Graduate Spotlight: Book Nilanont
Book (Angwara) Nilanont, BMSc'25
Home Country and City
Bangkok, Thailand
Involvement with Western International
Western International Volunteer
Why I chose Western
After spending most of my teenage years in London, Western was always in my orbit. I appreciated how the university invested in both academics and student life, offering a well-balanced experience. During the pandemic, I found even more value in staying close to home and remaining part of a familiar community.
A favourite memory of my time at Western
One of my favourite memories was from my first year as an International Peer Guide, when we hosted a welcome picnic at Gibbons Park for new international students, complete with lawn games, food, and… even more food. I loved the energy of meeting people from around the world and sharing our experiences. Over the next two years in the role, I had the chance to mentor seven international students—undergrads, grads, and exchange students—while working alongside an incredible Peer Guide team to help them navigate Canadian culture. Even now, whenever I stroll through Gibbons Park, I still think back to that picnic… and all the times we had to outrun the geese.
An accomplishment I’m especially proud of
Definitely the Annual Rose Sale with the Paper Art Club! As president, I led a team of origami elves (yes, we call ourselves that) to fold and assemble nearly 1,000 paper roses. We sold them on Valentine’s Day to raise over $1,200 for local organizations supporting at-risk youth and immigrant families, such as Youth Opportunities Unlimited and LUSO. It was chaotic, it was colourful, and it was a little crazy, but we couldn’t have done it without everyone—from those who helped fold to those who came by our booth.
A fun fact about me
My family owns nine orchid plants, and counting! (Yes, it’s our favourite flower.)
My plans for after graduation
Studying in my program has inspired an interest in community health and medicine, and I have applied to medical schools here in Ontario and abroad. I hope to begin that journey soon. In the meantime, you’ll find me cycling around London, snapping nature photos on the trails, and soaking in all the summer sun I can get! In five years, I hope to be working in a community where I can make a meaningful impact—whether that’s by supporting families as a newly graduated medical student or by sneakily converting more people into origami enthusiasts. Why not both?
My advice for new students
Four years can fly by in the blink of an eye. Take the photo. Join the club. Try the new thing. You won’t regret it.
