Isabel Angulo
Program: Women's Studies and Feminist Research
Year of Study: Four
Hometown: Pickering, Ontario
Extra-Curricular Involvement: Sponsorship Committee Representative, UNICEF Western, Member, Wild Life Fund Western, Member, Women’s Studies Student Collective
Why did you choose Arts and Humanities at Western?
Arts and Humanities provided me with the opportunity to explore my interests in relation to advocacy and social justice. This faculty has permitted me to become part of a community of so many unique individuals that share the same passions as I have. As a student in a faculty that provides so many unique learning experiences, I have been able to gain critical thinking skills and pursue my passions around the study of human rights, allyship, advocacy and feminist studies.
What is one highlight of your Arts and Humanities experience so far?
One of the centerpieces of my experience with Arts and Humanities would be the opportunities I have gained through the department of Women’s Studies. I have had the honour of learning and working with inspiring professors throughout my undergraduate career. My passion for women’s studies has also encouraged me to be a member of the Women’s Studies Student Collective. The department is a pinnacle of my undergraduate experience at Western because I have become a part of a community that encourages equality, and shares the same values and passions that I do.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation I plan to apply for a masters in environmental science. I am incredibly passionate about the restoration of our planet. Additionally, I plan to apply to law school after obtaining my masters. In the future I hope to utilize the critical analysis skills that my degree has expanded. My degree has also encouraged me to be more active as an activist of humanitarian issues. I hope in the future to be an environmental lawyer, and help advocate for the preservation and restoration of the environment. I believe that my interest in the environment is rooted in my love for nature, and studying on a campus as beautiful as Western’s has only helped that love grow.
What advice would you give to incoming Arts and Humanities students?
I would encourage first year students to make a connection with their professors. Although it may be nerve-racking to do when classes are large, I strongly encourage discussing topics of interest with professors. One of the benefits of a smaller faculty like Arts and Humanities is the intimate class sizes that permit for the opportunity to get to know your professors really well. I have expanded my fields of interest by learning from the bright minds that have taught some of my classes. I am thankful for the opportunity to learn more from my professors. Many professors have inspired me to further my studies, and I am pleased to have the opportunity to learn in a department with such esteemed faculty members. Office hours are a great opportunity to learn more from your professors or teaching assistants.
What is the best thing about your department?
The best thing about my department: what I learn! The Women’s Studies department has expanded my passion for feminist research. I enjoy being able to learn about social justice and gender issues. One of the best things about the department is the flexibility of the program to be able to cater classes to a variety of interests and passions. In my last two years in the program, I have been able to focus on feminist issues related to the law. The department has provided me with the opportunity to expand my knowledge on issues that most interest me and expand my knowledge on topics that I hope to pursue in the future.
