Graduate Spotlight: Zimo Feng

Why I chose Western

Western first caught my attention because it offered me a scholarship, but I was also excited by the opportunity to study science in a completely new environment abroad.

Highlights of my Western experience

A big part of my experience at Western was getting involved with programs through Western International. I joined Global Café to meet new friends and learn about different cultures. I also improved my English-speaking skills through the English Conversation Program.

Volunteering with Western International gave me the chance to connect with so many wonderful people from different backgrounds, and those experiences really helped me feel more confident and connected to the Western community.

I also completed an internship at the London Children’s Museum, which became a really important experience for me. It helped me connect what I learned at Western to a real working environment, and it also helped me realize how much I enjoy teaching and working with children.

Favourite memories of my time at Western

One of my favourite parts of my Western experience was volunteering and meeting people through programs like Global Café. As an international student arriving during the pandemic, everything felt unfamiliar and overwhelming at first, so finding a welcoming community made a huge difference for me.

An accomplishment I'm especially proud of

I’m really proud that I was able to complete two very different majors at the same time. There were definitely moments where I questioned whether I could continue both programs, but I stayed committed and made it through.

I’m also proud of pushing myself outside my comfort zone academically. One project that stands out was a digital museum project where I had to build a website using HTML coding, which is something I had absolutely no experience with before. I spent a lot of time teaching myself through research and problem-solving until I was able to complete the project successfully.

My plans for the future

After graduation, I’ll be continuing my studies through a master’s program in the Faculty of Education at Western. Originally, I thought I would continue in visual arts, but after my internship at the London Children’s Museum, I realized how much I enjoy teaching and working with children.

In five years, I hope I’ll have completed my master’s degree, had the chance to travel and eventually find meaningful work connected to education and community engagement.

A fun fact about me

A fun fact about me is that I still don’t know how to swim or ride a bike. I always joke that those are basic survival skills that I somehow never learned.

My advice for new students

Allow yourself to feel scared at first! That’s completely normal when you arrive somewhere new. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek support, because there are so many people and programs at Western that genuinely want to help. Getting involved in events like Global Café and other campus activities can really help you build friendships and feel part of the community.