Volunteer ties

“Growing up, I never really understood what a STEM career would look like; from the outside, it seemed just like any other job. I volunteer and mentor in the tech community in the hopes of empowering others to more critically examine all possible options. Since 2020, I’ve participated as a program lead for the Asians at Amazon affinity group, which aims to increase Asian representation within leadership, and empower employees to grow their careers. I’ve also been an Amazon Future Engineer class chats volunteer speaker, as well as coach; I was inspired from a very early age by a high school teacher that taught me that any frustration or problem in the world can be solved with technical innovation. I acknowledge and appreciate the fact that I had a very fortunate upbringing; the opportunities I had been given at Waterloo were best-in-class, and I was able to gain valuable skills that still provide immense and unique value. I have been learning about underprivileged and underrepresented demographics and the lack of opportunity in STEM; this fuels my passion to give back to the community that helped to define my identity.”

I am thankful for the education I received at Waterloo – it has made me the tenacious and logical person I am today, so I am always looking for opportunities to give back to the UW community. I have been volunteering with “Think About Math!” Workshop since I was an undergrad student in hopes of inspiring others to choose careers in STEM by sharing the lessons I’ve learnt on my journey. It has also given me the opportunity to connect with my incredible fellow alumni.

“For decades, the CEMC has been blessed to have the support of hundreds of future, current and retired educators at all levels who are committed to support mathematics and computing students worldwide. Through their volunteer marking work, the CEMC is able to do something that few if any others in the world can do: offer non-invitational full-solution contests that require careful hand-marking. The experience that students gain by writing these contests allows them to improve their mathematical problem solving, enhance their communication skills, and most importantly, continue their enjoyment of the pursuit of these important subjects.”

“I am incredibly grateful to the University of Waterloo. My dad was the first person in his family to attend university and he attended UW. The university's co-op program made it possible for him to afford his math degree and that degree changed his life. Nearly 30 years later, my UW math degree did the same for me - opening doors to a postgraduate degree at Stanford University and a fulfilling career in finance.

UWaterloo has enriched my life and I am thrilled to give back as a volunteer. I've participated in a number of ways over the years - CEMC grader, Think About Math! and WiM career panelist, and mentor. Currently, I am honored to serve as President of the Alumni Council where I get to work closely with engaging and impressive alumni to enhance the alumni community.”

“I had such a good time while studying at Waterloo. I’m always looking for opportunities to give back where I can”

"Serving others has always been a part of my life. So much so that serving expecting parents is what energizes me in my company today. It’s equally as important to go beyond our day-to-day and find ways we can give back by spending our own time – a precious and powerful resource – helping lift up others. It grounds us, it reminds us of how people have helped us when we needed it, and it connects us to our communities. Volunteering does as much for you as for the people and causes you support."