Experience Western Engineering
Contact
Western Engineering Undergraduate Services Office
Spencer Engineering Building
Room 2097
Western University
Tel: 519-661-2130
Fax: 519-661-3757
Email: futurewe@uwo.ca
Q&A with Joanne Cai
Western Engineering’s general first-year program allows me to explore diverse fields, helping me discover my interests and potential.
Joanne Cai
First Year Engineering
Joanne is a student ambassador here to answer your questions. Click here to contact Joanne.
Why Western Engineering?
Western Engineering’s general first-year program allows me to explore diverse fields, helping me discover my interests and potential. The dual-degree program, combining engineering and Ivey business, brought together my passions in both areas. Western Engineering also offers a close-knit community, where students are very welcome to join clubs and seek help from the many resources that they provide. These aspects make Western the ideal place for my academic and personal growth.
What do you do in your spare time?
In my spare time, I enjoy getting involved in different clubs, hanging out with friends, studying what I love, and playing sports. I am passionate about contributing and helping out a variety of different clubs and giving back to the community. Meeting new people can also be a good way for me to relax.
What was your orientation week experience like as a first-year student?
The orientation week was truly amazing. From the moment I stepped onto the campus, I felt a strong bond, and the welcoming ceremony was incredibly memorable, especially for the students, staff, and everyone in this school. There were so many variations of events happening every day during OWeek, and I especially liked Ava Max’s concert. It was a fun and memorable experience for me.
Why did you choose your specific stream of engineering?
My interest in STEM sparked when I joined the SHAD Canada program in tenth grade. I found it fascinating to apply skills to build solutions through teamwork. In Grade 11, I dug into a deeper and more specific field, where I wanted to combine engineering and business to solve problems. This led me to Western Engineering and its dual degree with Ivey Business School.
What is your favourite book, movie or TV show?
My favourite movie is Inside Out, both one and two. Its creative portrayal of emotions through the characters of Joy, Sadness, and many others offers a unique and insightful look at how we process feelings. The film intricately illustrates the importance of embracing all emotions, even the difficult ones, for personal growth and resilience. I am deeply attracted by its heartwarming message and creative storytelling.
Who do you look up to/admire and why?
Throughout my entire life, one significant person has greatly shaped and impacted who I am today, and that person is my mom. From her, I inherited her resilience, her ability to love, her bravery, and her dedication to supporting my family with the best that she can give. She taught me how to push through adversity, always remain optimistic, enjoy everything life has to give me, and pursue my passions so I do not have any regrets.
