Graduate Spotlight: Kiran Halkitis
Kiran Halkitis, BA’25
Home Country and City
Toronto, Canada
Involvement with Western International
Education Abroad Participant
Why I chose Western
Western is one of the few universities in Canada that offers a PPE program. I was also drawn to the flexibility of its degree structures and the range of international opportunities, like exchanges and study tours—which I definitely took advantage of during my undergrad.
How I would describe my Western experience
My Western experience was overwhelming but meaningful. Overwhelming in the sense that it’s hard to believe how much I was able to fit into just four years—from international research and study tours to campus involvement. Looking back, it feels like a lifetime of learning and growth packed into a single chapter. But above all, it was meaningful. I’ve changed so much as a person, matured through every experience, and I’ll genuinely cherish the time I’ve spent here.
A favourite memory of my time at Western
One of my most meaningful experiences was participating in the Surviving Memory in Postwar El Salvador project. I traveled to El Salvador to record oral histories about traditional plant knowledge, which deeply impacted my academic interests and personal growth.
An accomplishment I’m especially proud of
I’m proud of receiving the Undergraduate Student Research Internship (USRI) and the Fulbright Killam Fellowship in 2023. The fellowship allowed me to study at Ithaca College in the U.S. for a term—something my mom encouraged from the start. It was a great academic and personal milestone.
A fun fact about me
My closest friend is my younger sister, Soraya. She’s currently finishing school in New Mexico and heading to Mount Allison University in the fall.
My plans for after graduation
I’m waiting to hear back from graduate programs and internships. I’ve applied to both course-based and research-based options, and I’m particularly interested in continuing with field research. Ideally, in five years, I’d like to be working in a policy analysis role with an international organization.
My advice to new students
I’m incredibly grateful to all the professors and mentors who supported me during my time at Western. My advice to future students is to broaden your horizons—apply to things that challenge you, even if they’re outside your comfort zone. You never know where they might lead.
