Before stepping into lecture halls, Carinci was a Musical Theatre and Dance major at Etobicoke School of the Arts. “Communication was always my strongest suit,” she shares. “Speaking, presenting, collaborating, and connecting with people came naturally.” The arts shaped her confidence, discipline, and leadership, but they also sparked curiosity. She began to wonder where else those skills might take her.

That curiosity sharpened in high school law classes. “I found myself genuinely interested in the criminal cases we were discussing, drawn to debate, and obsessed with the ‘why’ behind rules, justice, and decision-making,” Carinci explains. “I realized I wanted a different kind of stage, one where I could speak with purpose and advocate in a way that could impact people.” That realization led her to Criminology and, ultimately, to Western’s Faculty of Social Science.

From the moment she arrived, Carinci knew she had found her place. While she initially expected her studies to focus narrowly on policing and criminal law, she quickly discovered the Faculty’s expansive interdisciplinary approach. “I was able to intentionally embed psychology alongside criminology, while also exploring law, social theory, globalization, and international relations,” she says. Courses on topics such as human trafficking and rethinking punishment challenged her to approach complex issues through multiple lenses. “Social issues rarely fit into one box. The best analysis and solutions come from connecting perspectives.”

A defining influence in her academic journey was Dr. Schaffer, whose classes emphasized active engagement over memorization. “Through class dialogue, visual diagrams linking theory to real-world issues, and oral exams instead of multiple-choice tests, we were encouraged to truly understand ideas,” Carinci reflects. “I often left feeling intellectually energized.” His approach reinforced that interdisciplinary learning is not simply about taking different subjects, but about thinking critically, communicating clearly, and questioning assumptions about class, power, and inequality.

Over four years, Carinci has developed more than academic knowledge. She has cultivated leadership, teamwork, and the ability to build meaningful professional relationships. “Through criminology and sociology, I learned to move beyond ‘what happened’ and ask deeper questions: Who benefits? Who is left out? What systems are shaping people’s choices?” That mindset has shaped her confidence as she prepares for post-graduate life.

Her academic training has also connected in unexpected ways to her growing interest in sales and client-facing work. Through her experience at Laurel, an AI-powered timekeeping platform for professional services firms, Carinci discovered how transferable Social Science skills can be. “At its core, sales is about listening carefully, asking the right questions, understanding what matters to someone, and communicating solutions clearly,” she explains. “My background trained me to read situations critically, understand different perspectives, and build trust. Those skills translate directly into corporate environments.”

Now stepping into professional spaces where she is often the youngest in the room, Carinci feels prepared rather than intimidated. “Western taught me how to learn from others confidently, ask strong questions, and show up with purpose,” she says.

Beyond the classroom, Carinci has made meaningful contributions to the Western community. For four years, she has volunteered as a notetaker with Accessible Education – Academic Support and Engagement – Student Experience. “Knowing my notes could directly help a peer access course content pushed me to be intentional about clarity and structure,” she reflects. “It reminded me that university isn’t only about individual success, but about helping others succeed alongside you.”

Her creative roots remain central to her identity. As a Creative Leadership Associate with the Spur Fashion Show through the Purple Spur Society, Carinci has helped organize one of Western’s largest and longest-running social charity initiatives. From choreographing dance numbers to supporting creative direction, she has blended performance, leadership, and philanthropy. “Being part of a community will shape your experience more than you expect,” she says.

Looking back, Carinci’s advice to new students is both practical and heartfelt. “Put yourself out there early. Talk to the person beside you in the lecture. Don’t be afraid to show up to events alone, because that’s often where the best friendships start.” She also emphasizes the importance of building relationships with professors and teaching assistants. “Go to office hours. Ask questions. Let them know you beyond your grade. Sometimes one conversation can shift your whole perspective.”

Most importantly, she encourages students to embrace growth beyond comfort. “Step out of your comfort zone and embrace being new. Take risks, even small ones, because growth rarely happens when everything feels easy.”

As Carinci reminds us, “Everything you want is on the other side of fear.”