Graduate Spotlight: Erikka Ocampo

Why I chose Western

I chose Western because of its reputation for being such a collaborative and welcoming environment. From OWeek onward, there were so many opportunities to meet people and feel supported, especially as someone coming to Canada for the first time. I really loved that everyone here seemed genuinely interested in helping each other grow and succeed.

Highlights of my Western experience

One of the biggest parts of my experience at Western was pushing myself outside of my comfort zone and getting involved in opportunities that challenged me. Through experiences like student leadership programs and campus initiatives, I grew so much personally and professionally.

Looking back at first year, I was so nervous to put myself out there, but over time I learned to take risks, meet new people and try things that scared me. Those experiences helped shape who I am today.

Favourite memories of my time at Western

One of my favourite memories was being part of the USC Women in House program, where I had the opportunity to visit Queen’s Park and shadow women in parliament. Advocacy is really important to me, and getting to meet inspiring women leaders was such a meaningful experience.

Another highlight was serving as Head of Clothing for the Purple Spur Fashion Show. This year, our team raised $60,000 for the Ark Aid Mission in London. It was incredible to see more than 100 students come together creatively to make such a big impact.

An accomplishment I'm especially proud of

I’m especially proud of the work I did with the Purple Spur Fashion Show. Leading a creative team taught me so much about collaboration, leadership and encouraging people to push beyond what they thought they could do. Seeing my teammates become more confident and proud of their work was one of the most rewarding parts of the experience.

My plans for the future

After graduation, I’ll be moving to Montreal for a new job. I’m really excited because it combines both business and fashion, which are two things I’m really passionate about.”

In the future, I hope to continue building my career in the fashion industry. One of my long-term goals is to become a fashion lawyer, so I’m hoping to eventually pursue law school and continue making connections that inspire me along the way.

A fun fact about me

Fashion has always been my creative outlet. Growing up, it was something my mom, grandmother, sister and I bonded over, and I’ve always seen it as a way to express yourself and connect with others.

My advice for new students

Stop stressing about the little details and just be yourself unapologetically. Moving to a new country and starting university can feel overwhelming, but if you stay consistent, push yourself and keep an open mind, you’ll eventually find your purpose and the right people to support you along the way.