School & Program: University of Waterloo, Mechatronics Engineering
Born: Calgary, Alberta
Meadowridge Student Since: Grade 9
House: Whonnock

Tell us about your time at Meadowridge. 

One of the main reasons I moved was that I knew I wanted to attend post-secondary in Canada, so I wanted to get more accustomed to life in North America. I lived in Singapore then, and one of my classmates, Joel, had just moved and enrolled at Meadowridge. I remember him telling me about design classes and how he built a castle and a trebuchet, and I thought that was such a unique experience. I joined Meadowridge partway through Grade 9. When I started, I immediately noticed the connection students had with teachers. It was much more accessible, and you could ask questions and talk with your teachers instead of just listening to them. Meadowridge was a smaller school with an interconnected community. I joined robotics, played basketball, and developed a great sense of community here.

What’s it like being a student at Meadowridge? 

It’s like being a part of a big family. It feels like you’re all learning together—it’s a collaborative experience where people work with you, help you, and make you feel included. Teachers at Meadowridge have office hours, like university, and they always welcome you to talk to them and ask questions. Even simple ones. That benefitted me, and I felt much more confident asking questions and contributing in class. For instance, I felt comfortable talking to Mr. Schofield about my idea for an e-waste drive. I never thought I could do that, but he heard my idea, walked me through it, and encouraged me to go ahead. From that project, I collected and donated 40 cubic feet of e-waste—enough to fill up my entire car!

What will you always remember from your time here?

The fun I had with my friends during Week Without Walls (WWOW) trips. I appreciate the school’s balance of fun with studying and work. It’s what helped me do well and enjoy my time in high school. WWOW trips let us have fun and make memories as a grade, whether it was canoeing up the Indian Arm or spending the night at Loon Lake. Every trip was so fun and so memorable.

Tell us about an experience that shaped you.

My Physics classes. Dr. Stevenson’s classes are like university classes, where the learning is on you. I remember him saying, “If you have any questions, always see me after class. I’ll always answer.” Before these classes, I would never really stay around and ask questions. But Physics was such a steep learning curve, and I knew it was important to ask questions. He always answered my one question, plus 50 others, too. I felt so overjoyed.

Choosing a school and program is quite the journey—tell us yours.   

I chose mechatronics engineering because of the robotics program at Meadowridge. At first, I was conflicted between computer science and mechanical engineering, but when I started working with robotics, I realized that was what I liked to do. It combines the two, a mix of mechanical systems with software-based systems. As for The University of Waterloo, I also started doing their math competitions as a Meadowridge student. After doing some of the tests

and enjoying the styles of questions, I started looking more into the school and their programs. I also talked to Meadowridge alumni who attended there, which made me sure I wanted to go.

What are you most looking forward to in the year ahead? In the future? 

I’m looking forward to joining student build teams. Waterloo has a team where you can build a race car from scratch. Having those teams based on things I like is something I’m excited about. They also have co-op programs that I would like to look into. In Ontario, they have racetracks, and I’m keen to get onto the tracks and maybe create a race team, too. I’m excited to try everything.

What words of wisdom would you pass on to Meadowridge students? 

Never be afraid to ask teachers for help or students for help. Everyone here is open and will help. You should also try new things and explore the things you love. Joining clubs will make you feel more connected to the school and satisfied with your life.