Meet Our Students: Celebrating Success Stories | Jessica Mark

For Mark, an interest in justice and public institutions began long before university. Growing up in a law enforcement family, conversations about fairness, accountability, and the role of institutions were a regular part of life. Those experiences naturally drew her toward Criminology, but it was Political Science that pushed her in unexpected ways.

“Political Science offered me something different by pushing me to wrestle with competing perspectives, participate in debate, and reconsider my own assumptions,”

She chose her programs not only to build on existing interests, but also to challenge herself intellectually. “My programs were selected to build on my existing interests while simultaneously inspiring within me a willingness to question,” Mark explains.

One course in particular became a turning point in her academic journey: POL3390 with Professor Dan Bousfield. Rather than rewarding quick answers, the course encouraged students to critically examine arguments, engage with competing ideas, and develop their own informed perspectives.

“More than once, I found myself being proven wrong, and I came to appreciate that as one of the most valuable parts of the learning process.”

Mark says the course felt especially meaningful because it connected political theory to contemporary debates surrounding artificial intelligence and other rapidly evolving issues. The material felt relevant, immediate, and closely tied to conversations happening beyond the classroom.

That experience also deepened her appreciation for thoughtful disagreement. By testing ideas, making counterarguments, and refining her own views, she discovered that intellectual growth often comes from uncertainty rather than certainty.

Faculty mentorship played an important role in that process. Mark credits Professor Bousfield with encouraging her to pursue ideas beyond course requirements and explore topics independently.

“His willingness to invest in my growth challenged me to approach my work with greater curiosity, discipline, and intention,” she says. “By placing trust in me as a student, he gave me a stronger sense of responsibility and confidence that continues to influence how I approach new opportunities and challenges.”

She also speaks warmly about Professor Biswas-Mellamphy, whose classroom emphasized participation, collaboration, and community.

“Through her example, I became more confident in contributing to discussions while also developing a deeper appreciation for listening carefully and creating space for others to be heard.”

Those lessons in communication, respect, and intellectual engagement, Mark says, continue to shape how she interacts with others both academically and personally.

Outside the classroom, Mark's Western experience was shaped by another significant transition: arriving as a transfer student from the University of Toronto. At U of T, varsity hockey had been a major part of her identity and university life. Coming to Western meant stepping into a new environment and rebuilding her sense of community.

One of the ways she did that was by joining the Western University Korean Students' Association (WUKSA). Through organizing events and participating in club activities, she discovered new interests and meaningful connections.

“The experience allowed me to reconnect with a part of myself that had not always been explored while also developing new interests, relationships, and a more well-rounded university experience.”

What began as a way to meet people became an opportunity for leadership, cultural exploration, and personal reflection.

Looking back, Mark sees her time in the Faculty of Social Science as a period of profound growth.

“Coming to Western as a transfer student required me to step into a new environment and redefine what success looked like for me,” she says. Through coursework, mentorship, and campus involvement, she became more adaptable and more confident in her abilities.

“The Faculty of Social Science gave me the confidence to trust my own abilities, take on challenges I once would have avoided, and recognize that uncertainty can often lead to the most meaningful opportunities.”

That perspective now shapes the advice she offers to prospective students.

“Do not feel like you need to have everything figured out before you start,” Mark says. “Get involved, ask questions, and pursue the things that genuinely interest you. Join clubs, talk to your professors about topics you are excited about, and take part in the social opportunities around you. There is always something to gain from putting yourself out there.”

She adds that not every experience will unfold exactly as expected, but those moments often become the most valuable.

“Those moments often teach you the most about yourself and what you value.”

Jessica Mark's story is a reminder that university is not only about finding answers—it is also about learning how to ask better questions. Through intellectual curiosity, meaningful mentorship, and a willingness to embrace change, she has transformed uncertainty into confidence and discovered new possibilities for her future.

Stay tuned for more inspiring stories in our Meet Our Students: Celebrating Success Stories series, and follow us on social media to see how our students are shaping the future.