U-Connect

Ever since I was young, I have been fascinated with space, the universe, and getting to know how things work. I wanted to become an engineer because I could combine my love for math and science in order to create something useful for society. Knowing that I could create solutions to everyday problems in new ways was (and still is!) exciting. 

When applying to engineering schools, I was constantly overwhelmed by the tasks I had to do. Entering into a new phase of life is overwhelming for anyone. I struggled with juggling commitments to my high school, my family, my friends, and with planning for my future. Additionally, I felt at times as if the people around me were unsupportive of my goals. Some adults would be surprised when I mentioned going into engineering while others raised their eyebrows and emphasized how hard it would be. However, I was aware of what I wanted in my life and where I wanted to be. I overcame these doubts, fears, and struggles by focusing on what I was working towards and what I genuinely liked to do. Engineering intrigued me and I was willing to fight for it. Therefore, I managed my time, built up my resilience, and worked hard. 

I would say, don't let anyone tell you what you can and can’t do, because no one knows you better than you know yourself! On a lighter note, I would also say to always be curious. Developing a curious and constantly questioning mindset will allow you to approach a problem in several ways and will benefit you in any situation. Lastly, if at any point during your undergraduate degree in an engineering program you are feeling stuck, you can always seek out mentors who will gladly guide you, so don’t be afraid to ask for help. 

At Schulich, the great thing is that there are people from a multitude of backgrounds and with different experiences. There is a phenomenal team of people committed to advancing diversity and inclusivity on campus. Multiple workshops and events throughout the year are run to discuss ideas and ways that we, as a Schulich community, can improve. It really is a wonderful, welcoming place to be. In these workshops, many of them are held for young women specifically in STEM in order to abate the pressures and discuss the fears that some young women may have in belonging to predominantly male-occupied fields.

The most fun thing about engineering is getting to work with new people on creative, exciting projects. Finding out that this was what I most enjoyed about engineering was surprising, because I am actually a very shy person, so team-work initially seemed terrifying. However, getting to work on projects with friends and new people became fascinating because no two people ever think the same. Creating something in the end was very satisfying, and a lot of fun along the way!