Q&A with Nadeen Elshawish

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

What inspired you to choose engineering?
I have always considered engineering as a possible education path, but I was not fully convinced until Western University offered an opportunity called “ENGSquad” when I was in grade 12, where girls would spend a weekend at Western and learn all about the engineering program. I attended this weekend and everything I learned and experienced encouraged me to accept my offer to Western Engineering. I learned a lot from the students and professors at Western, met other girls that were also interested in engineering and created new friendships. This experience opened my eyes to all the possibilities as a female engineer, so I realized that is what I wanted to do.

What was your orientation week experience like as a first-year student?
Orientation week was so much fun! It was a perfect entrance into university. The events were engaging and did a good job on helping integrate first-year students into the university life; they were exciting and beneficial. I made all my friends during orientation week, and met a lot of other people who I interact with often. All the Sophs were friendly and extremely enthusiastic also, even after orientation week. Overall, it was a great experience and I would recommend participating in it to everyone!

Why Western Engineering?
I found the engineering program at Western focused on, not only learning the material, but applying the lessons taught in lectures to everyday problems. I also really loved the community at Western. All the students are friendly and helpful, no matter who you are.

How do you manage school-related stress?
I find that Tim Horton’s express in UCC is super underappreciated and usually has a short line; perfect for a quick drink. Einstein’s in Natural Science Centre also has amazing coffee.

What is your favourite book, movie, TV show or quote?
My favourite book is The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken, and the other two books in the trilogy, Never Fade and In the Afterlight. I’ve reread the trilogy around four times. It is the perfect combination of action, comedy, relationships and more. I would never be able to pinpoint exactly why I love it, but reading them always makes me feel better.

What is a fun fact about yourself?
I am the favourite child. My parents say they love all my siblings equally, but I am definitely the favourite.

Quick Links