Q&A with Livia Formigon

I highly recommend that students engage in extracurricular activities at the university to connect more deeply with the community and get to know more people, both within and outside of engineering.

Livia Formigon

Second Year Civil Engineering (Environmental Engineering with International Development)

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

Why Western Engineering?

I chose Western Engineering because of the program’s strong, tight-knit community and balance between social and academic life. When deciding which university to commit to, Western stood out to me as an environment that encouraged genuine friendship and collaboration as avenues to academic and professional success. On the other hand, Western’s environment allowed me to explore outside of my comfort zone and meet many different people who all share a passion and drive for success.

What do you do in your spare time?

In my spare time, I value spending time with my friends and family. Whether it be trying out new restaurants, engaging in conversation, or just sitting down while we each do our own things, I believe that good company makes everything better. Being with those I’m close with grounds me, especially during stressful times when I need a distraction and to clear my head.

 

Can you talk about your extracurricular activities at Western?

Joining clubs at Western, such as the Chess & Go club and Women in Engineering, has enriched my university experience by easing connections with other students who share similar interests or experiences. I highly recommend that students engage in extracurricular activities at the university to connect more deeply with the community and get to know more people, both within and outside of engineering.

Why did you choose your specific stream of engineering?

I chose Civil Engineering (more specifically Environmental Engineering with International Development) because of how versatile and broad the program is. During my time studying Environmental Engineering, I have learned that it is way more than just hugging trees and climate change, but rather a chance for us to explore our natural resources in a more meaningful and less wasteful way. The International Development option is a great way to learn how engineering processes work on a global scale.

What is your favourite book, movie, or TV show?

What is your favourite book, movie, or TV show? (Max 500 Characters)
My favorite book is The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. Evelyn, a Latina actress during the 1950s-80s, was so beautifully written that whenever one of her movies were mentioned, I was profoundly upset upon remembering that they were a product of a fictional world and didn’t actually exist. During the story, we can see Evelyn as more than a character but as a complex, nuanced person along a complex and nuanced story. Evelyn’s story will stick with me for a long time.

Who do you look up to/admire and why?

The people I admire the most are my parents. Upon moving alone to London for university, I gained a new, deeper understanding of how much they gave up when moving to Canada- all so that my sister and I could have a better future with greater opportunities. Their encouragement and perseverance gave me the courage to move across the country for my future. I now know that, if I ever need them, they’re only a call or flight away, and I owe them so much for their unconditional, unlimited support.