Vincent Echano
Co-Founder & Outreach Director
Chemical Engineering
University of Calgary
Schulich School of Engineering
WHY I CHOSE MY program
To be honest, a combination of being pressured by my parents and a genuine interest in how to apply design and creativity to solve real world problems. In high school, Chemistry was my favourite subject, so it was a major influence in my decision. First year engineering at U of C is common core, so we got to experience the basics of each discipline. In the Chemical Engineering course, we learned how thermodynamic properties such as temperature and pressure affect the behaviour of solids, liquids, and gases. In one lab, we literally made it rain by pressurizing water vapour out of air, so that was cool!
Throughout my degree, I began to realize the importance of the work that Chemical Engineers do. Whether it is manufacturing the things we use every day like soap or makeup, producing the energy society needs to function, or solving the world’s most complex problems, including climate change and water scarcity, Chemical Engineers are hugely influential in our everyday lives and will continue to play a crucial role in the future of our society.
FUN FACTS ABOUT ME
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Staying active by going to the gym, playing squash, volleyball, or hiking in the summer months.
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Loves travelling! Dream destinations include Singapore and London. Fun (or not so fun) fact: I was supposed to travel to Korea, Singapore, and Australia in summer of 2020, but then COVID happened.
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Favourite show of all time: Avatar the Last Airbender. Uncle Iroh is my role model!
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Playing video games.
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Trying out new food.
MY BEST TIPS & ADVICE FOR STUDENTS
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Enjoy and cherish your senior year! High School only happens once! From my experience, graduating high school was exciting and I couldn’t wait to graduate. However, I realize that I made a lot of great friends and memories in high school and find myself missing the freedom and lack of responsibility I had in high school. So, make the most of it!
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It’s okay to not know what you want. You may feel pressure from your parents, friends, or society in general to go to post-secondary right away or know exactly what to do after high school. Give yourself time to think deeply about what you want to do! Maybe you want to work, upgrade, or travel. Remember that while external forces can give you advice, you are the one who dictates your path.
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Take care of yourself. Stay physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy. In post-secondary this becomes important. If you’re studying 24/7 for that 4.0 GPA, you might come close but develop health issues in the long run. Surround yourself with positive people who encourage you. Post-secondary is difficult, and it’s important to achieve your goals, but remember it’s okay to not be okay.
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GPA is not success. This is 100% true from experience. A high GPA may have secured you a job in the past, but not anymore. Companies are looking for candidates who are well rounded individuals, who can work in a team, solve conflicts, and are a good cultural fit (S/O Michelle!) for their organization. So, make sure to join clubs, volunteer, and network!