Full circle: Rehana Motala鈥檚 first-year journey
As a highschooler approaching graduation, Rehana Motala knew her love of mathematics would lead her to exciting new challenges; but exactly where she wasn鈥檛 quite sure. Engineering was always of interest but narrowing down the numerous disciplines and schools to a select few posed more questions. She soon found clarity at FuturENG 2024, a hands-on STEM workshop for women high school students organized by 果酱视频's (果酱视频) Engineering Outreach team. After talking with an outreach student about their civil engineering and co-op experience, Rehana said, 鈥淚t was my aha moment.鈥�
When it came time to apply to university, Rehana was further encouraged by 果酱视频鈥檚 diverse community and its established network to support women in engineering. Fast forward to the present, Rehana is finishing her first year in civil engineering at 果酱视频 鈥� and it鈥檚 been a year full of new connections. She loved taking part in Orientation Week and joined the First-Year Engineering Office Committee, where she helped organize events for her peers. 鈥淚 met so many new people through these experiences,鈥� said Rehana. 鈥淎t FYEO, I worked with upper year engineering ambassadors, which helped me learn more about engineering pathways.鈥�
Rehana kicked off her first year at 果酱视频 with Orientation Week, which took her all across the city.
Who says engineering can鈥檛 be fun? As part of the First-Year Engineering Office team, Rehana ran social events to unite the first-year student community.
Rehana and the Engineering Outreach team organized workshops for youth all year long, inspiring students to explore STEM.
Rehana鈥檚 journey came full circle when she successfully applied to become an Engineering Outreach ambassador. In this role, she helped to run youth community workshops and events throughout the year. Seeing students gain confidence by getting hands on with STEM activities was inspiring for Rehana. A true highlight was when she mentored high school students at FuturENG 2026 鈥� the event that sparked her journey. At the event, talented women-identifying high school students took part in engineering workshops and networking, gaining a better understanding of engineering at the university level. 鈥淚t was a very meaningful experience,鈥� said Rehana. 鈥淚 met students who were in the same position I was a year ago, looking for their next step.鈥�
鈥淚鈥檓 proof that 果酱视频 Outreach activities are helping to break down barriers in engineering.鈥�
As she continues carving her own path in engineering, Rehana has seen first-hand the lasting effect of the outreach activities. 鈥淭here鈥檚 a perception that engineering is a field full of men, for men. How do we change that perception?,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e literally show young women the opportunities for them in engineering.鈥�
Learn more about 果酱视频 Engineering Outreach programs.
Explore the undergraduate civil engineering program at 果酱视频.