Q&A with Kierstin Griffith

Whether I’m planning events with Kappa Alpha Theta, running outdoors, or curling up with a good book, staying connected and balanced is important to me.

Kierstin Griffith

Fourth Year Software Engineering

 

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

Why Western Engineering?

I chose Western Engineering after attending the 2023 Spring Open House. The beautiful campus immediately felt like home, and talking with volunteers gave me insight into the strong sense of community within the faculty. Their positive experiences, along with Western’s vibrant campus life, made me confident in accepting my offer and calling London my new home.

What do you do in your spare time?

Outside of school, I work part time in a retail setting. My favourite part of the job is that when I’m clocked in, my mind is no longer occupied with my studies, it offers a much needed mental break from the stress surrounding tough courses. My job has also given me the chance to branch out socially with other students and locals, making the city of London feel more like home.

Can you talk about your extracurricular activities at Western?

Extracurricular activities and clubs are by far the best way to branch out and meet fellow students. The engineering faculty can feel isolating at times, joining different student clubs based on your interests is a great way to gain friends and connections outside of classmates. Some of my closest friends were met through Greek life and other external experiences at Western!

Why did you choose your specific stream of engineering?

In high school, I developed a strong interest in technology through courses in graphic design, IT, and 3D modeling. In grade 11, my IT teacher encouraged me to try coding, and I created a small adventure game that my class played. That experience showed me how much I loved coding and back-end development, which ultimately led me to pursue software engineering.

What is your favourite book, movie or TV show?

My favourite book is “Love You Forever” by Robert Munsch, a childhood classic. It was my Grandma’s favourite book and she would read it to me constantly. Family has and always will be important to me, so I treasure the fond memories this book brings. It reminds me of the love and connections that have made me the person I am today.

Who do you look up to/admire and why?

I admire Bridgit Mendler (Teddy from Good Luck Charlie) as a great example of reinventing yourself. After acting on Disney Channel, she earned degrees at MIT and Harvard and now leads her own tech company. She proudly represents women in STEM, and I admire her resilience and ambition. She inspires me to embrace change and be ambitious within my field.