Q&A with Johnny Buck

After my final year of high school, I wasn’t completely set on where I wanted to go...my older sister was going into her graduating year of Chemical Engineering at Western and informed me of the amazing experience she had throughout her undergraduate degree.

Johnny Buck

Fourth Year Mechanical Engineering

 

Johnny is a student ambassador here to answer your questions. Click here to contact Johnny.

Why Western Engineering?

Being an out-of-province student, I wanted to experience university away from home. After my final year of high school, I wasn’t completely set on where I wanted to go or what degree to pursue, so I took a gap year. During this time, my older sister was going into her graduating year of Chemical Engineering at Western. She informed me of the amazing experience she had throughout her undergraduate degree, and I further appreciated the idea of a general first year to explore the different disciplines.

What do you do in your spare time?

I am passionate about socializing and getting involved in our engineering community, where I spend most of my time. I also try to stay active by going to the gym or playing intramural hockey and water polo. One great thing to do (during the warm months of the school year) is to go to the beach at either Grand Bend or Port Stanley with friends!

What was your orientation week experience like as a first-year student?

My first-year orientation was slightly different than most students due to 2020 being a year heavily restricted by Covid-19. Nonetheless, Western put on a very exciting orientation week while still abiding by the restrictions. During O-Week, I met some of my best friends whom I now rent a house with to this day! It inspired me to become an Engineering Soph, where I love to fire up and prepare students for their own first year like the sophs did for me in my first year of engineering.

Why did you choose your specific stream of engineering?

When I entered my first year, I initially wanted to pursue a career in software engineering however I realized later that it wasn’t for me. I landed in mechanical engineering based on my passion for problem-solving and building with my hands. Mechanical engineering also provides great career versatility and the ability to work in diverse industries. The general first year at Western advocates taking your time to figure out what discipline you want to pursue, and you don’t need to stress about not knowing right away.

What is your favourite book, movie or TV show?

Growing up, I always had a deep admiration for space so I would say my favourite movie is “Interstellar” as it resonates with my interests. The mind-bending plot is thought-provoking and complex which captivated my interest throughout the intricate story which leaves us as the viewers in a pondering state.

Who do you look up to/admire and why?

My Grandfather and parents I would say are my biggest role models. They all lead lives not only with their heads but with their hearts, which has inspired me to do the same. Through compassion, dedication, and a loving nature, they have allowed me to be where I am today. They all pursued careers in science related fields, which gave me a strong passion for science ever since I was young.