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Meet Sarah Chan

Fun fact about me

I play the violin and I am in an orchestra with my dad and my brother, which I think is a pretty unique thing that not a lot of people can say. It's been really cool to connect with my family through music in that way.

Highlights from my Western Experience

A big highlight for me was taking part in Western Heads East, which began in my third year when I was one of the executive members of the fundraising and education committee promoting the program on campus. I really loved that experience and through it learned about the Western Heads East internships. I decided to apply to an internship in Mwanza, Tanzania. I was accepted and it was my first experience travelling abroad. I've never experienced anything like it – it really expanded my worldview.

An accomplishment I’m proud of

One of my proudest accomplishments is completing a practicum for my rehabilitative sciences module for my program. This year, I worked with physiotherapists and occupational therapists at Parkwood Institute to facilitate a program for patients recovering from post-concussion syndrome. Next week, I'll be presenting a research poster related to the work that's been done over this year and, and since the program's inception, more than 10 years ago. It’s been such an incredible opportunity.

What's next for me

I would love to continue in the rehabilitation field, so I'm currently applying to a research master's degree in the health and rehabilitation sciences program. Beyond research in the rehabilitation field, I would eventually love to practice clinically as a physiotherapist or an occupational therapist. Something I've loved about Western is there are so many opportunities to really explore where you want to focus and where your passions lie. Through that, I've been able to really develop my love for the rehabilitation sciences and get to know where I'd like to go in the future.

My advice for new students

My biggest tip is to keep your mind open to anything and everything. You really don't know where you're going to go. I had no idea that I was going to follow my passions into rehabilitation sciences. I also didn't know that I had a passion for intercultural connection and a whole world that I've discovered through being part of the International Peer Guide program. If you have an open perspective and try as many things as you can, you will find what you love at Western. There is something here for everyone.