Q&A with Sarah Johnston

Through clubs, I have met some of my closest friends, made several industry connections, and travelled around Canada and the US. I would encourage future students to join as many clubs as possible, as they are a great way to learn more about different industries and get hands-on experience.

Sarah Johnston

Fifth Year Mechanical Engineering and Ivey HBA

 

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

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

Growing up, I always loved art and design as well as math and physics. I enjoyed combining both creative and analytical elements in my paintings, which sparked my interest in a career that was both design-focused and STEM-related, leading me to engineering!

How do you manage school-related stress?

Hitting the gym, studying with friends, taking breaks, and comfort food.

What is your favourite quote?

“I saw myself sitting in the crotch of this fig tree, starving to death, just because I couldn't make up my mind which of the figs I would choose. I wanted each and every one of them, but choosing one meant losing all the rest, and, as I sat there, unable to decide, the figs began to wrinkle and go black, and, one by one, they plopped to the ground at my feet.”

- Sylvia Plath, The Bell Jar

Favourite study spot on campus?

Third floor of ACEB!

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?

Western has tons of fun clubs, both engineering-related and extracurricular. They're a great way to meet new people, especially since each club has an individual culture. Through clubs, I have met some of my closest friends, made several industry connections, and travelled around Canada and the US. I would encourage future students to join as many clubs as possible, as they are a great way to learn more about different industries and get hands-on experience. Western Engineering clubs in particular are a unique opportunity to participate in an interesting project from start to finish (for example, on WECCA, we build and race a canoe made out of concrete - super cool!).

What is success to you?

Success is about finding a balance between achievement (academic or professional) and pleasure!