ABOUT ME

 

WHO AM I?

NEVER GIVE UP!! STRIVE FOR THE BEST!!

Hello,

I am Chethana Wickramasinghe a third-year Computer Engineering student at York University. I am an International student from Sri Lanka since 2014. I did my G.C.E Ordinary level exam in Sri Lanka and came to continue studies at a Canadian High school. I am interested in mathematics, big data, AI, cybersecurity and robotics. Playing piano, badminton, and cycling in summer are some of my favorite hobbies. I love to learn new things and experience them. Playing with big data, solving problems and doing investigations will always be my favorite. I never give up and always tries to be positive with my life.

I was born and raised in the Western province of Sri Lanka by a caring middle-class family. It was easy back then just to go to school and study hard while the parents taking care of all the expenses. I had a 180-degree turn in my life after I arrived in Canada. I had to live with my relatives and adjust my self to living in Canada. My younger sister came to study in Canada as well in 2016 and in that same year the economy in Sri Lanka dropped so low because of a change in the government and my father lost his job. It became hard financially for my father to pay our expenses. Then I had to do a part-time job while studying hard at University. I love studying computer engineering and working part-time to earn money and get experience. Despite all the obstacles, I am still able to support my family and continue achieving my educational goals.

Attending York University was my second option. I got offers from the University of Toronto and York University but had to choose York University because it was affordable and easy to commute. Now I feel blessed to go to York University and having to enroll in a Lassonde Engineering program because the concept of Renaissance engineering changed my whole perspective and made it possible to learn new things, and to get my first Co-op work placement as a Junior Project Analyst at Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines. Having the touch of both IT and project management knowledge is a huge advantage.

During my two years of High School in Canada, I realized that I am good at mathematics and I am interested in solving critical problems. I chose Computer Engineering because I can learn new things and keep my self UpToDate with the advancing technology. My mathematics, coding and critical thinking skill have/will help me in succeeding at York University and in my future career.

My uncle was one of my inspiring teachers/people. He also had a similar situation to mine during his time. He came to Canada at the same age as me and the only difference was that he was never an international student. Despite the difference, he was good at math and had also studied Computer Engineering and now a computer security analyst. Now he is living a generally simple family life and is successful. He is inspiring because he is one of the people who had the same dreams as mine and was able to achieve them.

“Follow your dream like breaker.
Even if it breaks down,
Don’t ever run backwards, never.
Because the dawn right before the sun rises is the darkest.” [Tomorrow, Artists: BTS]

The song named “Tomorrow,” by BTS is the best artifact that will always represent who I am. They get real about the frustration and despair that can go hand in hand with chasing your dreams. “In spite of these difficulties, the lyrics caution us to keep our eyes on the prize, because just as dawn comes after the darkest part of the night, breakthroughs often happen after the toughest of trials!” [1] This explains my self because I have had so many obstacles in my life and frustrations but kept moving forward because I believe if I work hard now, even if its temporary I will be able to make my parent proud and be successful in future.

[1] Hgordon. “17 Of BTS’s Most Inspirational Lyrics That Will Resonate With Everyone.” Soompi, Soompi, 17 June 2018, www.soompi.com/article/1184807wpp/17-btss-most-inspirational-lyrics-resonate-everyone.