Six new grads reflect on their Waterloo journey

Fall 2025 Convocation is more than a celebration — it’s a powerful reminder of what’s possible when dedication meets opportunity. 

This year’s graduating class began their academic journeys during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, overcoming unforeseen challenges with resilience and determination. As 2,800 graduands prepare to cross the stage, six undergraduates reflect on their most memorable experiences and offer advice for future Warriors.

What was the most rewarding part of being a Waterloo student? 

Audrey Chen (she/her) 

Bachelor of Architectural Studies — Faculty of Engineering 

For me, it was definitely the co-op experience. I had the opportunity to complete several of co-op terms abroad — including in the U.S., Japan, Singapore and Australia. It was so exciting to learn, work and live in new cities, and to travel and experience different cultures along the way.

What kind of opportunities did co-op provide to you? 

Viktoria Cubelic (she/her) 

Doctor of Pharmacy, Bachelor of Science – Honours Science — Faculty of Science 

My co-op experience allowed me to learn and get some meaningful hands-on pharmacy experience in different practice settings, while also gaining a ton of life experience along the way. I spent a co-op term at an academic teaching hospital in downtown Toronto. I learned a lot about the clinical and technical aspects of hospital pharmacy in a fast-paced environment, while also taking advantage of everything the city had to offer outside of work.

What would you say is the best-kept secret about Waterloo? 

Tate Popple (he/him) 

Honour Arts and Business, Major in Economics — Faculty of Arts 

I would say the alumni program is extremely beneficial when searching for what to do with the chapter after university. I was put in touch with some incredible alumni that I got to talk to and share ideas that helped me make decision about my future. I’m currently working in the financial services industry, which was influenced by one of those alumni connections I formed over coffee chats and through emails. 

If there’s one message you could tell yourself when you were a first-year student to help shape your university career, what would it be? 

Shazerah Qureshi (she/her)  

Bachelor of Mathematics in Computational Mathematics and Statistics (Co-op) — Faculty of Mathematics 

One thing I would say to my younger self is to be curious and seek as much knowledge as possible. Reach out to people you think are doing cool things, challenge yourself to look outside your comfort zone and really capitalize on the network Waterloo provides. The information, advice and insight you get should not be treated as instruction — take it as reference and chart your own path. Success looks different to different people: learn, interpret, then apply. 

What’s next for you and how has your time at Waterloo inspired or influenced it? 

Charlotte Thorley (she/her) 

Geography and Aviation — Faculty of Environment 

I plan to become a flight instructor. Over the past two years of flight training, my flight instructor taught me skills that shaped me into the pilot I am today. I realized how much I genuinely love teaching people and how rewarding it can be to support new pilots through challenges that I once faced. Having an instructor who was patient, supportive and encouraging made all the difference to me, and I want to be that person for someone else. 

What advice would you give to new students at Waterloo? 

Raj Virk (he/him) 

Recreation and Sports Business with Minor in Event Planning — Faculty of Health 

Prioritize reaching out and building a community circle of people within and outside of your program in the first year — these connections will take you a long way in your years at Waterloo. I would also advise prioritizing your mental health and well-being. Grades matter, but they should not be a limiting factor to your overall wellness.