November 8th, 2024
Alvi Zaman, Electrical Engineering Student
Meet Alvi: My Most Memorable Experience as a UCalgary Student
I still cannot believe that I am no longer in high school. It feels like yesterday I was researching many university websites, wondering where the next chapter of my life would unfold. Deep down, I knew that engineering was the choice for me since that is where my passion lies, and that staying close to home in Calgary was important to me. Entering my second year of electrical engineering at the University of Calgary, I am learning more about university life day after day. This journey has not only taught me more about engineering, but it has also taught me how to grow personally and professionally, in a field that constantly challenges and inspires me.
In my first year of engineering, I took courses that covered various parts of engineering such as materials, circuits, and programming. Each class showed real life applications of the information that I learned, and how it can be used to improve people’s lives significantly. One course that especially stands out is “Introduction to Engineering Design”, also called ENGG 200, where I learned about the design process, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship by creating small-scale projects addressing real-world challenges. Using 3D modelling, circuitry, and programming we created such projects and presented them to peers and professors showing the benefits of our product. Working on the circuits for these projects, I discovered my passion for electrical engineering, and I aspire to use it to focus on energy-efficiency for people in need.
Outside the classroom, UCalgary has provided a wealth of opportunities to apply my skills and grow my network. Last year, I had the pleasure of leading a team of software developers to create the new website for Project90, a UCalgary club where I get to work with brilliant minds, test new ideas, and troubleshoot issues with a team. This experience has taught me the power of collaboration and resilience. Currently, I am a project manager for two clubs: Project90 and Tech Start. My involvement in these clubs has allowed me to grow as an engineer and as a leader. I have been able to understand more about entrepreneurship and connecting it with engineering, which I never imagined learning. Through participating in extracurricular activities, I have learned how to give back to my city, and I have been able to connect with peers who share the same passion towards positive impact.
Reflecting on my most memorable experiences so far, I am reminded of the thrill of discovery, and the satisfaction of overcoming challenges. UCalgary has been more than just a university. It has been a launchpad for my dreams in engineering, and I look forward to seeing where my university journey takes me next.
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