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• Q&A with Lilian Yang

Q&A with Lilian Yang

 

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

Do you remember when you decided you wanted to pursue engineering? What sparked your interest?

As a kid, my father used to tell me theories about how the universe and many natural events came to be. Although he studied physics in university, he was always quick to assure me that the engineers were the ones that could actually turn these impossible-seeming theories into real-life products for the whole world to use. I decided to pursue engineering after realizing that I could combine my love for science and math with my passion for helping others and turn it into an actual career.

How do you manage school-related stress?

Being away from home for the first time is definitely tough, especially while also having to focus on juggling school life and their social life. My advice is to keep connected to your friends and family from home as well as making sure you have a good circle of people to talk to at school. No one can understand your academic-related frustrations better than the people in your program (me included!) but no one can comfort you better than the people you’ve known for your whole life.

What is your favourite quote?

”It is never too late to be what you might have been,” George Eliot. Two things that I’ve heard from upper years on campus is that you should always take good opportunities when they arise and that it’s fully okay for your grades to slide in your first year. Happens to everyone. This is just a reminder to take those chances (OWeek, clubs) because it’s never too late to meet new friends or learn a new topic. It’s also never too late for an academic comeback; you will always have a second chance.

Favourite study spot on campus?

My favourite study spot has to be the International Graduate Affairs Building, located right next to the Arts and Humanities Building. First years who are taking Business 1299E in that building will find it a helpful spot to stay for their one hour breaks between classes. I’ve also noticed that it’s a less popular spot compared to Weldon Library or Amit Chakma Engineering Building so be sure to check it out during weekends and for your late night studying!

Can you talk about your extra-curricular activities at Western (clubs, teams, volunteer work, outreach activities, athletics etc.)? Why would you encourage students to get involved in extra-curricular activities at Western Engineering?

As a first-year, I am lacking a bit in this regard but I am certain that having extracurricular activities is going to make transitioning into university life so much better. Over the summer, I signed up with the Women in Engineering club to be paired with a Big Sister, an upper year student who is willing to be your mentor during your first year. Without my Big Sister, I would have been so lost about things like textbooks and classes. Sign up for that club and find your community at Western!

What is success to you?

Success is about finding my own path in life and discovering a way to combine my career and passions into one. At Western, I am able to continue as both an engineering and business student due to Ivey AEO, allowing me to integrate my love of engineering with my goals of ultimately helping people on a wider scale.. I hope to be able to connect with so many more people and leave a positive impact wherever I go, something that Western’s extremely diverse programs will doubtlessly help achieve.