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Meet Ben!

Benjamin Harris is a second-year student pursuing an Honours Specialization in History and a minor in Political Science.

Today he is sharing a little bit about his life at Huron.

Ben grew up in the multicultural and exciting city of Toronto. When it was time to decide on a university, various factors brought him to London. The experience his dad had at Huron made a good case for the prestigious Liberal Arts institution, but small classes with a personalized approach to education made it great. As a person who thrives in intimate, collaborative environments, Ben has grown tremendously during undergrad – thanks to Huron’s unique learning model.

Throughout his first year at Huron, Ben has joined some amazing clubs, redefined his high school self, and started to become the person he wants to be.

I joined the Huron Indian Cultural Association and I’m now the International Representative. I met amazing people and learned so much.

But, this transformation didn’t always come easy. The transition to adulthood is complicated and confusing enough – without any additional obstacles to grapple with. As someone with a physical disability who struggles with their mental health, learning how to live alone was challenging.

It was hard, but university becomes manageable with the right people surrounding you, which is what I have with my friends at Huron. Even though we all come from different places, we’ve found a family in each other and that means we will support one another through all of these transitions.

Ben’s dream is to become a professor. Over the summer, he had the opportunity to work closely with Dr. Nina Reid-Moroney as a research assistant to study race relations in Ontario. This job has helped him define his academic interests, as well as gain professional experience in his field. Since Ben started university, he has been able to access a variety of resources that are keeping his aspirations on track. From writing services to career development advice, Ben has found in Huron a community that is actively encouraging and helping him achieve his goals.

With the 2020-2021 academic year being online, students are redefining their education. As a former competitive athlete, Ben has found his way around time management and organization. However, maintaining connections with classmates and professors will be a challenge, but an exciting one. This year, Ben is looking forward to exploring the history of North American and Eastern cultures that was left out of most textbooks, as well as contributing to the representation of non-western knowledge.

When asked what he likes most about Huron, Ben smiles and sighs:

The people. Getting a great education means a lot to me, but university is much more than what happens in classes. The connections I’ve made, everything I have experienced here; I feel happier at Huron than I ever felt before.

Being supported, being loved, and helping someone follow their dreams: That’s what Leadership with Heart means to Ben.

 

Research at Huron

Ben holds a Research Fellowship with the Huron Community History Centre. These are not usually available for students at the undergraduate level, but Huron has lived up to the challenge. The Centre for Undergraduate Research Learning (CURL) is meant to provide students the opportunity to apply for three different kinds of paid research.

The first is the one Ben experienced: a Research Assistant position where students get to work directly with Huron faculty members and see closely how a research study is conducted. CURL Student Research Fellowships pay $1500 to chosen students for them to explore a research question or interest. The Globalink Research Awards, a Huron partnership with Mitacs is meant for students who are interested in travelling 12-24 months to conduct a research project in an approved country with a $6000 grant. Learn more at https://huronatwestern.ca/about/faculty/research/