April 18, 2023
In honour of National Volunteer Week, we asked Nusayba Sultana, Chemical Engineering alumnus who will be graduating this year, a few questions about her journey and her volunteer experiences within the University of Waterloo. She shares her story to highlight the importance of volunteerism.
Introduction
My name is Nusayba Sultana and I am a 4B Chemical Engineering student! I joined UWaterloo in 2018, and have since then completed co-ops in the energy industry, metallurgical field, and the food processing industry. I am graduating this April (woohoo!) and I will be joining PepsiCo after taking a bit of a break to do some travelling!
My hobbies include reading, playing video games, and photography!
How and where do you volunteer your time and how have you been involved with Waterloo Engineering?
I have been an Engineering Student Ambassador since my first year. Eventually, I became quite passionate about the organization and I worked my way up from my first role as a web director, to a tour director, and to now becoming the current team lead of the student ambassador team! In this role, I help plan and execute our major outreach events and programs. I love volunteering at these events and showing off all the great things that Waterloo Engineering has to offer.
Outside of my position in the Engineering Ambassadors team, I was also involved with Orientation Week as part of the Media team - I got to use my love of photography and outreach while capturing the memories of OWeek!
What inspired you to want to volunteer with Engineering Ambassadors and how has your experience been?
When I was in grade 12, I was quite anxious about making the right decision for myself and my future. When I visited the UWaterloo Open Houses, the Engineering Ambassadors were always able to answer all my questions. When I got accepted, I knew I wanted to be an Ambassador myself to continue giving incoming students the proper guidance to make the best decision for themselves!
Similarly, I got involved with Orientation because it allowed me to combine two passions - talking to new students and photography! While capturing the memories of OWeek, I was also able to mingle and chat with the first years and provide guidance where I could!
My volunteering experiences have been extremely rewarding. I know the type of intense anxiety that comes with admissions, navigating first year, and getting that first co-op. It can be very hard to manage if you don’t have any help and it can be very isolating. I try to remind students that they are not alone and there are ways to manage the stress in a healthy manner. I love the feeling of talking to students and providing some relief in what can be an incredibly challenging time. Additionally, as a visible minority, I love providing representation and a unique perspective as a woman of colour within engineering. I did not have much representation to look to when I was in first year, but it is steadily growing and I love being a part of that.
Can you share a highlight of your experience?
During the last Fall Open House in 2022, it was a little hectic with the sheer number of families who visited the campus. I was giving tours nonstop to families all day. However, at the end of one tour, one of the families stopped me and asked me questions for almost half an hour! When they were done, the entire family was extremely grateful for my time and reminded me that I am doing a great job. At many of these outreach events, parents and students are always so thankful when you take even 5 minutes to answer their questions and it truly makes the experience worth it.
Any advice for students who are unsure about getting involved or volunteering their time?
It is honestly a great experience so I always recommend my friends and others to volunteer. For one, it’s a great way to make friends. You can meet people in other programs that you may have not talked to otherwise. It is also usually a manageable time commitment. Many clubs and organizations are aware that you are volunteering your time so the hours are usually quite flexible. My undergrad experience was so much more memorable with the volunteering I did and I am definitely going to miss it when I graduate this year!