Five Qs About You and TMU: Zaiba

I am always looking to learn more about all of the programs that we offer here at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). I find that the best way to do so is by talking to current students. I chatted with Zaiba, a fourth-year Faculty of Science student in Mathematics and its Applications, where she is also completing a specialization in Computer Science and a minor in Biology. She told me all about her program and other aspects of her life at TMU.

Jenna: Can you describe your program to me in one sentence? 

Zaiba: It's very abstract and creative — I don't think we use “creative” in math often, but the more math I take, the more creative it gets. When you put together the computer science aspect with math, you have to be creative.

J: Why did you choose to study at TMU?

Z: I grew up around Toronto, and I mainly wanted to stay home. I also really liked the campus because I feel like my personality — loud and outgoing — matches downtown. I also thought the professors would be really progressive, just like the school. That's the exact thing that I’ve noticed, even in all my classes up until fourth year — professors are really progressive and welcoming. They care about you and they want you to do well. 

J: Can you tell me about any experiential learning that you’ve participated in?

Z: I've been to a lot of on-campus networking events, and all of those were really fun because you get to meet a lot of cool people that have either been in your program or are doing what you want to do. I like talking to people. I like knowing what they experienced, because you learn from other people — that’s really fun to me! 

I’ve also been to some conferences because of my work with TMU, and those were mainly based on the field research that I'm doing. My research is in biomedical imaging software. I look at the softwares and I test and analyse them. The conferences are really cool because people were studying the same topic for something like 10-12 years, and I got to speak at a conference about it. 

J: What is your favourite thing that you have experienced on campus?

Z: A couple events that I've attended on campus were student organization events, like with the Undergraduate Science Society of Toronto Metropolitan (external link, opens in new window) . All those events are super fun, including the science formal. It was a lot of fun because you're in a more chilled, relaxed environment compared to class. You get to meet people outside of class and it's just so much more relaxing. You can actually build connections and talk to them. Other events I've been to were through the Toronto Metropolitan Indian Association (external link, opens in new window) . 

As well, in my first year I took CPS 118: Introductory Programming for Scientists. It was a super introductory class, and I really enjoyed it because that's what sparked my interest in coding. If it wasn't for that, I wouldn’t be where I am right now. 

J: What advice would you give to someone who is starting their research about which university or program they want to pursue?

Z: I would say do vigorous research, but also find something that sparks your interest. Know what you like and what you don't like, and differentiate those things. If you don't know what you want to do, that's completely fine.

A “thank you” to Zaiba for chatting with me! If you think this program might spark your interest, take a look at our How to Apply page. 

Don’t forget to keep checking the blog for more current student interviews!

Until next time, 

Jenna