From her first year on campus, Runstedler made a decision that would shape her entire university experience: to get involved. “My entire university experience has centred on getting involved at Western, particularly within the Faculty of Social Science,” she shares.

Over the past four years, Runstedler has embraced leadership roles across campus. She spent three years on the Social Science Students’ Council, serving as a First Year Representative, Political Science Department Representative and Vice President of Student Events. At the University Students’ Council, she was part of Team USC, now known as the Hype Team, as Director of Programming. Through Western for the Elderly, she has served as Executive Events Director and now as Vice President Internal.

Yet among all these accomplishments, one role stands out.

“Most meaningful to me has been my involvement in orientation,” Runstedler reflects. “Over the past three years, I have worked as a Social Science Faculty Soph and currently serve as the Head Soph of the Social Science Soph Team.”

Through these experiences, Runstedler discovered that leadership is not always about visibility. “My time on the Social Science Students’ Council involved extensive advocacy, much of it occurring behind the scenes. This role taught me that advocacy is not always loud or visible; more often, it is rooted in quiet, consistent dedication to the student body.”

Community has been a defining theme throughout her journey. Whether building connections through the University Students’ Council or engaging with the broader London community through Western for the Elderly, Runstedler found purpose in fostering belonging. “Altogether, my involvement at Western has given me insight into the systems and people that make this campus not only a place to study, but a place to live and call home.”

The supportive culture within the Faculty of Social Science has also shaped her experience. “Both inside and outside the classroom, there is a shared desire for everyone to succeed,” she explains. “Although opportunities within the Social Sciences can often feel limited and competitive, I have never experienced a sense of competition among students within the Faculty. Instead, there is a strong culture of encouragement and mutual support.”

Runstedler also participated in the Faculty’s respected intership program, earning course credit while completing a placement at Gowling WLG, a leading international law firm. “The connections I have made within the Faculty have been genuine and impactful, opening doors to professional development opportunities beyond what I had imagined,” she says. “In every aspect, the Faculty of Social Science has supported my growth, learning and ability to build meaningful connections along the way.”

In her final year, Runstedler stepped into her most significant leadership role yet: Head Soph of the Social Science Soph Team. Leading 115 Sophs and four Programming Assistants, she helped coordinate programming for more than 2,000 incoming Social Science students.

“Working as a Soph throughout my early years at Western taught me the importance of mentorship and meaningful connection within the Faculty,” she shares. “Leading first-year students through their academic and social transition to university showed me how powerful support and guidance can be in helping students find their place.”

Under her leadership, the team revitalized Faculty Day, making it more interactive and informative. The initiative received strong feedback and contributed to one of the most successful Faculty Days in recent years. “Welcoming students to campus and creating a safe, supportive environment has been a true honour,” Runstedler reflects. “This experience has shaped me both personally and professionally.”

Mentorship has also played an important role in her journey. Through volunteering at Fall and Spring Preview Days, Runstedler connected with faculty members including Wolfgang Lehmann, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies. “Dr. Lehmann has supported me through many of these developmental volunteer experiences, helping me grow more confident in engaging with the community and representing the university,” she says. “The Faculty of Social Science fosters mentorship in ways that are genuinely meaningful and long-lasting.”

As she prepares to graduate, Runstedler offers thoughtful advice to current and future students: “Get involved in ways that are truly meaningful to you. A mistake I, and many of my peers, made was trying to join too many initiatives without a clear purpose. This left me busy and overworked, often leading to burnout. Once I began focusing on activities I was genuinely passionate about, I started to truly enjoy my time on campus and felt that my involvement was authentic and impactful.”

Her message is simple yet powerful. “Your university experience is your own. Do what feels right for you, and make your time on Western’s campus meaningful in a way that reflects your values and goals.”

Aidan Runstedler’s story is a testament to the impact of leadership grounded in service, mentorship and community. Stay tuned for more inspiring journeys in our Meet Our Students: Celebrating Success Stories series as we continue to celebrate the remarkable individuals shaping the future of Social Science.