"Don't be afraid to step out and see what's out there, but remember your roots."
Russell Sumarno
- Degree:
- Bachelor of Applied Science
- Program:
- Campus: Vancouver
- Year: 3rd year
Coming into my third year at UBC Engineering, I can safely say that I have had the best time of my life here.
From first receiving the International Major Entrance Scholarship to speaking as a panelist to prospective international UBC Engineering students, UBC has given me so many opportunities to learn, unlearn and learn again. As an international student, making the move to Vancouver was not easy and UBC was there every step of the way to make that transition as smooth as possible.
At UBC, I have been given the opportunity to join design teams and clubs, one of which is GISAU, which is the Gado-Gado Indonesian Students Association of UBC. Having a piece of home in Vancouver ensures that I get to explore all that UBC Engineering has to offer, but still stay grounded and rooted in my culture.
What has made your time at UBC Engineering memorable?
Although my entire time at UBC Engineering has been memorable, one thing that stands out is the cardboard project in APSC 100.
Having been the first large-scale project in my university life, it undoubtedly made a mark on my university life as I truly realized the impact that engineers have in this world. Through this project, I was not only able to learn how to work with and trust my team, but also learned the importance of understanding the culture of the people we will be working with. Through the guidance of the APSC 100 teaching time, in particular Dr. Pete Ostafichuk, Dr. Jon Nakane and Dr. Carol Jaeger, my team was able to successfully build our chair. We also stayed friends after, so that was a huge plus to the course!
What resources or events organized by UBC Engineering have helped you in your academic, professional or entrepreneurial journey thus far?
As a biomedical engineering student, I have the utmost gratitude for the Biomedical Engineering Undergraduate Student Association (BMEUSA) for their continuous efforts in ensuring the welfare of all biomedical engineering students. Through their barbecues, I have been able to meet and become good friends with other biomedical engineering students. Through their exam prep sessions, I have not only been able to pass but also do well in my midterm and final exams. The BMEUSA has provided all biomedical engineering students with social and academic opportunities to further our professional growth and I am eternally grateful for that.
Biomedical Engineering Undergraduate Student Association (BMEUSA)
At UBC, we are creating highly impactful solutions that aim to radically transform health and wellness, and shape a society and economy where people are more connected, empowered and effective. How has UBC Engineering inspired your entrepreneurial thinking, and helped you make a difference in your own community or beyond?
In high school, I was fortunate to be able to initiate a non-profit organization in Indonesia that has helped over 60 children further their education in STEM. Although the organization has now been passed on to my juniors, my time at UBC Engineering has allowed me to help them in growing the organization even outside of Indonesia and has helped me to realize the importance of remembering our community in everything that we do.
This year, I hope to be able to join other non-profits on campus such as Engineers Without Borders and be able to make an impact on the UBC Engineering community, no matter how small of a change it is.
