Meet Our Students: Celebrating Success Stories | Alexandra Vanigasooriyar

For Vanigasooriyar, choosing Western was more than an academic decision—it was a continuation of a family legacy and a place where she envisioned herself growing. With both her mother and older brother as Western alumni, she saw firsthand how their university experiences shaped the people they became. “I looked up to them growing up, so I always hoped to follow in their footsteps,” she shares.

When exploring her options, Vanigasooriyar was drawn to the Faculty of Social Science because of its strong academic foundation and its focus on helping students develop beyond the classroom. During her first Western Open House, she attended a Political Science information session that stood out for its emphasis on personal growth, career aspirations, and community impact. “They spoke about helping students grow as individuals, supporting their career aspirations, and encouraging them to make a meaningful impact in their communities,” she says. “That student-centred approach made it easy to picture myself here.”

Today, through her studies in Global Justice within the Political Science program, Vanigasooriyar has found an academic path that challenges her to examine complex global issues while building the analytical, communication, and leadership skills she hopes to carry into law school and beyond.

Throughout her undergraduate experience, mentorship has played an important role in helping Vanigasooriyar navigate university life. She credits her professors and advisors for creating an environment where students feel encouraged to explore their interests, ask questions, and pursue opportunities outside the classroom.

“One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from them is that grades aren’t everything,” she explains. “Personal growth, curiosity, leadership, and the experiences you gain along the way are just as important.”

That perspective has allowed Vanigasooriyar to approach her university journey with a broader understanding of success. Rather than focusing solely on academic achievement, she has embraced opportunities that have helped her become a more confident student, leader, and community member.

A significant part of that growth has come through her involvement in student leadership. Vanigasooriyar has been an active member of Western Women in Leadership and the Social Science Student Council, where she has worked alongside students who share her passion for creating opportunities and supporting others.

However, some of her most transformative experiences have come through Residence Orientation. In her second year, she served as a Residence Soph for Alumgin, welcoming first-year students and helping them transition into university life. The following year, she became a Residence Leadership Soph for Medway-Sydenham, taking on a greater leadership role by supporting Soph teams and helping create a positive experience for incoming students.

“These roles completely changed my university experience,” she says. “I loved being someone that first-year students could turn to, whether they needed advice, reassurance, or just someone to talk to.”

Seeing new students build confidence, develop friendships, and find their place at Western reminded Vanigasooriyar of the importance of connection and belonging. This year, she continues that work as a Residence Orientation Coordinator, helping support Residence Leadership Soph teams, coordinating planning, and contributing to a welcoming experience for thousands of incoming students.

For Vanigasooriyar, involvement outside the classroom has been just as meaningful as her academic experiences. “Getting involved outside the classroom has shaped who I am just as much as my academics have,” she says.

She has also found a strong sense of community within the Faculty of Social Science, where diverse perspectives and shared support create an environment where students can learn from one another. Although Social Science is a large faculty, Vanigasooriyar says it never feels impersonal or competitive.

“Students genuinely want to see each other succeed,” she explains. “Whether it’s sharing notes after someone misses a class, helping explain a difficult concept before an exam, or working together on group projects, there’s a real sense of support.”

For students considering joining the Faculty of Social Science, Vanigasooriyar’s advice is simple: embrace opportunities and be open to growth. She encourages future students to step outside their comfort zones, explore new interests, and remember that it is okay not to have everything figured out right away.

“University is about learning, but it’s also about growing as a person,” she says. “Give yourself the space to explore new ideas, ask questions, and try things you might not have considered before.”

Vanigasooriyar’s journey reflects the many ways students can shape their university experience—through academics, leadership, relationships, and a willingness to say yes to new possibilities. Her story is a reminder that success is not only measured by achievements, but also by the connections we build and the impact we create along the way.