Q&A with Cadeau Hayimana

being a London local, attending Western allowed me to stay connected with my community while saving on living expenses, such as rent. Western also has a great reputation, so it was the perfect choice for me both academically and personally.

Cadeau Hayimana

Second Year Mechatronics Systems Engineering and Artificial Intelligence Systems Engineering

 

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

Why Western Engineering?

Western Engineering attracted me because of its general first-year program, which gave me the chance to explore various disciplines before deciding on my focus. This flexibility was crucial since I was initially undecided about which path to pursue. Additionally, being a London local, attending Western allowed me to stay connected with my community while saving on living expenses, such as rent. Western also has a great reputation, so it was the perfect choice for me both academically and personally.

What do you do in your spare time?

In my free time, I enjoy reading, cycling, and listening to podcasts. I’m especially drawn to fantasy books, with The Lord of the Rings trilogy being my all-time favorite, though I’m open to reading anything that sparks my interest. I also love cycling, I ride to and from campus when the weather’s good and enjoy customizing and tuning my bike to suit my preferences. Lastly, I’m a big fan of podcasts, and Hardcore History by Dan Carlin is my go-to.

Can you talk about your experiential learning experiences (co-op, internship, ELI, PEME, Global and Intercultural Engagement Honour etc.)?

For the past two summers, I’ve worked as a tech intern at my church, where I gained hands-on experience with their sound, video capturing, and staging systems. I also had the opportunity to work on video editing and graphic design, which was a great learning experience. This year, I joined the Formula Racing team and am part of the electrical division, where I’m gaining practical skills in electrical systems.

What is a fun fact about yourself?

A fun fact about me is that I have a condition called aphantasia, which means I can’t visualize things in my mind. Surprisingly, about 5% of people have it! I always thought it was normal not to picture things, so when others would describe visualizing something, I’d just focus on thinking about the idea intensely instead. It’s a unique way of processing the world!

Study tips for current/future students?

My top tip is to develop a consistent study routine. I try to study in the same spots on campus and have a specific playlist I only listen to when I’m studying. At home, I take it further by lighting a candle and only working at my desk when I need to focus. In my experience, this helps me associate certain places, smells, and sounds with getting into a focused, productive mindset and getting into the study zone.

Can you talk about your residence experience?

I live at home with my family, which has both its perks and drawbacks. On the plus side, I’m always surrounded by people who care about me, and I get to enjoy delicious home-cooked meals made by my talented mother. The main downside is that my home is a bit far from campus, it’s about a 30-minute bike ride or 50 minutes by bus. Despite the commute, the benefits definitely outweigh the drawbacks, and I’m happy with my living arrangement.