Connect with stories of students who - just like you - wanted to engage in community collaborations. Learn how their positive experiences have shaped not only their studies but also their futures. Whether local, global, curricular, or co-curricular, the wide variety of experiences within our programming will transform you.
Further CEL Reflections
"The Belong to Song program gave me the opportunity to leave the Western University community and engage with those from the London community... This program is a fantastic response to those who are seeking therapy through music. The program creates a space where participants can involve themselves in a safe and supportive space. I wish CEL was a breadth requirement - it was really quite a lovely experience that I wish everyone could be a part of." - Lauren Elizabeth Femson, Music Education in Action Experience
"This course was such an insightful experience because it is so hands on. The active involvement in the community allows room for understanding the struggles of addictions, the need for recovery programs, and the need for compassion. Before this course, we all came in with our own set of biases, but we are now able to see addictions for what it is behind the stigma that it's burdened with. Being able to find creative means to aid these amazing programs out there helping those who are facing these kinds of struggles really inspired me to look more into what I'd like to do in the future.” - Addictions Theory student
"I have always wanted to go to law school and become a lawyer, but I never considered doing advocacy or volunteer work as a lawyer. At the community agency where I did the [CEL] project, retired accountants volunteer their time to help those who cannot afford to see an accountant. I now realize that, if I am successful at becoming a lawyer, I can use my knowledge to volunteer and help those who cannot otherwise afford those services. Through this experience, I have learned the importance of helping others.” - Community Psychology student
“In terms of the CEL experience, I thought it was an amazing way to get exposure and build confidence in the practicality of our skills since usually, the only application we get to see is on exams. Julie and Michelle from VON were outstanding sponsors and extremely supportive throughout the entire process which made the CEL experience one of the best and most rewarding aspects of the semester.” - Project Management Student
"Having the opportunity to participate in CEL was an amazing opportunity to interact and engage with our community to get a sense of what goes on outside of the 'Western Bubble'. Opportunities like this do not come along every day and having such a wonderful experience was priceless." - Sociology of Deviance Student
