Student Testimonials

SASAH students undertake experiential-learning (EL) opportunities in an impressive variety of fields. Their internships, community-engaged learning, and independent projects help them to develop their skills, sample careers, follow their talents and passions, and build their confidence. In many cases, their experiences have a significant, sometimes life-altering, impact on their plans for the future. 

Click on the links below to read testimonials students wrote about their experiences.

For student testimonials from previous years, click here

2023-2024

Emma Amodio (SASAH & Sociology), Forest City Film Festival

"My internship with the Forest City Film Festival was truly enriching. It afforded me invaluable insights and hands-on experience in the film industry. The opportunity to contribute to such a vibrant event and establish valuable connections with local filmmakers has undoubtedly shaped my understanding and passion for film."

Gray Brogden (SASAH & Creative Writing), Student Writer-in-Residence

"Being the Student Writer-in-Residence is a dream come true. I’ve had so much fun speaking with younger students, hosting open mics, and performing at events. It’s been such an honour to follow in the footsteps of our past SWIRs, especially those in SASAH who have mentored and inspired me."

Amber Carroll (SASAH & Health Sciences), Undergraduate Summer Research Internship

"The Undergraduate Summer Research Internship has been one of the best opportunities that have experienced at Western! I never thought that I would be able to call creating art and going to the gym “work” but with this research project, I made it happen!"

Promise Chen (SASAH & Sexuality Studies), The Retro Bag

"This Retro Bag internship opportunity provided me with a solid understanding of how to run a small fashion retail business in the real world. Adesola Ogunsakin was not only my boss but also a great mentor who provided me with work freedom and flexibility. She assisted me in developing content marketing skills that will prepare me for future jobs and internships."

Lauren Cowell (SASAH & Sociology), Undergraduate Summer Research Internship

“Working as a USRI intern for the summer writing a handbook chapter about the Sociology of Ageism has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I have developed skills such as collaboration that will help me in my academic and personal ventures as well as contributed to an understudied field of sociology”

Giselle D'Anna (SASAH & International Relations), Storyhouse

"The Story House Program was an amazing opportunity to experience first handedly the convergence of Scientific disciplines with the Arts and Humanities. The experience, though uncertain at the beginning, became a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. As I move forward from this experience, I am confidently prepared to navigate the complexities of the professional world."

Grace Dilawri (SASAH & English), Halton Black History Awareness Society

"Working with the HBHAS gave me the wonderful opportunity to work with a team of talented and dedicated individuals who guided and mentored me throughout this journey. Assisting with this exhibition helped me see the possibilities of careers in the arts as well as what I was capable of when I committed myself to a meaningful cause."

Isabelle Fox (SASAH & International Relations), Youth Opportunities Unlimited

"I was a Project Administration Intern at Youth Opportunities Unlimited in the fall semester of my second year. It was a wonderful experience and gave me an understanding of the foundations of project management. It was well balanced with schoolwork and my supervisor was amazing. I could not have asked for a better first internship."

Felix Gu (SASAH First-Year), Storyhouse

"Storyhouse was an amazing experience that taught me so much about communication, research, and communicating that research. Not only that, I learned more about the world, but also myself. Going on that stage to present the story myself taught me a confidence that I couldn’t have found elsewhere."

Kenzie Kilmer (SASAH & English), Storyhouse

"The Storyhouse Project has been an experience that I will forever value. The Storyhouse is founded on the beauty of human connection and bridges sciences and humanities studies to establish science communication and knowledge mobilization. This project is beyond rewarding and provides the ideal environment for growth and achievement thanks to the incredible Storyhouse team."

Merdeka Miles (SASAH & Physics), Undergraduate Summer Research Internship

"Conducting research in the physics department, with Dr. Erdemci-Tandogan, was the perfect supervised introduction to working in applied sciences. The opportunity to develop countless technical and soft skills along with their complex scientific applications is something you could never get from a classroom or textbook - only first-hand experience."

Ana Milojevic (SASAH & Computer Science), Forest City Gallery

"In my transformative journey at Forest City Gallery, I discovered unparalleled support and a chance to explore new tasks. Ruth Skinner's genuine interest in my growth allowed me freedom to explore beyond my role. Amid health challenges, her unwavering guidance and appreciation made even seemingly mundane tasks profoundly impactful. I've learned to value every contribution, adapting with commitment and gratitude. Despite imperfections, this experience unveiled my passion for non-profit work, fostering a desire to contribute meaningfully and witness direct impact. Ruth and Forest City Gallery, thank you for the invaluable perspective and lessons."

Katya O'Donnell (SASAH & Philosophy), Beaton Burke Young LLP

"This internship offered me amazing opportunities to see the inner workings of the field of family law. From shadowing during calls to drafting emails, I got to see what life could be like if I pursue law as a career. Jenna and the rest of the BBY team made this experience extra special for me by including me in their weekly meetings, never failing to make sure I understood the legal side of any given issue, and being their happy and welcoming selves. "

Maia Ross (SASAH & Classical Studies), Camp Kadimah

"Working at Camp Kadimah has been a fabulous learning experience! I tried so many new activities, ventured out of my comfort zone, and took the time daily to reflect on my growth. I would absolutely recommend this internship to anyone who wants hands-on experience working with kids!"

Jadyn Smith (SASAH & History), The Retro Bag

"My internship with The Retro Bag Canada allowed me to develop my communication skills and apply them to a small business as I initiated an email marketing campaign! I am incredibly grateful for this experience and the mentorship I received."

Naomi So (SASAH & Kinesiology), Western Heads East

"My internship with Western Heads East (WHE) brought me to Rwanda for 3.5 months, where I contributed to improving community health, increasing economic development, and empowering women through the process of probiotic yogurt making. It was an eye-opening experience where I developed a strong interest in global health equity and practiced cultural and critical reflexivity."

Cole Van Der Velden (SASAH & Creative Writing and English), Qode Media

“During my digital marketing internship at Qode Media, I had an incredible opportunity to travel with a client to a gold mine in Côte d’Ivoire as a photographer and documentarian. This experience further opened my eyes to the vast potential and need for Arts-educated individuals in all sectors and industries.”