![Engineering student Bella Cotton stands outside of the Lab Building in between classes.](/sites/default/files/styles/story_landscape/public/2022-09/cotton-bella_story_1289.jpg?h=a9e68972&itok=iOExEkLl)
Drawn in by the small class sizes, Bella is making sure to stay balanced in first year of post-secondary
Q: How did you end up at ÎüʪÊÓƵ?
A: I was debating between UVic, UBCO and OC. I was accepted into all of these programs, and UVic with a scholarship, but a few teachers and UBCO students persuaded me into coming to OC. They said that the teachers are great, the class sizes small, and it’s cheaper!
Q: How did you choose your program?
A: I am doing the General Engineering Transfer Program that transfers to UBCO in second year. I’ve always loved math and physics and wanted to do something that would challenge me at work, so I figured that engineering would always keep me interested and on my toes. I chose general engineering because I’m still not certain what aspect I will like the most and I am keeping my options open.
Q: What is your area of interest?
A: Ideally, I would like to go into astronautical engineering, specializing in physics. I find the orbital aspect particularly interesting.
Q: What do you like to do in your free time?
A: I like to play music and wreak havoc with my friends.
Q: Favourite learning experience?
A: I love learning jazz at the jazz jams. Although it is very difficult to learn while simultaneously performing, I find that the reward is very fulfilling. My favourite part about it is playing a really cool solo on a song that you have never seen before.
Q: Who gave you the best advice you ever received?
A: My music teacher told me that: even if music isn’t your life path, it will be there to catch you when you are crying in your fancy office.
Q: What advice do you have for new OC students?
A: Stay on top of the work and try and meet people.
Q: Where are you the happiest?
A: I really like being by the lake, I find it really peaceful.
Q: What matters most to you right now?
A: I’m focusing on my education right now, but I’m making sure to keep in touch with my friends.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A: I hope to be travelling with my finished degree while I work a remote job.
Common First Year Engineering Certificate
Develop a base knowledge of engineering while investigating complex problems and designing solutions in this one-year certificate program which supports transfer to Bachelor of Applied Science programs across B.C.