When I came to Waterloo I knew I wanted to get involved in one of the student teams, but I was kinda scared because I had no experience in machining or any knowledge of cars. It was awkward enough not knowing these things, being a woman in engineering, and to top it all off, being in mechanical engineering. But I’ve learned that if you want to do something, just try it out, who cares if you’re not good at it, because you can learn, and who cares what other people think!

One day I was walking through CPH, an engineering building on campus, and I saw a flyer for the Midnight Sun Solar Car team. It said, “Looking for mechanical engineering student, no experience required”! What a great opportunity! So I went to their office and right away they gave me some small parts to machine. I was super nervous at first because I’ve never touched a machine in my life. It went alright though, because there was a man in the machine shop that was there to help newbies like me and believe it or not, there are a lot of people like me, just looking to learn! That great thing is that it looks great on your resume. Joining a team demonstrates initiative and it shows the employer that you have special skills in your related field!

So don’t be nervous, just get out there! Like the saying goes, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained!”

Days are counting down until the month of March. There are going to be AWESOME events held during March Break. One of the events that I helped create was for Women in Engineering. There will be an event for women applicants that will help them meet current women in engineering, future classmates, meet some professors. This is an awesome opportunity for prospective female students to meet influential people earlier on. I can only wish I had gone to something like that…

One of the games I came up with was called, “Mix and mingle.” This little ice breaker was designed to let everyone get to know one another quicker. I played a similar type of game during frosh week, but on a bigger scale, so I’m hoping it will be very successful. Another cool game that’s happening is a type of “Junkyard Wars.” Here is where you get to contribute your creative and imaginative side in a team event.

Another exciting event that is happening during the march is the film project that Anam and I are doing. We have been preparing for the last month. Our goal to create a shot film on the fourth year design projects, highlight the cool/interesting ones, and post them online for all the WORRRRLLDDD to see!!!! It’s going to be awesome!

Lastly, Anam and I will be giving engineering tours during the MARCH BREAK OPEN HOUSE! So come down and get a feel for Engineering.

9 times out 10 times, I was stressed, so I had to find some ways to get my mind off school for bit. There are 2 fitness facilities on campus, the PAC (Physical Activities Complex) and CIF (Columbia Icefields Fitness Centre). I like going to CIF because they have the kinds of equipment that I personally like, such as treadmills, medicine balls, and weights. I usually rent out skipping ropes. It is a great way to relieve stress and have balanced lifestyle. Healthy heart and mind. Also, intramurals are a great way to meet people. I was too late in the season to join, but I for sure will next semester. Even if you don’t have a team, you can sign up as a free agent and get assigned to a team. There are also many clubs you can join! Just visit the UW fitness facilities site.

Also, i find reading a novel that is notschool related is also be helpful. Sometimes when my and friends are
too tired of studying or doing homework we take a coffee break at Tim Horton’s or Williams. I think engineering is one of those programs where you’re always going to get tough problems to solve. It is so much easier when your working in a group where you can bounce ideas off each other and learn from your mistakes. Just remember to always stay on task, if your team isn’t, GET NEW STUDY FRIENDS hahah joking ;p

Co-op life is pretty awesome! It is such a change. Co-op life is so chill and school life is so stressful, but that doesn’t mean I have forgotten about school. My advice would be to try to prepare for next semester by sharpening your skills learned last term and if possible, try to learn somethings you’ll learn next semester, like programming. It’s very difficult to try to have a relaxing break and think about school, but that’s life that Waterloo, in my opinion. I think the key to success at Waterloo is preparation, but never ruin your break by trying to study too much.

Co-op is soooo freeing, I can hit the gym, read, join teams, and have “me” time, which is near impossible during school. I find that I can eat better during co-op, because I have time to cook! The best thing about the co-op life is that I CAN SLEEEEEEEEEPPPPPPPPP! I’ve already had so many awesome sleeps on co-op, because I can sleep longer and sleep stress free.

The one thing that my co-op life right now has in common with my school life is the lack of my mother =[ haha it’s was kinda of hard, because I only got to see my mom and friends during Christmas break. Since I got my co-op job in Waterloo, I’m going to be seeing my mom even less because I have school again in the summer. I’m just prayyyinggg for a co-op job in Ottawa next co-op term, because it will be BIRTHDAY TIME for me, and to be able to spend it with my friends and family will be the best b-day gift! BUT even if it’s not, I’m sure I’ll meet new people and have a great co-op term, just like I am now!

Anyways, I really like the co-op at Waterloo, because it gives me the best of both worlds. I get the academic knowledge in school and the practical knowledge from co-op. Check out the web site to understand more about how the co-op system works at Waterloo.