Meet Kristal Bhan

My path to Western

When I first came to Canada, I was here on a student visa. I completed a Pre-Health Sciences certificate at Fanshawe College as an international student, then worked for a year on a work permit. After I received my permanent residence, I came to Western. I chose that pathway due to financial constraints at the time.

I always wanted to come to Canada. I could have received a scholarship to study in Australia, but Canada was my first choice.

Why I chose Western

The Medical Sciences program was the biggest reason. I think it’s one of the best programs in Canada, especially in terms of research opportunities. It’s very science-based and lab-focused, which I really liked.

I was also drawn to the community and the resources available. Western supports students well, and I felt that from the beginning.

My academic interests and research focus

I’m specializing in biochemistry and cancer biology, and I’m really interested in cancer research. My interest in science started back in Fiji. In Grade 10, we have board exams, and that’s when you begin to specialize. I scored 100% in basic science and 100% in math. My mom asked me what I wanted to do with my life, and I said I wanted to do pure science — physics, chemistry, and biology.

From there, I became really interested in medicine and research because you learn so much about how the human body and the world work. You’re always discovering something new.

My involvement with Western International

I got involved with Western International through volunteering at St. Joseph’s Hospital. I met someone who was volunteering with Western International and told me about the English Conversation Program (ECP). He encouraged me to apply because I had been an international student myself.

Becoming an ECP facilitator really pushed me out of my comfort zone. It helped me build leadership skills and improve my public speaking skills. I’ve met students from so many different countries and learned about their cultures, food, music, and languages.

That experience motivated me to become an ECP assistant because I wanted to support new facilitators and help participants adjust to Canadian culture. It’s a learning process for both them and me.

Highlights of my Western experience

One of the biggest highlights has been the support from professors. The learning environment is very supportive, and professors make themselves available. There are so many resources on campus, especially when it comes to academic support, mental health resources, and accommodations.

Taking on leadership roles through ECP has also been a major highlight because it helped me grow in confidence.

I also work at Western Recreation, facilitating intramural soccer, badminton and volleyball. I was really nervous at first, but the supervisors are very supportive. I love trying different sports — I’m more of a “jack of all trades” than someone who focuses on mastering just one.

My plans for the future

My plan A is to attend medical school and complete an MD-PhD. I want to become a physician while also conducting cancer research. I hope to help communities, including Indigenous communities and underserved populations. Plan B would be to pursue a PhD in the same research field and later become a professor. Somehow, giving back to the community that has supported me while I was still considered an international student. Ideally, I’d like to stay in Canada, but I’m open to seeing where life leads me.

A fun fact about me

A lot of people assume I’m from South Asia, but I’m actually from Fiji, and I’m very connected to my Pacific culture.

I’ve also watched Modern Family five times. I know almost every scene, and I really relate to the character Alex. If anyone wants to binge-watch, I’m ready.

My advice for new students

Don’t be scared. First year can feel overwhelming — I felt very lost when I first arrived. But you start to learn patterns: how professors teach, how classes work, and how to study effectively.

Even if first year doesn’t go perfectly, it’s a learning opportunity. Life doesn’t end when you don’t have the GPA you wanted to achieve. Reach out to professors and TAs. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.