Q&A with Toby Ma

I chose software engineering because I excelled in programming classes in high school, and the degree matches my skillset while being extremely valuable.

Toby Ma

Third Year Software Engineering

 

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

Why Western Engineering?

I choose Western Engineering because I really liked the culture we have. I like the fact that we have lots of cool engineering traditions that gets shown off to us in our first year. I also especially like the fact that we are a very team-based faculty, and we're always looking out for one another.

What do you do in your spare time?

I like to read, watch netflix, ski, and play video games.

Can you talk about your extracurricular activities at Western?

I worked as the first year rep for engineering wellness force, and also participated as an exec at Western Esports and Gaming Association across my first and second year. I also worked as the Engineering Student Ambassador in my second year. I encourage students getting involved with extracurricular activities because it's a great way to meet new people and make friends. I was able to meet a lot of friends including a software engineering student studying their master who was able to give me a lot of valuable advice.

Why did you choose your specific stream of engineering?

I chose software engineering because I wasn't particularly interested in any of the other streams, nor was I good at things involved with the other streams(physics, chemistry). I also like the fact that software engineering is going to be very important in regards to AI, which will be very helpful in the future.

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

My favourite book/TV show is Lord of the Mysteries, it’s a webnovel that is widely regarded as the best webnovel ever written and has just recently been made into a TV show. The story takes place in a steampunk Victorian setting with magic and mysticism, whilst involving many cthulhu-esque elements.

Who do you look up to/admire and why?

Someone interesting I admire is Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36th president of the United States. I believe he is quite remarkable because he was able to gain the trust of the Dixiecrats whilst still garnering support from the civil rights community. Ultimately outsmarting the Dixiecrats and passing the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act. All while he was appointed to be president after the assassination of JFK. I believe his wit is something truly exceptional and worth admiring.