to ever-changing needs with empathy and creativity. The conversations and workshops reminded me that the best solutions often come from collaboration and a willingness to challenge assumptions. This experience has stayed with me and will continue to shape how I approach my studies and future work, always striving to create places where everyone feels valued and included.

How has volunteering at the conference influenced your career goals?

Volunteering at the conference helped me feel more certain about my decision to pursue planning as a career because it showed me how the ideas we learn as students come to life in real projects. It also introduced me to areas I hadn’t thought much about before, like how planning can support people with different needs through better transportation design. As a student, this experience made me feel more confident that the skills I’m developing really matter and can make a difference. It motivated me to keep learning and exploring different parts of planning, so I can find the best way to contribute in the future.

Do you have any advice for other planning students considering volunteering at future conferences?

I would definitely encourage other planning students to volunteer at future conferences because it is a great way to connect with professionals and fellow students while gaining firsthand insight into the field. One thing I wish I had known before volunteering is that even behind-the-scenes roles offer valuable learning opportunities and chances to engage with the conference content. Volunteering also gives you the chance to meet professionals from many different planning disciplines, including some you might not think you’re interested in at first, which can really broaden your perspective. To make the most of the experience, I found it helpful to be curious, ask questions, and attend sessions whenever possible.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with CIP members?

I would like to thank the organizers and volunteers who made the conference such a welcoming and inspiring experience, especially my instructors who took the time to share their knowledge and support students like me. One memorable moment for me was seeing how passionate everyone was about making planning more inclusive and equitable, which really energized me. I also appreciated the chance to step outside the classroom and see how the work we study is making a difference in real communities. Overall, the experience strengthened my commitment to planning and reminded me how important it is to stay engaged and open to learning throughout my career.

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