This week in our series highlighting UBC Okanagan School of Engineering Student Ambassadors, we visit with Andrew Pipke.
Andrew is a fourth year student specializing in civil engineering.
What is the Student Ambassador Program?
The student ambassador program is an opportunity for engineering students to lead SOE events and hopefully improve connections amongst students.
What is your role?
My role will be to connect with SOE clubs and organize their attendance at future events.
What extra-curricular activities are you involved with?
I am an active member of Engineers Without Borders, a member of a number of political groups on and off campus, and I was previously elected as a representative of the engineering society and voted as a PAF member.
What has been your favourite course so far? And why?
(if courses abroad count). My favourite course by far was Management of Air Transport, which was a three hour lecture taught by the executives of Swiss Air and Lufthansa group.
(if you would prefer a UBCO class). My favourite course was theory of structures. It really emphasized my love for math equations and building systems.
What have you learned about yourself during your time at UBC Okanagan?
During my time at UBCO, I have learned that with all experience comes learning moments. Failure allows us to learn quickest, so it is best to challenge, make mistakes, and try again until we become the best learners that we can be.
If you had a theme song, what would it be?
Rather than having a theme song, I would more say that the song Who Cares? By George and Ira Gerschwin is mentality that I try to maintain. As a song from back in the early 30s, it excellently describes the importance of personal relationships in times of difficulty, oppression, and hardship.
Favourite misconception about engineers and engineering?
My favourite misconception about engineering is that it can only lead to a career path of math. In reality, there are so many other career opportunities for an engineer to pursue. Whether it be medicine, entrepreneurship, or management, engineers work in a vast range of professions.
Favourite Season in the Okanagan? And why?
My favourite season in the Okanagan is the spring, because in one day you can ski, swim at the beach, go to the golf course, and hike the mountains.
Best advice you have received so far at UBC?
The best advice that I have ever received at UBC was to stay calm and think everything through with a level head. No matter what is going on with your schooling or with your life, someone else has also been through that and can help to walk you through it. Stay calm and ask for help when you need it. No one is perfect.