Last semester, I continued my studies as a civil engineering student, a life filled with enriching experiences both inside and outside the classroom.
 
In class, I studied different aspects of civil engineering, such as mechanics of materials, fluid mechanics, and geotechnical. A particular highlight of my semester was the field component of my Measurements and Surveying course. For one week after the exam session, our class met at a nearby park and learned how to use surveying instruments and apply to real situations the theory and equations we had previously learned in class.
 
Last winter, I was part of the Faculty of Engineering’s team for La guerre des tuques, a fort-building competition between the students of the different university faculties. For 24 hours, we built and decorated our forts, which were judged the following morning. Our fort finished in first place.
 
I also continue to be layout editor for the Faculty of Engineering’s student newspaper, the Iron Otis. We publish student articles on various topics, ranging from student association news, activities and events, coop and alumni interviews, and student research projects. Not only has this helped me stay in touch with campus news, but it also gives me a chance to be a little creative.
 
This summer, I am working my first coop work term at Klohn Crippen Berger in my hometown, Sudbury, Ontario. It is my first work experience in the engineering field and it has really opened my eyes as to how learning will continue to be an important part of my career. Having seen the practical uses for the theory I learned in class, I now see learning very differently than I did before. In class, what is learned is mostly theoretical and I only had a vague idea of how it applied to “the real world”. I believe I will approach my studies with a much better understanding of its importance when I return to school in September. There is so much more to learn!