Sean
Program: Politics, Philosophy, and Economics; School for Advanced Studies in the Arts & Humanities (SASAH)
Second Year
Hometown: Calgary, AB
Extra-Curricular Involvement:
Arts & Humanities Soph, Orientation Program; Philosophy Departmental Representative, Arts and Humanities Students’ Council; President, School of Thought Undergraduate Philosophy Club; Senior Facilitator Trainer, Leadership Education Program
Why did you choose Arts and Humanities at Western?
I spent much of my senior year of high school agonising over what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. Med school, law, and Ivey all passed through my mind, but by the end of a chain of sleepless nights, I knew I owed it to myself to find what I loved and pursue it. I couldn’t think of a place better suited to do this than the Arts and Humanities. I remember sitting in one of my English classes in first year and something in my mind clicking—I knew I made the right choice.
What is one highlight of your Western experience so far?
- Building the School of Thought from the ground up has allowed me to interact with the discipline in ways I never otherwise would have. I’ve met many people that I cherish through my involvement in the club, and I found somewhere I can enjoy myself relentlessly. We still have a long way to go before I’ll be satisfied with the state of the club, but I can say confidently that I’ve made something I believe in and that’s enough for me.
What are your plans after graduation?
I would like to further my studies, specifically in the field of pedagogy. I consider education to be the single most important thing not only for the individual but for society, and I would love to have the privilege of positively impacting that field someday. I’m also considering buying a one-way ticket to New York and seeing where that takes me. Both are appealing to me; I’m quite torn, actually.
What advice would you give to incoming Arts and Humanities students?
You’ll learn to manage your time effectively, join clubs, and the importance of going to class in due time. What this all culminates into, though, is finding something you can pour yourself into. You’ll be willing to do things you hate in order to improve yourself if it’s for the things you care most about. Everything will come a little easier when you have that sense of purpose and belonging pushing you forward. Dedicate yourself to discovering what that is for you.
What is the best thing about your department?
Every time I decide to pick at the brain of someone in the philosophy department—student or professor—it’s such a journey. Everyone here is fascinating.
