The experiences that shape what comes next for Waterloo’s newest grads

As another class prepares to cross the convocation stage, Waterloo’s newest graduates are looking back on the experiences that made their undergraduate years memorable. Along the way, they found new passions, built lasting connections and discovered opportunities that helped shape where they’re headed next.

Whether their Waterloo story began with a childhood visit to campus or at the Ontario Universities’ Fair, each graduate arrived by a different path and made the experience their own. From co-op and community to studying abroad, seven undergraduates share the moments that shaped their time at Waterloo.

What Waterloo moment are you most proud of, and why?

Ayush Verma (he/him)

Faculty of Science — Bachelor of Science in Honours Biology

My proudest Waterloo moment happened at the 2025 Ontario Universities’ Fair, where I represented the Faculty of Science as an experienced Science Ambassador. I was surprised to see myself featured on the cover of the prospective student brochure, which highlights the programs and experiences Science at Waterloo has to offer.

It felt like a full-circle moment. I went from arriving at Waterloo without knowing anyone to appearing on the very brochure that could help future students choose their university and program.

Now, I’m continuing my Waterloo journey with a Master of Science in microbiology, studying cyanobacteria and their metabolites. My interest in microbiology began with an introductory course in second year and grew through my involvement as Co-President of the Waterloo Student and Microbiology Club, being a teaching assistant and doing my undergraduate research thesis project.

If you could relive one day from your time at Waterloo, what would it be?

Elysia Darbourne (she/her)

Faculty of Mathematics — Bachelor of Computer Science

I would choose a day where there was a bit of everything going on. I would study with friends in the morning, grab lunch and then head to play pickup soccer in the evening. I think a day like this really captures what I like the most about my time at Waterloo. There was always something to do and my friends were never far away. At the time, this day would seem so ordinary. But now I really miss it.

Next, I’m starting my career in software engineering. Waterloo, especially through co-operative education, taught me to embrace new experiences and places. I loved the experiences that came with that, but after years of moving around, I’m also excited to settle down in a place for a while.

Who had the biggest impact on your Waterloo experience?

Dakota Bacchus (he/him)

Faculty of Engineering — Bachelor of Architectural Studies

Rick Haldenby (BES ’73, BArch ’75), without question. I first met Rick in second year, and his care for students and his ability to bring history to life through storytelling stood out immediately. On the Rome term, a program he founded in 1979, the buildings we’d seen in lecture slides became places we could stand inside, and Rick made sure we knew the stories behind them.

But just as much, it was the people around me. Architecture is a cohort of about 70 students in an old mill building in Cambridge, and some of my favourite memories are late nights in studio. I also spent two years as President of the Waterloo Architecture Students Association, helping build the community that made that small school feel like home.

Next, I’m starting my Master of Architecture at Waterloo, with a thesis on how buildings quietly shape the behaviour of the people within them.

What activity, club, team or community helped you feel most at home at Waterloo?

Chloe Sullivan (she/her)

Faculty of Environment — Bachelor of Environmental Studies in Environment, Resources and Sustainability

Waterloo’s Campus Compost helped me feel most at home at Waterloo by connecting me with students across faculties who shared my interest in sustainability. The student-led club works to improve organic waste collection on campus and raise awareness about waste diversion, giving me the opportunity to make new friends while making a positive, sustainable impact.

Taking on executive roles also helped me grow my confidence. Leading meetings and events made me more comfortable presenting and contributing to discussions in the classroom. Waterloo also gave me opportunities to explore my passion for waste management and environmental education through co-op, research and other extracurriculars.

After completing two municipal waste management co-op terms, I recently started a new role as a Waste Management Program Co-ordinator with Halton Region, where I am excited to continue building on the interests and experiences I developed at Waterloo.

What experience changed the way you saw your field of study?

Luke Manimendre (he/him)

Faculty of Arts — Bachelor of Arts in Honours Economics

One of my fondest Waterloo memories was finding out I landed a work term at PepsiCo while hanging out with friends at Claudette Miller Hall. It felt like a dream come true, especially because I got to celebrate with some of the same friends I met during my first week at Waterloo who had supported me along the way.

During my work term, I built a fully automated Power BI spend dashboard with support from upper management and fellow interns. The experience showed me the importance of building strong connections and asking for help, while also helping me discover how much I enjoy sales, supply chain and operations.

That experience ultimately shaped what comes next. After graduation, I will be joining Cintas as a Management Trainee, where I can continue exploring the areas of business that sparked my interest during co-op.

What makes graduating from Waterloo especially meaningful to you?

Sapna Tripathi (she/her)

School of Pharmacy — Doctor of Pharmacy

My connection to Waterloo began long before I became a student. When I was eight years old, I visited the School of Pharmacy during its grand opening. That experience stayed with me and sparked an interest in pharmacy that eventually brought me back to Waterloo as a student.

17 years later, crossing the convocation stage as a Waterloo pharmacy graduate feels like an incredible full-circle moment. Waterloo has also become a special part of my family’s story. Two of my brothers are Waterloo alumni and my youngest brother is currently a student here.

Looking back at photos of myself visiting the School of Pharmacy as a child and seeing where I am today reminds me how much one experience can shape the path ahead. What began as a childhood visit ultimately became the start of my own Waterloo journey.

Read more about Tripathi’s story on the School of Pharmacy website.

What is one of your fondest memories as a Waterloo student?

Ethan Rad (he/him)

Faculty of Health — Bachelor of Arts in Recreation and Leisure Studies

One of my fondest memories was studying abroad in London and Loughborough. It was a great mix of school, sports, travel and meeting new people. Visiting places like London Stadium and Wimbledon showed me that my interests in sports, travel and events could all come together.

That interest grew through experiences back at Waterloo. In the course Experience Design and Delivery, my group created an activity for people passing through the Student Life Centre, and I discovered how much I enjoyed presenting our project and connecting with people. Later, working with the 2026 Ontario Summer Games introduced me to the planning and logistics behind large events.

Together, these experiences helped me see a future where I can combine the things I enjoy most. I hope to pursue a career that allows me to work with people while staying connected to sports and event operations, travel coordination or transportation.