Student Profiles
Brittany
Zigmond
Challenge and Change
Making Change to Overcome Challenges
Challenge and Change is a volunteer opportunity that I was driven to by
the amount of good it would allow me to bring to the London community.
During clubs week the host of the table told me “This is not a
fundraising club this is a get your hands dirty kind of club. We work
hard and see the results of our actions first hand on the faces of those
we are helping.” Every word was the truth and it has changed my life
just as much as I know it has changed those we are helping. Many of them
live in homeless shelters and are overjoyed by the work
we do. Within the club there are four areas where you can use your
talents to help. The Ark Aid Soup Kitchen is an area where volunteers
help to lead everyone in song with the accompaniment of musical
instruments. When needed, we tutor the homeless persons in subjects like
English and math. We also help out at Coffeehouse where first we teach
them how to build dream catchers, then we ask the regulars to build
their leadership skills by helping lead the program with us. Next we
have the Unity Project in which we all bake goodies and play board games
while they enjoy the wonderful food that we all prepared. Also when
there is a demand a facilitator will assist people with resumes, cover
letters, and practicing for interviews in order to help them help
themselves get out of their unfortunate situation. This last area was at
Rotholme where I volunteered, along with many others. We also gave
homeless children the opportunity to use their imagination by building
different crafts and partaking in fun science experiments. I believe
this club is just what London needs to help the large homeless
population, and I encourage anyone who feels that they could help, and
would like to see their simple actions make a world of difference, to
volunteer their time as well. You can volunteer once a week or simply
once a semester depending on how much commitment you would like to
dedicate towards this fantastic opportunity.
Cindy
Zhang
When I tell people I am enrolled in Western’s concurrent degrees program with Political Science and Voice Performance, a common response I receive is, “So you’re going to be a…singing politician?” All chuckles aside, I have been fortunate enough to receive work opportunities in various fields, from teaching at music camps, to hosting an in-house program at an independent broadcasting company, NTDTV, in New York City. This year, I sit on the USC as the President of the Faculty of Music Students’ Council. What remains consistent is my interest in exploring solutions for the betterment of the human condition. I believe that this “search” should be the justification of politics’ existence. Music has embedded within me, discipline, and a sense of cosmopolitanism, which I find characteristic of most musicians—that we are members of one interwoven community, undivided by membership, race, faith, colour, and ideology.
Sarah
Black
Third Year - BA Major in Psychology and Minor in Religious Studies
My first exposure to rowing was through a Learn-to-Row program that was offered by my high school, Elmwood School in Ottawa, when I was in grade nine. I enjoyed the program and joined the Ottawa Rowing Club in 2005, and continued to race with that club throughout high school. In 2007, I was selected for the Canadian CanAmMex team, which was my first International racing experience. After high school, I chose to attend the University of Western Ontario, with rowing figuring prominently in my selection. Western had one of the most successful university women’s rowing programs coached by Canadian National team coach Al Morrow. After two seasons on the Western Varsity rowing team, Coach Morrow began to integrate me into practices with his senior women’s National Team and encouraged me to try out for the Canadian Under 23 National Team in 2009. I was selected for the team that year which was the first of three World U23 Rowing Championships that I raced in. <MORE>
Philip
Chow
Economics IV (Hons.)
Back in November 2010, I was selected with three others across Canada
to serve as junior trade ambassadors at the APEC CEO 2010 summit in
Yokohama, Japan. Before the summit began, the team of four received a
very informative briefing regarding APEC's priorities for this year and
Canada's economic strengths / weaknesses relative to the other APEC
economies by Ambassador of Canada to Japan, Jonathan Fried. Personally I
was given the opportunity to discuss Canada's competitiveness with Prime
Minister Stephen Harper, International Trade Minister Peter van Loan,
and Ambassador Jonathan Fried. Ultimately the results of the report were
distributed globally to all senior trade commissioners in the “BIP
Highlights of Success”.
To a final note, it was thanks to the generous stipends by the economics
department and the student success centre that allowed me the
opportunity to participate at such a venue. Thank you.
Philip is pictured above on the right.
Algis Valiulis
While busy working on his Psychology degree, Algis, known as Al Val, is making a name for himself as a comedian.
He has performed at Yuk Yuk's as well as done writing for the London Tonight Show and We Eat Films, as well as being the leader of the UWO Comedy Improv.
After Western, Al plans to move to the US to make a career in comedy.
Visit the Western Gazette's website for an interview with Al where he talks about his career in comedy.
