Active participation in campus life paved Olla Mohamad Ahmed Obied’s path to becoming class valedictorian
By Sarah Fullerton
Digital Communications Specialist
Olla Mohamad Ahmed Obied, an international student from Sudan, embarked on her academic journey to Canada five years ago to study Geoscience at the University of Waterloo. Now she is set to cross the stage this June as class valedictorian and receive her degree as she moves on to a career in geoscience engineering.
Obied's search for the right academic environment led her to explore options in the United States, the Netherlands and Canada. Ultimately, the school that stood out to her was the University of Waterloo for its co-op program and its renowned Earth and Environmental Sciences department. "The co-op program was a significant factor for me," Obied explained. "I wanted to gain career experience while studying, and Waterloo’s program stood out.”
Her first co-op working with Dr. Randy Stotler involved analyzing large groundwater data sets, sparking her interest in groundwater studies. Her dedication to this research earned her a co-author credit on an ongoing research paper. Subsequent co-ops saw her continuing this work, gaining lab experience with carbon and nitrogen isotopes, and working at SRK Consulting in Vancouver, where she spent eight months researching environmental and social solutions related to acid mine drainage across North America.
Beyond academics and professional work, she was deeply involved in campus life. Adjusting to a new country and culture, Obied quickly found her community at Waterloo by joining clubs and activities. She became involved with the Racial Advocacy for Inclusion, Solidarity and Equity (RAISE) student-run service, served as a residence don, worked part-time in a lab, played intramural sports, and advocated for racial issues within the Waterloo Region with Future Majority. While she was regularly involved with on-campus activities, her five-term stint as the VP of Finance with the WATROX club is where she found home.
"I made so many memories being a part of the WATROX club," Obied says. "We always had a blast at karaoke and trivia nights. It's a great way to meet and connect with people going through the same thing as you."
With graduation on the horizon, Obied is preparing for her next chapter in Saskatoon to work as a Graduate Geoscience Engineer on a potash mine. Reflecting on her journey, she offers this advice to incoming students: “Take care of yourself and your mental health, manage your time well, and seek new opportunities to step out of your comfort zone,” she shares. “Being involved in campus life will allow you to explore new interests, make new friends, and find your community.”