Sarah Gilpin

sarahProgram: Theatre Studies

Year of Study: Four

Hometown: Burlington, Ontario

Extra-Curricular Involvement: Assistant Vice-President Academics, Arts and Humanities Students’ Council, Programming Assistant, Arts and Humanities Soph Team

Why did you choose Arts and Humanities at Western?

Arts and Humanities at Western is unique because the faculty is one of the only sole Arts and Humanities faculties in Ontario. Many Ontario universities pair the Arts and the Sciences together. When I first visited the campus during Fall Preview day, I saw so many students walking by in their purple Western sweaters, and knew that I wanted to be a part of this spirited community. Now that I am, I like to share my experiences with prospective students as a volunteer at our two open house events. I’ve even had the opportunity to introduce my sister to the Western campus this year! 

What is one highlight of your Arts and Humanities experience so far? 

A highlight of my Arts and Humanities experience so far was representing the faculty as a Program Assistant during Orientation Week. The leadership team and I planned for first year Arts and Humanities students to create an art instillation. The art instillation was a huge canvas that had the word “Identity” (our theme for the week) tapped down. Every first year Arts and Humanities student painted a section of the canvas. As I watched the creativity of the incoming students, I felt a sense of pride knowing that each stroke on the canvas was an extension of an individual identity, but as a whole the canvas represented the overall identity of Arts and Humanities faculty; the coming together of individuals to create something larger than ourselves.    

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation I plan on attending Teacher’s College with the hope of becoming a high school teacher. With the experience I have had at Western I have been able to take on various leadership roles that will help me excel as a teacher.   

What advice would you give to incoming Arts and Humanities students?

Western’s Arts and Humanities faculty offers an incredible variety of courses! Take advantage of Western’s common first year and take courses you have never had the opportunity to take before. Those elective courses you take in year one might be your favourite. They might even inspire you to continue in that field of study. 

What is the best thing about your program?

The best aspect of Theatre Studies is the team of extremely engaging and dedicated professors. Every Theatre Studies professor has a performance-based background. The professors I have had during my time at Western all treat students as individuals, rather than simply a number. For example, one of my smaller classes last year was held in a professor’s office and each class the professor made us tea. The professors, like the students, have a passion for their study. A prime example is when some of the Theatre Studies professors showed up to class dressed up as characters for the 400th year of Shakespeare’s death!