Justine Giddens
The first thing I noticed when I went to volunteer in New Orleans was the silence. There were no people on the streets, no dogs barking, no birds, no traffic, silence. There were thousands and thousands of abandoned properties: houses that were still readily marked by the destruction from the flood. The extent of the devastation was exemplified by the locals who have labeled New Orleans “ground zero.” We often as students ask ourselves how can I make a difference? What can I do to help? I went to New Orleans prepared as a volunteer to rebuild houses. However, I left New Orleans with the knowledge that I ended up helping to rebuild people’s lives.
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Chris Waring
Well that is a unique combination” is the most common response I
receive after explaining that I am enrolled in my 4th year of a
concurrent degrees program in Mechanical Engineering and Honors
Specialization History. The response is usually followed by the question
“Why?” The quick answer to the question is because I could not choose
between the two. In High School I completed the International
Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma in conjunction with my Ontario Secondary
School Diploma. The rigor and breadth of the IB program helped me to
realize the importance of a well-rounded education. I particularly found
myself interested in Science and History which culminated in my
completion of an Extended Essay for the IB on the impact of ship design
in the World War One Naval Battle of Jutland. During the university
application process I realized I was unwilling to abandon my other
interests and select a single field of study. Fortunately, Western
provided the flexibility to allow me to pursue my interests through the
study of both Engineering and History.
My studies at Western have helped me to develop a well rounded skill
set. In the Engineering classroom I have learned the fundamentals and
theory of Engineering. As a member of the Western Formula SAE race team
I was able to develop my practical engineering skills helping to design
and build a small race car for competition. For the past three summers I
developed practical work experience by completing Summer Engineering
Co-op work terms at an Engineering/Manufacturing company. While
completing my summer work terms, I was able to help satisfy the
requirements of my History degree by taking evening classes. Through my
study of History I have been able to further develop analytical,
research and communication skills to complement my engineering
knowledge. However most important, my studies at Western have allowed me
to pursue and learn about a wide range of topics that interest me. In my
opinion the sacrifices and additional work required to complete
concurrent degrees is worth it. At the end of my concurrent degree
program I hope to pursue Graduate Studies.
Scott Hollinshead
I
was a third-year History major in spring 2007. I've always loved cars,
especially VWs. While looking for a summer job during Reading Week, I
visited VW.com on a whim and applied for a six-month internship at
Volkswagen of America in Auburn Hills, Michigan through their career
portal. A few weeks later my phone rang--in the middle of class, of
course--and later that week I was dressed to the nines for an interview.
It went well, and as soon as exams were finished I was on my way to the
border for my first day.
I work in the Sales and Distribution department. We forecast and track
new vehicle sales while handling orders from dealers and manage them
before they are passed on to the factory for production. I prepare
high-level reports and maintain an order guide used every day by over
600 dealers across the United States. There was a steep learning curve
at first, but the analytical and thinking skills I gained from my
History classes helped me get up-to-speed. I soon earned the respect of
my colleagues as a valued member of the team. I gained more and more
responsibility, as well as the opportunities that come with them.
There were some personal and academic bumps along the way, but I
extended my internship an additional six months and took a whole year
off from UWO. That was something I never originally wanted to do, but
given the connections and experience I've gained, I've never looked back
with regret. I've received job offers within the company at locations in
Los Angeles and Ajax, but I turned them down (for now) so I can finish
my degree. Academic counseling helped me a lot in making sure I had the
tools and knowledge available to me in order to plan how to do that
(thanks Trish!).
It sounds clichéd, but never underestimate yourself or the skills that
allow you to be successful in Social Science. No matter if your major is
political science, or history, or sociology, or psychology; at the heart
of it, we are analytical thinkers with exceptional verbal and written
communication skills. These skills are vital to the business world, and
Social Science grads have these in spades. I wasn't sure how I would
measure up against other candidates with more business-oriented
backgrounds for my job. I never even expected to hear back from VW after
I submitted my application. I thought it was a longshot, but I took it
anyway. Turns out it wasn't so long after all.
Scott Hollinshead
Volkswagen of America, Sales & Distribution
History IV
Amanda Olanski
I am graduating from the Management
and Organizational Studies program this year. I am specializing in
Human Resources and have also completed a 15month Internship with
Petro-Canada Lubricants as a Marketing Category Specialist. I am the
President of the MOS Students’ Association, an active advocate of
the charity ‘Room to Read’ and the Marketing Coordinator for Western
Foot Patrol. I am a member of the Western Triathlon club and
recently qualified for the Boston Marathon. I am excited to be
training to run the 112th annual race this coming April 2008!
