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Meet Our Students: Celebrating Success Stories – Syed Rizvi

By Diana Corredor
In our Meet Our Students: Celebrating Success Stories series, we celebrate the diverse voices and accomplishments of students whose journeys reflect the richness of the Social Science experience at Western. This edition features Syed Rizvi, a fourth-year student completing an Honours Specialization in International Relations.

An international student, Rizvi chose Western for its academic reputation and the distinguished faculty who bring global insight into the classroom. “I chose the IR program at Western due to its strong academic record and exceptional faculty,” he shares. “As someone with a deep interest in both history and political science, I was drawn to a program that is supported by both departments.”

What Rizvi discovered exceeded his expectations. Courses like International Relations 2703F with Professor Adam Harmes and Political Science 3213G became transformative learning experiences. “The discussions and insights in class challenged my previous perspectives and profoundly changed the way I think about the world,” he reflects. “It expanded not just my academic understanding, but how I engage with the global order.”

Rizvi credits his professors not only for their teaching, but also for their mentorship. Their guidance helped him explore career possibilities, connect with resources, and feel supported throughout his time at Western. “They took the time to meet with me personally and helped me navigate the questions I had about the future,” he says.

Beyond the classroom, Rizvi immersed himself in Western’s vibrant student community. From the Association of International Relations to the Thaqlain Muslim Association, Club Governance Board, and the Leadership and Democracy Lab, he found meaningful opportunities for personal and professional growth. “These experiences allowed me to build strong connections with students and professionals in diverse fields,” he notes. “They’ve helped me develop new perspectives on leadership, identity, and global citizenship.”

When asked what advice he would offer future students, Rizvi’s message is simple but profound: “Be ready for the unexpected, and your world will drastically change. Stay open to new ideas, explore the many options this Faculty has to offer, and most importantly, stay close to your professors and the friends you make during your time here.”

Syed Rizvi’s story is a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of education—especially when students embrace curiosity, connection, and change.

Stay tuned for more stories in our Meet Our Students: Celebrating Success Stories series and follow us on social media to learn how our students are shaping the world, one step at a time.

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