Name: Akshay Kapoor
Age: 20
Program/Year: Medical Sciences, IMS module / 3rd year
Hometown: Burlington, Ontario
Tell me a little bit about yourself.
The most accurate description of me is “spread too thin.” When I’m not studying or running around to catch—or be late for—another meeting, I’m spending as much time with my friends as possible.
How has travelling changed you as a person?
I’ve been so fortunate to have the opportunity to travel to so many places around the world. From a beach in Santorini to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania to the Galapagos Islands, I’ve been amazed with each adventure. Travelling has changed me in that being thrown into new cultures and types of people so often has taught me to adapt to new situations, socially or otherwise, easier than before. It’s definitely helped me come out of my shell.
What’s your favourite thing about Western?
You can pursue anything you want to. You can plan any event with the resources available or join any sort of club. And if the club you’re looking for isn’t there, you can start one. There is just so much freedom here that I don’t see at other universities and I really appreciate it.
Tell me about your vision for Speak Up Western.
Having founded the club with my roommate, we envisioned it as a group of students learning to be better leaders and speakers together via hands-on learning and exercises. It’s the first year we’re running and it’s very different from most clubs here at Western, so we’re still trying to iron out the kinks. It’s definitely a challenge to try and spearhead a new initiative like this, so we’re playing it by ear. I see both myself and the members improving a great deal, little by little.
Where is your favourite place in London?
168 Sushi. All you can eat—need I say more?
What made you want to join MSF—Doctors Without Borders?
I joined MSF in first year because my friend in fourth year was president at the time and talked very highly about it. We won club of the year in both my first and second years, and it wasn’t by accident! Our fundraising events are well executed and every single member has equal input. Everything we do is a team effort and that’s why I love it.
What’s your favourite thing about your program?
My favourite thing about my program is that it’s flexible. Being in the IMS module of medical sciences, I get to take a variety of courses such as pathology, physiology and pharmacology. I love learning about these different aspects of the human body and seeing where they interconnect. At the same time, I still have room for electives that interest me, such as health care law.
When did you get involved in the Bachelor of Medical Sciences Association (BMSA)? What is your role there?
I joined in first year because a friend recommended it, and I am so glad that I did. Another unique venture, BMSA is not affiliated with the USC, but with Schulich medical/dentistry school. This gives us a unique set of resources and connections to offer students. Being the VP Communications isn’t easy, but it definitely is rewarding! I’m responsible for keeping in contact with BMSA’s connections and keeping everyone in the club “in the loop” with events and happenings.
What are your hobbies?
My love of music led me to take up the drums, which I’ve been playing for nine years, and I’ve recently taught myself how to play tabs on guitar (badly). I want to get better though! Aside from that, I’ve been playing volleyball for a long time, and in the winter I love to snowboard.
What’s something about you that most people wouldn’t assume?
I’m a huge comic book nerd! I’m team Marvel, and I love reading the comics then comparing them to the movies. I’m just an all-around massive dork.
Favourite musician: Radiohead
Favourite food: Steak
Guilty pleasure: Candy—I have zero self control when it comes to it and my dentist hates me
Coke or Pepsi: Coke… Pepsi is not “okay”
Favourite movie: Limitless (the one where Bradley Cooper takes a pill that makes him smart, because, to be honest, I need that pill)
Favourite book: The Sirens of Titan by Kurt Vonnegut