My time here at Western has been truly amazing! There is an
abundance of resources for every student. From academics to
athletics, from the arts to clubs, from friends to parties, and from
networking to opportunities, there are so many avenues of interest
to pursue. Western is for anyone; we as students must take
responsibility to find what the ‘best’ experience means for each of
us and then indulge. I have been inspired by the notion that each
and every one of us can create our own destiny. My favorite quote is
a simple reminder to be courageous and passionate about what you
want and go for it!...
“You can have anything you want if you want it desperately enough.
You must want it with an exuberance that erupts through the skin and
joins the energy that created the world."- Sheila Graham
Best of luck my fellow students as you journey to find YOUR best
experience here at Western – as I sure have!
Powei Chen
I am a first-year Taiwanese student currently in
the BMOS program. I chose to come to Western (after turning down offers
from big schools like UofT and UBC) not only because of its academic
reputation but also because of the cultural experience it provides. In
big, multi-cultural cities like Toronto and Vancouver, the huge student
population actually makes it more to difficult see a true mix of
culture. I am certain that I came here not only to earn a degree, but
also to experience the Canadian culture and to learn to express my own
uniqueness.
Western's smaller but more mixed community gave me more opportunities to
accomplish that. In its attempt to create the best student experience,
Western gave me the kind of university life that I later knew I wanted
to have. I could never expect a Soph to come into my room in a morning
and wake me up with a water gun and get me to join the Shinerama crew!
Neither did I expect that I would be maintaining the TAW website as my
effort to support my own culture. And now I can't wait till I get a
part-time job while I study in the summer!
Every year international applicants compare different rankings and
hesitate upon which university to choose. Yet every university possesses
its own culture, which is not shown on the ranking charts. Western's
atmosphere is relaxing but challenging. I can spend half of your
afternoon taking a walk across the snow-covered University Hill, and the
other half working full-speed on assignments at Weldon. This is only my
first year here, and I'm truly looking forward to both a rewarding
academic experience as well as a memorable life abroad at Western.
Samira Lakhani
My Scoop....
Thank God you don’t have to provide transcripts when applying for a job; a copy
of your degree is sufficient. No, I was not the worst student in UWO’s history
but you could definitely count me as one of the struggling ones. I transferred
to Western from another school after first year to try and escape my problems,
but “wherever you go, there you are!” I would begin each semester with lofty
ambitions and resolves to ace all six courses and in time I would become
overwhelmed and drop them one-by-one, or stay in denial until doomsday—exams.
Nevertheless, with some luck, support and perseverance, I stuck it out and
completed a cross-disciplinary degree in family development. You like the sounds
of that don’t you? Well, thanks to the creativity and wisdom of the academic
advisors at Western, this degree lead to my admittance to a post graduate
diploma program in Child and Youth Work, which I completed with honours. What? I
learned to deal with things. I never said I was hopeless! If this anecdote
resonates a little too well with you, see your advisors sooner than later,
preferably prior to your final year. Hey, what the heck, make it in this year!
So, what’s the happily ever after? Well, I am currently in an excellent position
with the Ministry of Children and Youth contents doing co-family therapy, day
treatment support, program coordination and even supervising student placements.
Who would have thought? Oh, and did I mention I am awaiting acceptance to a
double masters program in London, England? The moral of the story: if I can do
it, so can you!
Samira Lakhani B.A., C.Y.W.
Western Grad 2000
Jonah Freedman
I am a 4th year student here at Western majoring in political science. I have always been adamant about the importance of volunteer work, and this year I was able to get active in the community in London, in part thanks to Westerns annual volunteer fair this past September 2006. I decided to get involved with a non profit organization called “Changing Ways,” This organization provides an outreach for men that have had issues concerning abuse against women. I am involved on a weekly basis with Changing Ways as a co-facilitator along side a trained counsellor to help educate the men that come to the organization.
My permanent home is in Toronto, and when I am there, I have also helped participate in clothing drives to benefit the homeless. I am also looking forward to this upcoming summer where I will be going to Israel to participate in a 2 week volunteer program with the “Livnot” organization. I will be assisting in repairing homes that were damaged from the events that occurred this past summer in Israel.
