Peter W. Cruickshank
Program: Linguistics
Year of Study: Four
Hometown: Grand Manan Island, New Brunswick
Extra-Curricular Involvement: Campus Tour Guide, Western Foot Patrol, Member, Western Photography Club
Why did you choose Arts and Humanities at Western?
I am an adventurer. One of the reasons I decided to accept my offer to Western was the opportunity to travel to someplace new and to experience university in a city far away from my hometown. I was originally enrolled in a different faculty at Western, but after taking a course in French linguistics, I found my passion for linguistics and language. With the support of my friends and family, I transferred into the linguistics program in order to pursue this passion, and discovered my desire to become a Speech-Language Pathologist.
What is one highlight of your Arts and Humanities experience so far?
I have genuinely loved my involvement with Undergraduate Recruitment at Western. I was first a liaison assistant around the office, and I am now a campus tour guide. Being a part of the campus tour guide team has been one of the best experiences I have had at Western so far. I love promoting the university to prospective students and meeting and helping so many people who are making that ever-important decision of where to attend university. I especially enjoy the opportunity to meet students interested in Arts and Humanities at Western, because then I get to share my personal experiences as a student in the faculty.
What are your plans after graduation?
Upon completion of my undergraduate degree, I am going to pursue a Master of Clinical Science degree, in the area of Speech-Language Pathology. My dream is to help people who have experienced any sort of brain trauma with their speech rehabilitation.
What advice would you give to incoming Arts and Humanities students?
Always keep an open mind with your course and module selections. I would have never found my passion for linguistics and language had I not taken a French linguistics course in second year and changed my area of study. Don’t hesitate to take risks and explore your academic and extracurricular interests.
What is the best thing about your program?
The linguistics program is such a great fit for me! My favourite thing about the program is the flexibility within my module, which allows me to choose specific courses from a wide pool. This flexibility allows me to complete my linguistics major by taking courses that are of interest to me. The professors in the linguistics program are dedicated, respected, and knowledgeable individuals who give students so many great opportunities to succeed in their studies.
