Seton Noble, from Toronto, Ontario, is a business student at the University of Western Ontario, poised to graduate in 2025. Raised in an environment where education and entrepreneurship were cherished, Seton was profoundly influenced by his parents—a dedicated educator and a South African entrepreneur. This foundation spurred him to excel both academically and in his extracurricular pursuits.
An avid athlete, Seton Noble thrives in competitive and intramural sports including hockey, basketball, and baseball, demonstrating leadership and teamwork both on and off the field. His passion for community service is embodied in his annual clothing drive for the homeless in Toronto, which he founded and has grown significantly, deeply impacting the local community by providing essential winter clothing to those in need.
Seton’s interests are diverse, extending into the arts where he enjoys playing guitar and exploring classic rock music. As a member of the Western Pre-Law Society, he engages with complex legal and business concepts, preparing for a future where he can integrate his varied interests into a cohesive career path focused on making a substantial impact in business and society.
What inspired you to start playing guitar, and how has it influenced your life?
“My dad introduced me to classic rock, and I fell in love with the sound of the guitar. Playing has become a creative outlet for me, a way to relax and express myself. It’s also helped me develop patience and improve my focus, which benefits my studies and other activities.”
As someone who’s been involved in multiple sports, do you see any crossover between sports and business strategies?
“Absolutely. Both fields require strong strategic thinking and teamwork. In sports, you make tactical decisions under pressure, similar to business environments where you must adapt and plan strategically to succeed. Both arenas have taught me the importance of resilience and clear communication.”
How has your experience with the Western Pre-Law Society influenced your future career plans?
“Being part of the Pre-Law Society has opened my eyes to the intersections between law and business. It’s made me consider a legal career, potentially in corporate law, where I can leverage my business education to navigate complex legal challenges in the business world.”
What is the most rewarding part of your involvement in community service?
“The most rewarding aspect is seeing the direct impact of our efforts. For instance, hearing how a donated jacket kept someone warm during the winter reaffirms the importance of our work and motivates me to keep pushing forward.”
Can you share a significant challenge you faced while organizing the clothing drive and how you overcame it?
“In the early days, one major challenge was logistics—specifically, distribution. We overcame this by collaborating more closely with local charities that had the network and experience to distribute the items more efficiently.”
What book has recently impacted you, and why would you recommend it?
“‘The Art of Happiness’ by Dalai Lama has been influential for me. It offers profound insights on finding balance and peace in one’s life, which is crucial when juggling multiple responsibilities and goals. It’s a reminder of the importance of maintaining inner peace in the midst of external chaos.”
How do you manage stress, especially during busy periods like exams or peak times for your clothing drive?
“I prioritize physical activity, whether it’s a quick game of basketball or a gym session. It helps clear my mind. I also use meditation and time management techniques to keep stress levels manageable.”
Looking into the future, where do you see your clothing drive initiative five years from now?
“I hope to see it become a city-wide or even national initiative with a network of volunteers and partnerships across various cities. Expanding its reach would mean we could help more people, not just with clothing but also by connecting them to other essential services.”
If you could meet any historical figure, who would it be and what would you ask them?
“I’d choose Nelson Mandela. I’d ask him about his resilience and ability to forgive in the face of such adversity. Understanding his perspective on leadership and reconciliation would be incredibly inspiring.”
What advice do you have for other students looking to start their own community service projects?
“Start small and be consistent. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the desire to make a big impact right away, but the key is to build gradually and maintain commitment. Also, don’t hesitate to reach out for help—community work is all about collaboration.”
Finally, what does success look like to you?
“To me, success means making a tangible impact that improves people’s lives while staying true to my values. It’s not just about achieving personal goals but also about lifting others up along the way. Whether it’s through community service, professional achievements, or personal development, success is about creating a balance that fosters both individual and communal growth. I believe that true success comes from the satisfaction of knowing you’ve contributed positively to the world around you.”