I feel in general, and I know this is something “Miss America” would say, but if we were all to look at our daily lives, and although they may be very busy, I feel that we can and should make the time to get involved and get active. Volunteering is a very rewarding experience, it gives you a new perspective, you feel like you contributed to making a difference, and you help make your community a better place… wait that’s definitely something Miss America would say!!
Jordan Harel
As a 3rd year Scholar’s Elective student, Western has provided me with the opportunity to explore a plethora of courses from various faculties. Why? Because Western is an academic institution that understands that not everyone comes here with a clear cut path in mind. In fact, there are many students (at one point including myself) who arrive here without such a “yellow brick road” philosophy. As a consequence of the unique and bountiful opportunities for academic exploration that Western has privileged me with, I was able to discover my passion for the study of young offenders and youth justice. As I found my passion, so too can you. Often however, passion lies in the place you least expect it. Fortunately, Western is there not only to help, but also makes sure you are able to move the sofa and look under the carpet to find it. I'm designing my research project on youth justice this year.
Eaton Kwan, BESc '02
At 27, telling people that I am going back to school usually garners the response, "Grad School eh?". They would not have guessed 1st year Social Science, but here I am and while the prospect of going back to school is a daunting one, I have never been happier. After completing my first degree, I quickly immersed myself in the industry, travelling between cities in Ontario, working basically non-stop for four years. But the writing on the wall was becoming more difficult to ignore. My interest in politics became more than just a hobby and I was diverting more and more time into it, reading more, and wanting to read more. Talking to people involved in political science made me happy, and at times Challenged me. My old belief that "don't work at a job doing what you love doing, or else you would learn to hate what you love. Spend the money you earn and put it into the thing that you love," seemed true at the time. But, I realize now that kind of thinking has a flaw. When you get so stressed that you can't do what you love, then the reason for having the job ceases to exist.
I feel very privileged to be given this opportunity to explore and stretch my wings and look forward to working with the faculty in the future to cultivate a positive image for all potential students.
Michelle Laura Dekens
Hoi!!! My name is Michelle, and I am entering into my fourth year of Scholar’s Electives (BSc Psych). This past winter I had the wonderful opportunity to study abroad in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Studying abroad for a term was one of the best decisions I have made during my university career. I was able to meet and make friends with students from many different countries and backgrounds. This experience definitely enriched my studies at Western and helped me value the differences and similarities that we share. I definitely recommend an exchange program to anyone considering one, as it is a great way to make friends from around the globe, experience a different school system, and find out more about yourself. It makes you cherish what you have and urges you to grow as an individual. I am still uncertain as to what I will do after I graduate, but I feel that after studying abroad the world is now open to me! Daag!
Philip H.C. Chow
As a student enrolled in the Faculty of Social Science, I had the privilege to take part in Western’s “Alternative Spring Break Program”. The experience was eye opening. Instead of spending reading week at home, waking up to the sound of an alarm clock, I spent my reading break in the Dominican Republic waking up to the noise of a bustling orphanage (let's not forget the roosters, oh those wonderful roosters). Thinking back to this experience, I was encouraged to do more for society by being able to work alongside people who came together for a common cause and who were motivated by a need to give back to the community.
This project has also led me to further explore the many different facets that Western has to offer, not only in academics but in real life application as well. And certainly it has changed some of my goals…and confirmed others. I can now transform my passion for photography into something meaningful by showing people what I see through my lens and raising awareness for these social issues.
So what have I learned from my first year here at Western? Be involved guys and girls! The Western Experience is what you make of it.
See some of Philip's pictures from the orphanages website.
Samantha Wright
Scholar’s Electives International Relations IV
Studying at Western is truly an engaging experience. New opportunities present themselves constantly; opportunities like developing local literacy programs and fighting local hunger problems through Frontier College and Meal Exchange respectively. The opportunity to extend my education abroad has been incredible. Spending my third year on exchange at the University of St. Andrews brought with it the chance to study in a new environment. I worked with leading scholars, met new people, and backpacked most of Europe. Working in Africa over the last two summers, I applied my education directly to the field. This allows me to mix theory with practice and see just how much a university education can improve how you work in the “real world”.
The lasting message I have taken over my last four years is to keep a very open mind. New opportunities tend to present themselves at often unexpected times. Seizing these opportunities has allowed me to add an entirely new dimension to my university education. Looking back, I can confident assert that my time at Western has been a truly well-rounded experience. Through various endeavours both inside and outside the classroom, I have been able to maximize my learning, deepen my perspective, and better engage with the world.
