Q&A with Nadeem Hirji

Being a tinkerer, I’ve always wondered how things worked and attempted to recreate them on my own.

Nadeem Hirji

Fourth Year Mechatronic Systems Engineering with a Summer Co-op

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

Why Western Engineering?

Western Engineering stood out to me as a program that emphasized both academic excellence and community involvement, especially within the faculty of Engineering. I was also impressed by the plethora of hands-on real engineering opportunities offered through the many clubs and build teams in Engineering. These reasons ultimately led me to accept my OUAC offer for Western in March of 2021.

What do you do in your spare time?

In my spare time, I love to learn about theology and Christology, which are both recent developments in my hobbies and interests that I started looking into this past summer. I also enjoy playing sports such as soccer, volleyball, and ball hockey. In addition, I’m involved in a few build projects (WeMars, Formula Electric, and WeRocketry). Last but not least, I enjoy going to my local Goodlife or the Western Rec Center and getting a good gym session in.

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

I had a very enjoyable OWeek experience, although a bit chaotic! I attended some of the campus events (although there were too many to attend all sometimes), spent time with my amazing res and faculty sophs with my fellow frosh, and explored Western’s campus. I met A LOT of fellow first years at those events, many of whom I became close friends with.

Why did you choose your specific stream of engineering?

Being a tinkerer, I’ve always wondered how things worked and attempted to recreate them on my own. When I was a kid, I looked forward to a day when I’d be able to understand the working principles behind cool technologies that I wasn’t able to comprehend, like cars, computers, robots, and radios. I chose Mechatronic Systems Engineering (Tron) so that I can understand and work on a wide variety of mechanical, electrical, or computer engineering-related systems, as the program combines the 3.

What is your favourite book, movie or TV show?

My favourite TV shows are Suits and the anime Haikyu!! Suits because of the dramatic plot (and cause law shows are always kinda silly and unrealistic) & Haikyu!! because of the uplifting (and often cliché) underdog sports story that was animated and narrated to perfection.

Who do you look up to/admire and why?

I look up to Jesus Christ. I cherish his life and teachings as they are the basis for the fair and humanitarian moral standards we have in the West. Jesus taught crucial moral principles that emphasized compassion and love for others, even when it is easier to be selfish/self-indulging and even for those we dislike. He advocated for the weak and marginalized, people who often get overlooked in society by those thriving in life. Because of these reasons (and many more), I look up to him.