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Meet Our Students: Celebrating Success Stories – Marek Brooking

By Diana Corredor
In our Meet Our Students: Celebrating Success Stories series, we proudly feature students whose academic journeys reflect passion, growth, and impact—on campus and beyond. In this edition, we introduce Marek Brooking, a fourth-year student in the Honours Specialization in the Political Science program at Western University.

Brooking’s academic experience has been shaped by courses that opened his eyes to the depth and breadth of political inquiry. “POLI SCI 2545G, the introduction to Comparative Politics, really sparked my interest in the field,” he shares. “Comparative politics has so much flexibility—you can examine systems across countries or even within different regions of the same country.” Another standout course for him was Power in the City (POLI SCI 3363F), which offered a unique perspective on municipal politics. “Even though it’s not my main interest, it broadened my understanding of governance and the various levels at which political power operates.”

Beyond the classroom, Brooking has pursued research opportunities that reflect the interdisciplinary spirit of the Faculty of Social Science. As a Research Assistant at the Ivey Business School’s Sustainable Finance Lab, he explored themes of Indigenous reconciliation and sustainability. He contributed to the creation of a student resource on Indigenous legal concepts and co-authored a report advocating for regenerative agriculture in Canada. “The critical thinking and systems analysis from my political science courses really helped me engage with these complex issues,” he says. These experiences prepared him well for his Political Science thesis (4490E), where he made his own original contribution to the field—a milestone he found deeply rewarding.

Brooking’s time at Western has also been defined by his dynamic involvement in student life. From writing as a News Intern at The Western Gazette to serving on the USC Elections Committee, he immersed himself in experiences that connected him to campus and civic life. He also rose through the ranks of NDP Western, eventually becoming Co-President. “Our biggest event, Pints and Politics, gave students the chance to speak directly with politicians from all levels of government,” he recalls. “We wanted to create space for civic engagement and real dialogue.”

In addition, Brooking co-hosts a radio show on Radio Western, discussing current topics and sharing music, and has contributed to the Leadership and Democracy Lab by producing risk reports on topics such as Taiwan’s semiconductor industry. These diverse pursuits have allowed him to explore, connect, and reflect on the many ways political science intersects with everyday life.

“Western’s interdisciplinary approach helped me discover what I really wanted to do,” Brooking notes. “It encouraged me to think across disciplines, integrate different worldviews, and ask bigger questions.”

His advice to future students? “Explore as much as you can. The Faculty of Social Science offers a wide range of opportunities—from academic pathways to student-led initiatives. Whether you join a club, write for the Gazette, or get involved with the Social Science Students’ Council, each experience builds capacity and helps you grow.”

When asked about his proudest achievement, Brooking points to his campaign for Social Science Councillor. “I didn’t win, but I learned a lot about standing up for what matters. It showed me that your value isn’t defined by titles, but by what you do with the experience. Even disappointment can be a stepping stone.”

Marek Brooking’s story is a testament to the power of curiosity, resilience, and civic engagement—and to the many ways students can leave their mark while discovering who they are.

Stay tuned for more success stories in our series, and follow our social media channels to learn how students across the Faculty of Social Science are shaping the future.

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