Hani Mustafa
Greetings. I’m currently in 3rd year taking Mechanical Engineering and Economics at the University of Western Ontario. I’m also an active student participant with the Canadian Institute of Traffic & Transportation and the Purchasing Management Association of Canada. My main career intent was to become an airline pilot. I currently hold a private pilot license of which I have attained from the Royal Canadian Air Cadets. After taking a few introductory courses in economics and engineering at Western, I realized that there is more to the aeronautical industry than what meets the eye. Flying an aircraft is just one small function in the industry. The industry comprises a wide variety of functions such as engineering, logistics, law, and all aspects of business such as purchasing, financing, accounting, etc. Western gave me a much wider perspective in the aeronautical industry. Thus, I’m more committed than ever in academics and sports to reach my final destination of having a role in the global aeronautical industry whether it is the private and/or the public sector. It is important for an individual to gain full knowledge of the industry in which he/she is involved in. This way, the individual will have the opportunity to gain high credibility. Cheers.
Counselling Notes: Concurrent Degrees: To broaden their background, Engineering students may request permission to pursue a second degree in a Social Science subject concurrently. This takes about 5 or 6 extra courses depending on the subject selected.
Commercial Aviation Management: Recently, Social Science introduced an interdisciplinary degree which enables students to learn about many aspects of aviation. The program has an optional flight training component.
Jonathan Abraham Yazer
Studying for a degree at Western is an experience I highly recommend. Working at The Gazette, which is the only daily student newspaper in Canada, while pursuing a degree in Political Science has given me a great opportunity to explore my interests in current affairs and journalism. The diversity of opinions represented amongst the Political Science professoriate is impressive and in my experience every professor is attentive, passionate and sensitive to student needs. My time here has been truly rewarding.
- Jonathan Abraham Yazer
- Opinions Editor, The Gazette
- Associate Editor, The Mirror,
- The Undergraduate History Journal
- BA Honours Political Science
Ralf Darbyshire
Hello. My name is Ralf Darbyshire. I am a graduate of Western, currently taking courses part-time with the intention of obtaining a second degree in the Administrative and Commercial Studies program. I began attending Western after finding that my job was not challenging and fulfilling enough. Obtaining my degree opened new doors for me that were previously unavailable, and greatly improved my overall job satisfaction. I enjoyed my experience at Western so much that I continued to take courses part-time after graduation. I enrolled in courses from a variety of disciplines that looked interesting, but had not been part of my original curriculum. Some were extremely enjoyable, some more challenging than I had expected, but all were a great experience. Trying all of these different avenues led me to enroll in the Administrative and Commercial Studies program. I am looking forward to the next few years. Getting to meet new students and professors from a variety of cultures, and studying new course material is a great experience. It keeps me focused and motivated, gives me a sense of purpose, keeps my mind sharp, and most importantly, keeps me feeling young. Good luck and have fun with your pursuits and experiences at Western.
Lindsay Nathaniel
Lindsay is a fourth year student at the University of Western Ontario, studying psychology and environmental studies in the Scholar’s Electives program.
Originally from Montreal, Quebec, she believes choosing to come to Western was one of the best decisions she ever made. Western offers an extraordinary number of courses to choose from. Many professors not only teach but also challenge students’ views and teach them to think for themselves. Western has so much enthusiasm and spirit and offers such a variety of clubs, activities and sports to get involved in. At Western, some of Lindsay’s involvements include EnviroWestern, the Social Science Student’s Council, the Ski Club, Purple Veggies, Salsa Club, the JSU and intramural football.
Through Western, she had the opportunity to spend a year in Denmark as an exchange student. The best part of Denmark was meeting, living with and studying with other international students from all around the world. She learned everything from how to cook Chinese spring rolls, to Brazilian samba dancing, to communicating in Italian. As well she learned all about Danish culture and politics and had the chance to travel around Europe.
One of Lindsay’s passions is helping animals and the environment. Working with EnviroWestern and policy implementation she wants to see a reduction in food packaging and no more Styrofoam. More of EnviroWestern’s projects this year include indigenous tree planting on campus, and mug campaigns to reduce disposable cup waste on campus, general awareness through fabulous speakers and working towards an environmentally sustainable campus.
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Contact Us
- Office hours: 9:30am - 4:00pm
- Summer hours: 9:30am - 3:30pm
- Telephone: 519 661-2011
- Recorded information: 519 661-2052
- Fax: 519 661-3384
- socsci-counselling@uwo.ca
