• Home
• meetourstarts
• Meet Our Students: Celebrating Success Stories – Emily Sussex

Meet Our Students: Celebrating Success Stories – Emily Sussex

By Diana Corredor
In our Meet Our Students: Celebrating Success Stories series, we’re proud to highlight students who demonstrate dedication, resilience, and a passion for learning. This edition features Emily Sussex, a Criminology major entering her fourth year in the Faculty of Social Science at Western University.

For Sussex, success didn’t come without challenges. The transition from high school to university was more difficult than expected, and her first year was marked by growing pains. “I didn’t yet have the tools or strategies to succeed in that new environment,” she reflects. But instead of being discouraged, she used that experience as a turning point. After a summer spent researching effective study strategies and academic habits, she entered her second year with a new mindset—focused, proactive, and resilient. Her hard work paid off: she earned a place on the Dean’s Honour List in both her second and third years.

Sussex credits much of her academic growth to one of Western’s standout student services—the Writing Support Centre. “It’s an excellent resource,” she says. “I’ve used it not only for my course writing, but also for LSAT preparation. The one-on-one, specific feedback helped me improve my writing and approach new challenges with confidence.”

Beyond the classroom, Sussex has immersed herself in experiences that enrich her learning and personal development. This summer, she’s working as an Undergraduate Summer Research Intern in the Child Health and Physical Activity Laboratory within the Faculty of Health Sciences. Her research focuses on a pilot study designed to promote physical activity in childcare settings across Canada. “Although I’ve only been in this role a short time, I’ve already learned so much,” she says. “I’m especially excited to present findings related to physical activity policies in childcare centres.”

Sussex also finds purpose in community involvement and extracurriculars. As a member of the Western Pre-Law Society, she’s found not only a strong network of future-focused peers, but also lasting friendships and meaningful academic support. “It’s more than a club—it’s a support system where we ask questions, share advice, and grow together.”

Her leadership extends beyond campus, too. Through her volunteer work with NaloxHome, a British Columbia-based charity dedicated to drug education and overdose prevention, Sussex contributes to social media engagement and grant writing efforts. “NaloxHome has opened my eyes to the complexities of the overdose crisis and strengthened my commitment to evidence-based, systemic change.”

A lifelong athlete, Sussex brings that same drive and discipline to everything she does. One of her proudest achievements is leading her high school basketball team to three provincial finals—and winning two championships—while serving as captain. During one particularly difficult season, her team rallied after the heartbreaking loss of a teammate. “That victory was more than just a title—it was a testament to resilience, unity, and the strength of our bond.”

Today, she continues to stay active through intramural sports like flag football and volleyball, finding balance and connection through recreation.

To students considering the Faculty of Social Science, Sussex offers this advice: “Ask questions. Whether it’s professors, advisors, or peers—be curious and proactive. Asking for feedback, seeking opportunities, and staying open to learning has helped me grow in ways I never expected.” She lives by the principle of kaizen—continuous improvement—and encourages others to do the same.

Celebrate Emily Sussex’s inspiring journey with us, and discover how Criminology at Western empowers students to grow academically, professionally, and personally. Stay tuned for more student stories, and follow our social media channels to see how our community is making its mark.

If you want to share your own story or know someone who should be featured, please reach out to us!