I have reached the end of another great term at the University of Waterloo. I am currently halfway through the second year of my university studies in Mathematics. As I progress further in my studies, I am becoming excited about the diverse career paths available to me in the areas of mathematics, engineering, and business.

Before starting my second year of academics, I completed my first co-op term from May to August 2013. I worked on the Product Management team at a software company just outside of Ottawa, Ontario. Through my co-op experience, I developed technical and professional skills that will be valuable in my future co-op terms and career.

I enjoyed participating in extra-curricular activities this term. I was a volunteer in the English Conversation Program, which is a program that allows international students to improve their English skills through mentorship from a Canadian student. As part of this program, I mentored an Environment student from China. The attached photo shows my mentee and me at our final meeting of the term. I was also a member of the Waterloo Cuban Salsa Club, where I practiced salsa dancing every Monday evening. I always looked forward to the next salsa lesson – it was a great way to start off the week!

From January to April 2014, I will be completing an internship at a large semiconductor company called Broadcom Corporation. This company is located in the heart of Silicon Valley. My position is called Applications Engineering Intern, and I will be part of Broadcom’s Mobile & Wireless Group. I look forward to learning about the complex technology designed and marketed by the company. My upcoming internship will be a culturally rich experience as well as a chance to gain new technical knowledge and skills.

I connected in person with the 2013 Schulich Leaders, Lucas and Chloé, and my fellow 2012 Schulich Leader, Nicole Shum, earlier in the term. We had a chance to share our experiences and goals in university so far. I will continue to connect with the Schulich Leaders on campus each year so that we can create a strong network at uWaterloo. I am grateful to Mr. Seymour Schulich and the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto for giving me the opportunity to represent the Schulich Leader Scholarship program.