Bridget Koza

Bridget KozaGraduated 2023

Double Major in Visual Arts and Art History and the School for Advanced Studies in the Arts and Humanities, Minor in Spanish

Hometown: London, ON

After SASAH: MA in Information and Communication Technology in Education, Universidad de Alcala, Spain

What attracted you to the SASAH program?

In high school, I had a lot of interests, hobbies and skills, and I felt pressured from the structure of other post-secondary programs to follow a direct path. SASAH offered me the academic flexibility to test out all my interests in the arts and humanities to land on the subject field that interested me the most. Another thing that drew me in was the success of previous SASAH cohorts, the legacy that they left behind on Western campus and the strong sense of a tight-knit community on a large campus. 

"Unlike other programs, SASAH offers students a third-year professional development course 3380Y. This course not only prepared us for the ever-changing job market but also provided us with networking opportunities."

What are your thoughts about life as a SASAH student? What makes it unique?

As a SASAH student, I felt no limits to what I could achieve. Never would I have thought that I would have a solo exhibition at Satellite Project Space during my undergrad, nor receive Highly Commended recognition at the 2023 Global Undergraduate Awards. The SASAH program provides a unique type of academic support, resources and opportunities for students to thrive in their elements. 

How did your relationships with other SASAH students positively affect your experience at Western overall?

The SASAH program is like a giant melting pot; everyone brings a unique perspective to the group from their other majors, experiences and backgrounds. Together we can learn more about the world, discuss a variety of topics and produce innovative projects. You would think that different energies would clash, but everyone carries a caring, creative, respectful and a little quirky vibe in their way, which I love. Being surrounded by creative minds and highly motivated peers pushes me to be the best version of myself. If it weren't for them, I don't think I would have achieved all that I have in just 4 years.

How has SASAH prepared you for the job market and/or graduate school?

Unlike other programs, SASAH offers students a third-year professional development course 3380Y. This course not only prepared us for the ever-changing job market but also provided us with networking opportunities. In fact, the course was so impactful that I was inspired to gear my master's thesis towards professional development. 3380Y gave me confidence in myself, my skills and abilities, and I wanted to instil that kind of confidence in my high school students who were moving on to their next chapter. 

What lessons and skills contributed to your success after you graduated?

The most common and useful lesson that SASAH teaches you is to jump out of your comfort zone. Trying out a new project and testing out a crazy idea leaves you with an open-minded attitude and builds your adaptability - some of the most desired workplace skills right now. Since graduating, I think my open-minded attitude and adaptability have helped me to continue to achieve success. 

As an experienced graduate, do you have any advice for current SASAH students?

Grow and nurture your connections with your peers and professors whenever you get the chance to—university is about relationships as much as academics. It's a marketing strategy; the more you reach out to people and connect, the more likely you are to be presented with a new opportunity you've never thought was possible.