As a new school year has begun, our student bloggers are excited to share their insights about life at Ontario Tech University! Throughout the course of this academic year, they will be sharing first-hand knowledge on all that it takes to prepare for university and what you have to look forward to by becoming a student at Ontario Tech. Say hello to:

Audrey Addo

Program of study: Technology Management - Information Technology stream. 

Year of study: Year 2

What I like to do in my free time: I enjoy drawing, painting, reading manga and learning new languages. My absolute favourite thing to do is play piano; I've been playing since I was seven and it's been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my life thus far. 

My favourite thing about Ontario Tech: The focus on technology in everything we do. When I was deciding where to attend university, knowing this school had a tech focus made it an easy choice. 

Anam Awan

Program of study: Biological Science - Life Sciences specialization

Year of study: Year 2

What I like to do in my free time: I love reading and watching films, as well as meeting new people and having lots of new experiences. I enjoy having philosophical conversations and having my opinions challenged. My favourite book series is Harry Potter; I am definitely a Slytherin! 

My favourite thing about Ontario Tech: The welcoming environment. I have always felt like this is where I'm meant to be!

Rylee Bremner

Program of study: Forensic Psychology

Year of study: Year 2

What I like to do in my free time: I like to play the ukulele and read anything by Stephen King.

My favourite thing about Ontario Tech: The wide range of student-based activities and student-run functions. We are able to really get involved to further our interests in other areas. 

Keisha Deoraj

Program of study: Master of Arts in Education (current); Bachelor of Education, Biological Science, Environmental Technology (previous education)

Year of study: Year 2

What I like to do in my free time: When I find free time, I like to travel with my family and partner, explore different types of food, practice and/or teach yoga, or tend to my plant- and fish-babies. I'm also known to binge watch horror movies on Netflix. 

My favourite thing about Ontario Tech: It's hard to choose just one. Initially it was the proximity to my home in Ajax; this made starting post-secondary a lot less daunting. As I became more acquainted with the campus though, I really fell in love with the many opportunities that Ontario Tech provides for us to get involved. The extra-curricular activities that I do are what make my experiences so great! I especially love the wide range of food choices that are available around our downtown location. I love good food! 

Disha Melwani

Program of study: Communication and Digital Media Studies - Advanced Entry

Year of study: Year 4

What I like to do in my free time: I absolutely love travelling and exploring new places, and spending time with my family and friends. Other than that, you'll find me catching sunsets, writing, watching movies/shows, listening to music or going shopping. 

My favourite thing about Ontario Tech: I really like how convenient both of the campus locations are in terms of student housing, public transit, restaurants and other attractions. 

Zahra Mustansir

Program of study: Biological Science - Environmental Toxicology specialization 

Year of study: Year 5

What I like to do in my free time: I like writing short essays and searching the internet for short story contests. 

My favourite thing about Ontario Tech: The sustainability initiatives on campus, such as the Pollinator Project. Recently, we have been named a Bee City Campus!

Safa Nazir

Program of study: Game Development and Entrepreneurship, minor in Game Production Management 

Year of study: Year 3

What I like to do in my free time: Play games, bake, online shop and learn new languages. 

My favourite thing about Ontario Tech: The community here. Yes, it sounds cheesy, but it's true! Everyone on campus is so friendly and kind, and I always feel safe and supported here. 

Kait Nienhuis

Program of study: Communication and Digital Media Studies

Year of study: Year 4

What I like to do in my free time: When I'm not working or going to classes, I love spending time with my husband and son. 

My favourite thing about Ontario Tech: I love how dynamic and passionate Ontario Tech is. I see dedication to producing quality programs, and I value the university's efforts in creating a prosperous and inclusive environment for students, faculty, and staff. 

Chikodili Odinakachukwu

Program of study: Mechatronics Engineering

Year of study: Year 3

What I like to do in my free time: I am a person that gets bored really quick, so I like keeping busy with fun. I typically cook, watch movies, hang out with friends or solve interesting math problems so my brain is always in motion. I would consider myself spontaneous because I'm always participating in new adventures without considering the pros and cons of the outcome.  

My favourite thing about Ontario Tech: The rebrand and the colours. Everything from the swag, to the varsity uniforms and merchandise—it just all looks so nice. I think it truly makes us unique by standing out and telling an authentic story. Whoever thought up the colours is my new favourite person—they just don't know it yet! 

Vanessa Stanley

Program of study: Biological Science

Year of study: Year 1

What I like to do in my free time: I absolutely love going on adventures with my friends and learning about science. I also enjoy getting involved on our campus and making lots of new friends. 

My favourite thing about Ontario Tech: Ontario Tech is a great place to learn and grow, which is most definitely my favourite thing about our university. Enjoy each school year and make the most of it! 

Rilita Theodora

Program of study: Communication and Digital Media Studies

Year of study: Year 4

What I like to do in my free time: I play piano, watch movies (drama or comedy), scroll through social media and hang out with my friends. 

My favourite thing about Ontario Tech: The University Works program—it lets me gain and apply hands-on skills at the same time. I've had some amazing supervisors that are passionate to help me grow professionally. It's fun to work closely with experts in their field and it has been a guiding force in building my future career. 

Rida Warsi

Program of study: Political Science

Year of study: Year 3

What I like to do in my free time: Volunteer with my community! It's a great way to meet new people, learn new skills and help others. 

My favourite thing about Ontario Tech: Our campus is so inviting. From the modern buildings to the environment out in Polonsky Commons, to the coziness of 61 Charles—everything about our campus atmosphere is amazing.