By: Rishabh Shah

As we continue into the second semester, it’s time for another edition of Titan’s Tycoon! Our STA alumni are making their mark in universities across the country, and today, we check in with another former Titan who’s thriving in his post-secondary journey. Let’s head over to the University of Waterloo, where we catch up with Sidharth.

Sidharth: “Hi, my name is Sidharth, and I’m studying biomedical engineering at the University of Waterloo.”

As always, I had the chance to chat with him about his experiences so far.

Sidharth: “So far, I really like my program. I like that my classes are very heavily design-based, and they make you approach problems in creative ways. I’m not a big fan of the heavy course load though.”

Waterloo is known for its rigorous engineering programs, and Biomedical Engineering is no exception. But Sidharth is handling the challenge while learning a lot along the way.

I also asked him if he had any advice for current Grade 12s who might be considering engineering.

Sidharth: “Try starting to code as soon as you can. The problem-solving abilities you get from it kind of help with all school courses, and not to mention, we have a lot of coding classes in this program.”

That’s some great advice—coding skills are becoming more essential in almost every field, and starting early can definitely make a difference!

Sidharth has also had an unexpected but exciting reunion since starting university.

Sidharth: “In this program, I actually reunited with one of my friends from Grade 1. I changed schools and never really saw him again until this September, since we share all the same classes now.”

Who would’ve thought that after all these years, a childhood friend would end up in the same program? University has a way of bringing people together in the most unexpected ways.

And of course, no Titan’s Tycoon feature would be complete without a mention of food.

Sidharth’s pick? The Tim Hortons by SLC (Student Life Centre). A classic choice—sometimes, a good coffee and a snack are all you need to push through those long study sessions.

Moving on to Brock University, we catch up with Rachel Yee, who is excelling in her Concurrent Education (Primary/Junior) Bachelor of Child and Youth Studies program. Alongside her studies, she stays connected to her passion for dance as a member of Brock’s competitive Edge Dance Team, balancing academics and extracurriculars seamlessly.

Being part of a university dance team has given Rachel the chance to meet people who share her interests, many of whom are also in her program. Through this, she has built a strong network both socially and academically.

Rishabh: How do you like your program?

Rachel: “After completing my first semester at Brock, I have found my footing in how things work and can confidently say that I enjoy my program. I have also built a solid routine that helps me stay organized and on top of my coursework.”

She highlights that one of the most exciting aspects of university is taking courses that align with her passions, all while actively working toward her bachelor’s degree. Rachel also appreciates that her program emphasizes independent studying, which has helped her improve her time management skills as she balances academics, extracurriculars, and social life.

While adjusting to university life was a challenge at first, she now feels comfortable and motivated to continue excelling in her studies.

Rachel:”Brock’s six-year Concurrent Education program offers a Bachelor of Education alongside a major in Child and Youth Studies, preparing me to teach Kindergarten to Grade 6. While I enjoy the flexibility of scheduling and online classes, I wish first-year students could choose electives. Despite a full course load, the ability to plan my lectures helps me stay organized and balance academics effectively.”

Rachel has some thoughtful advice for current Grade 12 students:

Rachel: “Have fun in your senior year of high school! It’s one of the most exciting times of your life, filled with memorable milestones throughout the year. Keep up with your studies, and take a moment to appreciate all the hard work you’ve put into these four years!”

For those heading into post-secondary, she emphasizes that it’s normal to feel overwhelmed at first. She encourages students to put themselves out there and meet new people, whether they commute or live in residence.

Speaking of being comfortable in class, her professors have gone the extra mile to make classes enjoyable.

Rachel: “Some of my favorite professors are the ones who make an effort to connect with their students, even in such large lectures. Playing music before class, sharing personal stories, or even trying to relate to our generation makes class so much more enjoyable.”

When it comes to food, Rachel’s go-to spot on campus is the Market Eatery, specifically El Torito.

Rachel: “It’s similar to Chipotle, and building a burrito bowl is especially convenient whenever I’m in the library for a long time.”

That wraps up this edition of Titan’s Tycoon! Stay tuned as we continue checking in with more STA alumni making their mark in university life.