Best of both worlds
Abigail is not your typical Waterloo science graduate. This 2009 environmental sciences alumna was part of a very special collaborative effort between the University of Waterloo and the People's Republic of China.
In Waterloo's "2+2" program, Chinese students complete their first two years of university education in China and complete their third and fourth years of study in Canada. At the end of their four years of university study, students earn a Bachelor of Science degree from both their home university in China and the University of Waterloo.
As part of her degree requirements, Abigail went through Waterloo's co-op program and identified her favourite work term to be the summer she spent in the Office of the Dean of Science, working specifically on promotion of the very initiative that brought her here.
I am glad that I chose to go to the University of Waterloo for my undergraduate program. It was an amazing experience and I got to know so many people from different backgrounds.
As for her time here at Waterloo, Abigail had plenty of fond memories of the other students and professors she'd met.
People at the school are very friendly, [they] are willing to help. Professor nights and events held by the student association of science were good.
When asked about any favourite professors, she was quick to point out Dr. Elizabeth Daub, "the nicest person I have ever met. She is so helpful and takes her class so seriously. She spent so [much] time helping me with assignments."
Abigail claims that her education at Waterloo has made her self-motivated and encouraged her to identify and reach both her personal and professional goals.
When she wasn't hanging around the farmers market or reading books at Chapters, Abigail found time to participate as an Orientation leader for science frosh. Despite her distaste for winter night labs, Abigail has only praise for the campus and the science program.
Now that she's an alumna, she offers up this tidbit of advice to all first-year students:
University is not just a place to study. Learn hard and play hard. Find yourself, your interest and build your confidence.