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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 Lama Abdulal
Success to me is looking back at how much I have grown both academically and outside of class. I always feel grateful and proud of what I have achieved, from my summer research projects to the presentations that I gave, and I try to feel optimistic about the things that I will achieve in the future.
Lama Abdulal
Fourth Year Civil Engineering and Artificial Intelligence Systems Engineering
Lama is a student ambassador here to answer your questions. Click here to contact Lama.
Do you remember when you decided you wanted to pursue engineering? What sparked your interest?
In high school, I really enjoyed math, especially working with more complicated equations (I know, does not sound typical!). I also had a Technological Design course that taught me the basics of design and stakeholder needs. I liked these concepts, but I did not fully realize at that time that these are the foundations (no pun intended!) of engineering. In fact, I have been pleasantly surprised of how much we rely on the basic algebra, trigonometry, and science concepts we first learn.
How do you manage school-related stress?
To enjoy engineering with our busy schedules, it is important to keep doing things that we enjoy even if less frequently. Early in the semester, I like to attend a group fitness class and go to the mall with my family to take a break and have fun. Every now and then, I like to watch part of a movie or my favourite cooking competitions. Your way of managing stress might be different, but make sure to do something that makes you feel happy.
What is your favourite quote?
“Hard work pays off”. As short as it is, one of my professors always reminds us that even if we do not have much time to be ahead in class, it is always worth it to put in the extra effort.
Favourite study spot on campus?
I can confidently say that my favourite study spot will always be the UES lounge! It is the perfect place to study, eat, find new and familiar friends, and get to know more upper-year students. Even when it is the most crowded, I can still focus and finish my assignments, study for a quiz, and take a break. I will say, having a full table to study and watching the colorful walls are probably what bring me in most of the time!
Can you talk about your extra-curricular activities at Western? Why would you encourage students to get involved in extra-curricular activities at Western Engineering?
Getting involved helps you learn, is fun, and is easier than you think! Volunteering at events such as open houses allowed me to interact with different people. I am also heavily involved in clubs and teams, such as the Western Society for Civil Engineering and the Western Engineering Concrete Canoe Association. This is where I can apply the theory that I learn in class while learning totally new things! Getting involved is easy; it all starts with simply reaching out!
What is success to you?
From my few years in engineering, and even before university, success to me is looking back at how much I have grown both academically and outside of class. I always feel grateful and proud of what I have achieved, from my summer research projects to the presentations that I gave, and I try to feel optimistic about the things that I will achieve in the future.
