This fall, York will welcome Rehan Jetha, an incoming engineering student from Ottawa and recipient of the prestigious Schulich Leader Scholarship. We caught up with Jetha to chat about how he discovered his passion for engineering, what he’s most looking forward to at York and his advice for fellow incoming students.
Tell us how you became interested in engineering!
From a young age, Jetha displayed a deep interest in understanding how things work. “I was always curious,” he explains. “I liked asking insightful questions and pursuing science and math classes. But what really drew me to engineering was its human aspect, applying knowledge in practical ways to help people.”
This passion translated into action early on. At just 12 years old, Jetha programmed a home automation system to assist his grandparents, who faced mobility challenges. “Seeing how technology could directly improve their lives showed me that engineering goes beyond equations, it’s about making a difference.”
Why did you choose York's engineering program?
When it came time to choose a university, York stood out. The Lassonde School of Engineering’s commitment to developing entrepreneurial-minded engineers resonated with him. “The integration of engineering with business, combined with York’s sustainability focus, aligned perfectly with my values,” he shares. “During my campus tour, I felt it was a place where people genuinely wanted to make an impact.”
How did your passion for engineering lead to the Schulich Leader Scholarship?
Jetha’s high school journey blended creativity, leadership and science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) innovation. While in school, he founded a robotics club that merged technical problem-solving with artistic collaboration. “Working with visual arts students on publicity was exciting, we even inspired some of them to pursue STEM,” he recalls. Beyond robotics, Jetha served as Debate Club President and participated in Ethics Bowl competitions, fostering skills for ethical engineering.
His efforts culminated in earning the Schulich Leader Scholarship, awarded to Canada’s top incoming STEM students. “It wasn’t about tailoring my resume for the scholarship,” he notes. “It was about pursuing what I truly loved, helping others, leading initiatives and committing to community impact.”
Pro tip: Curious about the Schulich Leader Scholarship or other awards you could apply for? Check out York’s Scholarships and Bursaries page to explore your options and see how you can fund your education.
What are you most excited about as you start at York?
As he embarks on his first year at York, Jetha is eager to dive into hands-on labs, connect with like-minded peers and join clubs such as the Rocketry and Racing teams. He also envisions using his degree to launch innovations in automation and sustainability.
Growing up in a multigenerational household, I saw firsthand the need for technology that supports seniors and individuals with mobility issues. I’d love to develop solutions in that area, or even design something as ambitious as a real-life WALL-E robot!”
While excited, Jetha admits he’s also a bit nervous about networking as an introvert. Still, he views this as an opportunity for growth: “University is about stepping out of your comfort zone, and I’m ready for that challenge.”
Pro tip: Getting involved is one of the best ways to meet people and make the most of your time at York. Explore YU Connect to find clubs, events, and activities that match your interests.
Do you have any advice for incoming York students?
Jetha offers two key pieces of advice: “Stop worrying about grades and follow your passion.” He encourages students to focus on genuine interests, take initiative and engage beyond academics. “Joining clubs, starting projects and making community impact are what truly set you apart.”
His message to fellow York students is clear: embrace every opportunity. “I’m excited to be part of this community and see what the future holds!”
Jetha’s story demonstrates how passion, perseverance and a commitment to making a difference can lead to extraordinary opportunities.