Rosine Izerumukiza is a third-year civil engineering student, passionate about sustainable growth and community- centred designs. She is currently working as the International Peer Advisor for the School of Engineering, assisting International admitted students navigate campus life. Rosine is the project manager for the Innovate Design and Sustain Club- Solar Decathlon Team, and will be returning to her home country, Rwanda for 8-month co-op with Turner and Townsend company.
Tell us a bit about yourself
I was born and raised in Rwanda, which shaped the way I approach learning with purpose, resilience and a deep sense of connection to people and I long to employ engineering as a sustainable development tool. Outside of academics I love volleyball, regardless of my height, music and nature strolling.
What drew you to UBC Okanagan and the School of Engineering?
UBC Engineering has a strong ground for both academic and professional growth, a great support system. Their strong co-op program stood out to me, as I wanted education beyond lectures and a chance to apply what I was learning in real world context. I also received the International Impact award upon admission which sealed the note, and made a dream come true.
UBC Engineering has a strong ground for both academic and professional growth, a great support system. Their strong co-op program stood out to me, as I wanted education beyond lectures and a chance to apply what I was learning in real world context.
What has been the best part about being a UBCO Engineering student so far? If you could design a course or program to add to your degree, what would it be?
The best part was hands on experience from class project to design teams. Taking part in student lead initiatives and connecting with a supportive community. If I were to design a course, it would something that focuses on learning from failure, where we just learn about engineering project that didn’t go as planned and the work done to recover from it. I also think a course centered around personal sustainability where we learn how to take care of ourselves mentally, emotionally, and physically would be a good reflection to find that work-life balance.
On the flip side, what has been the most challenging aspect of university experience so far? How has your perspective on perseverance evolved because of it, and what lessons did you learn from it?
The biggest challenge for me was the transition from high school to university, adjusting to a new learning environment, being far from home, and figuring out how to navigate life on my own. It felt like a lot at first, but once you realise that you don’t have to go through it all alone, you canstart reaching out and building a community and your support system–, the load gets lighter.
Why did you choose to study engineering? How do you envision engineering shaping your life personally and professionally in the future?
Engineering felt like a perfect combination of creativity, problem solving and Impact. Specifically for Civil engineering, I have always wanted to help global communities develop sustainably. I see myself working on projects that uplift the quality of life of the people while addressing environmental and social challenges.
I see myself working on projects that uplift the quality of life of the people while addressing environmental and social challenges.
What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
Most people don’t know that I used to sing in a church choir, and I still deeply love music. Singing is a way for me to connect spiritually and emotionally, and it always brings me comfort and strength to keep moving. On some Sundays, I would even recite psalms, and my favorite was Psalms 23:” The Lord is My shepherd I shall not want…”. Faith continues to be an important part of who I am.
Who or what inspires you? Have you had a mentor before, and if so, what did they help you learn about yourself?
The resilience of the Rwandan community is my daily inspiration. As someone from the post-genocide generation, witnessing the country’s transformation from trenches to a place of hope, innovation, and growth, is a treasure. It’s a constant reminder that healing and progress are possible, which motivates me to be part of that journey. Rwanda inspires me to walk the journey of unity, purpose and forward thinking.
The resilience of the Rwandan community is my daily inspiration. As someone from the post-genocide generation, witnessing the country’s transformation from trenches to a place of hope, innovation, and growth, is a treasure.
How has Engineering changed your view on the world? What misconceptions do you think the public holds about engineering, and what would you do to change those perceptions?
Most people think that Engineering is purely technical, but I have learnt that it is more about understanding people and their needs. Engineering helped me to see how our decisions impact people’s lives far beyond numbers and structures. One of my courses, ENGR 335, Transportation Engineering, was a clear view of how our designs are affected by our daily lives. It is not just about roads and traffic flow; it’s about people’s safety, access and quality of life. Through all my experiences, I realised that engineering isn’t just about solving problems – it’s also about serving people and aiming our designs to be community-focused to help mitigate that misconception.
In 5 words or less, how would you sum up the UBCO / School of Engineering experience?
Challenging, Supportive, Transformative, Collaborative, and Empowering.
What is one thing you know now that you wish you would have known in High School, in First Year, or in an earlier moment in your life? If you could give your future self one piece of advice, what would it be?
In high school and even sometimes in the first year, some of us tend to wait until we are struggling or even failing before we seek support. I wish I knew the importance of reaching out early rather than waiting until things feel overwhelming – dfg whether it’s in academics or personal life, there are so many people and resources ready to help. Asking for help doesn’t mean you are not capable; it just shows that you are taking control of your journey.
What project or experience at UBCO has made you feel particularly proud or like a “real” engineer so far?
This year I worked with the Solar Decathlon Team, to design a Retrofitting guideline for the Okanagan homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. As the project manager I got to tackle sustainability challenges, collaborate with amazing peers, and connect with faculty and industry partners. It was a learning experience and for the first time I was a part of the team making a difference in the community.
With six courses per semester, balancing the technical demands of your degree can be tough. How do you manage to maintain a healthy work-life balance and meet the demands of your personal life?
The course load can be high, but I have learnt to rely on small, consistent habits to stay grounded, something I picked up from “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. I try to set realistic and manageable goals rather than just relying on motivation and incorporate routines that keep “Mens sana in corpore Sano”, or a “healthy mind and body”, including social time with friends, time to eat, and making sure that I get enough sleep to prevent burn outs.
What advice do you have for future / current engineering students?
Don’t rush through, look around and make use of available resources. There are so many resources that can help you grow both personally and professionally, from design teams and research opportunities to co-op placements and mentorship programs. Make the most of them. And amid it all, give yourself some grace. Progress is a learning curve, and it’s okay to pause, reflect and take care of yourself along the way.
Anything else you’d like to share about your UBCO Engineering student journey?
My time at UBCO has been, and still is, a self-discovery journey as much as an academic one. It gave me the space to explore who I want to be as an engineer and as a person, and I’m super grateful for the community here.