Graduate Spotlight: Jenna Ijam
Jenna Ijam, BMSc'25
Home Country
Canada
Involvement with Western International
Western International Volunteer
Why I chose Western
I chose Western because of its strong student experience and the fact that it offers the only Medical Sciences program of its kind in Canada. Coming from abroad, I wanted to be part of a community and feel supported—and Western exceeded all my expectations.
How I would describe my Western Experience
My Western experience has been full of growth and risk. I’ve grown so much since first year—both in confidence and in what I’ve been able to achieve. I started off unsure and hesitant, but every opportunity I took helped me become more capable and self-assured. At the same time, it’s been about taking risks—applying for roles I didn’t think I was ready for, stepping outside my comfort zone, and learning along the way. I’ve come to believe that if you wait until you’re ready, you might be waiting forever. Sometimes you just have to go for it.
A favourite memory of my time at Western
My Orientation Week stands out as a favourite. It helped me become more outgoing and introduced me to two of my future roommates on the very first day. As someone coming from abroad, that sense of welcome and connection made a huge impact.
An accomplishment I’m especially proud of
I’m proud to have been elected as the Vice-President University Affairs of the University Students’ Council (USC). It’s the culmination of years of involvement in student governance, and I’m excited to continue my advocacy work in this new role.
A fun fact about me
I once memorized 225 digits of pi and won a T-shirt in middle school. I even participated in a Pi Day competition at Global Café more recently and recited 150 digits!
My plans for after graduation
I’ll be starting my role with the USC as Vice President University Affairs, continuing my work in student advocacy and governance. In five years, I hope to be in medical school and working toward becoming a physician. I also want to stay involved in health policy and advocacy work wherever I can make a difference.
My advice to new students
My advice to students—especially those just starting—is to believe in yourself. You don’t need to have everything figured out from day one. I didn’t join any extracurriculars until my second or third year, and that didn’t stop me from finding my path. It’s never too late to start something new, take a risk, or grow into a role. Find a community, take chances, and celebrate your small wins. It all adds up.
