Samir's Story

When Ottawa native Samir Raza arrived at Western as a National Scholar he had a talent for problem solving, a keen interest in technical innovation, and an appreciation for the power of education. Enrolled in Engineering, he had planned to apply his engineering skills in medical research.

But as he progressed and became immersed in “Canada’s best student experience,” his interests changed, and more importantly, he discovered his passion.

In first year, Samir ran an after school basketball program for elementary students. His extracurricular activities then expanded to include the roles of VP, Engineering Students Council and Alumni Relations Commissioner.

But the most defining experience for Samir was attending his first meeting of the Western chapter of Engineers Without Borders (EWB). Energized by the group’s mission to promote human development in impoverished communities, he was captivated and soon became EWB President. “As EWB Western President, I really developed as a leader and as a public speaker,” he reflects, “and I discovered my passion, which is International Development.”

Under Samir’s leadership, the group’s achievements included delivering a weekly lecture series on international development, integrating sustainable development topics into the core Engineering curriculum, lobbying MPs, and raising more than $40,000 for overseas projects – all while maintaining a 90 per cent average.

While his volunteer interests were changing, so too were his academic interests. Samir decided to follow his passion through a career in medicine. He’ll graduate in May with a concurrent degree in medicine and mechanical engineering.

“During my first four years, my aspirations shifted from using my engineering skills to solve technical medical problems, to using my knowledge of engineering and medicine to solve global health and development challenges, whether through overseas work, policy change or research.” It was a life-changing decision he didn’t take lightly.

“Western had a profound impact on my career choice and the individual I’ve become, teaching me the importance of innovation, effective problem solving, sharing knowledge and giving back to my community.”

Samir has carried these lessons from his first four years forward, establishing a one-on-one Clinical Mentorship Program as well as a Medicine and Law Interest Group. And during his upcoming residency in general internal medicine, he intends to “volunteer in under serviced areas, continue teaching medical students and expand my knowledge of international health and development.”

“My parents taught me early and often that someone can take away your possessions but they can’t take away your knowledge. They understood the transformational power of education. It’s a philosophy I’ve carried with me, and saw come to life at Western.”