Q&A with Ashwin Krishan

Ashwin Krishan

Western Engineering offered the community, support, and opportunities I wanted—joining felt less like choosing a program and more like becoming part of a family.

Ashwin Krishan

Second Year Software Engineering

 

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

Why Western Engineering?

I chose Western Engineering because of its strong student community and the support systems that make students feel connected and included. The collaborative culture, combined with great academic opportunities, ensures that I’m challenged while still having people to lean on. I knew that choosing Western would mean joining a family where success is shared and growth is encouraged every step of the way.

What do you do in your spare time?

In my spare time, I spend a lot of energy on photography and videography, which are creative outlets that balance my technical studies. I love being behind the camera capturing unique moments and then bringing them to life through editing and storytelling. It pushes me to explore new perspectives, experiment with techniques, and constantly improve both my artistic and technical skills while creating work that I’m proud of.

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

My Orientation Week was easily one of the most memorable and fun weeks of my life. It was packed with meeting new people, trying exciting new things, and immersing myself in the energy of Western’s student culture. From the cheers and events to the late-night conversations with new friends, the experience made me feel welcome and part of something much larger. It gave me the confidence and excitement I needed to start university strong.

Why did you choose your specific stream of engineering?

I chose Software Engineering because I’ve always been fascinated by the way software seems to live and breathe on its own while interacting with hardware. The idea that lines of code can shape entire systems, products, or even industries excites me. This field combines logic and creativity in a way that constantly pushes boundaries, and I knew it would be the perfect place for me to explore my passion for technology and problem-solving.

What is your favourite book, movie or TV show?

My favourite TV show is Suits. I’m drawn to its fast-paced energy, clever writing, and the way it captures the intensity of solving problems under pressure. The characters’ resilience, ability to adapt, and constant pursuit of growth inspire me. Beyond the entertainment value, I admire the way the show highlights strategy, teamwork, and leadership—qualities I aim to strengthen in my own journey as an engineer.

Who do you look up to/admire and why?

I admire Michael Katchen, CEO of Wealthsimple, because he revolutionized banking and financial services by making investing accessible to everyone. His vision for democratizing finance shows how innovation can create real impact. I look up to his ability to disrupt traditional systems, scale a company from the ground up, and inspire trust in users. His journey motivates me to think bigger, stay bold in my ideas, and pursue change that benefits others.