From the beginning of her studies, Aladham was drawn to questions about human behaviour and the forces that shape it. “I have always been interested in understanding why people think and behave the way they do,” she explains. “Psychology allows me to explore individual behaviour, while Sociology helps me understand how social environments shape people’s experiences.” By combining both disciplines, Aladham has developed a well-rounded perspective on human development and a strong interest in pursuing a career focused on working closely with people.

One course in particular had a lasting impact on her academic path. Aladham describes her Child Development course as a defining moment in her education. “The course showed me how early stages of human development affect emotional, social and cognitive growth,” she says. “It changed my understanding of human development and strengthened my commitment to helping people achieve their full potential.”

Beyond the classroom, Aladham expanded her learning through independent research in social psychology. Her project examined how social media use influences self-esteem among young adults. “Conducting this research helped me develop strong research and analytical skills,” Aladham shares. “It also showed me how psychological concepts apply in real-world situations and how data can help us better understand people’s experiences.”

Leadership and community engagement have also played an important role in her time at Western. Aladham currently serves as President of the Jordanian Cultural Club, where she leads a team dedicated to organizing cultural and community-building events on campus. “One of my biggest achievements has been becoming President of the Jordanian Cultural Club,” Aladham reflects. “It has given me the opportunity to represent my culture while building community and creating meaningful experiences for students.”

Her commitment to supporting others also extends to her role as a Residence Soph, where she mentored first-year students as they navigated the transition to university life. Through these experiences, Aladham has developed strong leadership and communication skills while fostering a supportive and welcoming environment for new students.

Looking back on her journey, Aladham values the opportunities Western has provided to grow academically, personally and as a leader. “Seeing the impact of our events and the connections students make through them has been incredibly rewarding,” she says.

Renad Aladham’s story highlights the power of combining academic curiosity with community engagement. Through her studies in Psychology and Sociology, her research experience and her leadership on campus, Aladham continues to build the knowledge and skills needed to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Stay tuned for more inspiring journeys in our Meet Our Students: Celebrating Success Stories series and follow our social media channels to see how Social Science students at Western are shaping their futures and their communities.