My name is Sidak Bhatia, and I am currently pursuing Computer Engineering at York University through the Lassonde School of Engineering. I come from a Punjabi background and grew up in Brampton, Ontario, surrounded by a hardworking and supportive family that always encouraged me to challenge myself academically and personally. Growing up in a diverse environment helped shape me into someone who values resilience, adaptability, and strong relationships while improving my communication and teamwork skills.

I am passionate about innovation, problem-solving, and building projects that create meaningful impact. Outside of school, I enjoy volunteering, leadership competitions, hackathons, and learning about new technologies and engineering systems. One thing that makes me unique is my ability to balance technical work with leadership and communication opportunities through co-op experiences, engineering competitions, and community involvement. I believe the best growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone and embrace challenges.

Throughout university, I have participated in multiple hackathons, including ElleHacks, Canada’s largest all-women and non-binary hackathon. These experiences taught me how to work under pressure, think creatively, and collaborate effectively within teams. I am also committed to promoting diversity within engineering as an Executive Member of IEEE Women in Engineering, where I help encourage young women pursuing STEM fields.

My journey to York University also has a personal story behind it. When deciding which university to attend, my family jokingly spun a wheel with different universities on it. Although other universities appeared, when my dog spun the wheel, it landed on York University. While it may sound funny, that moment genuinely stayed with me. I felt there was a deeper meaning behind it, almost as if he wanted me to stay closer to home and family while still pursuing my education. That experience made York feel like the right place for me.

One of my biggest inspirations has been my parents. Their work ethic, sacrifices, and encouragement taught me the importance of perseverance, humility, and consistency. My artifact would be a picture of him because he has always been there for me emotionally in ways no one else has. Through both my highs and lows, Simba has been a constant source of comfort, support, and peace. He reminds me that even during stressful or difficult moments, I am never truly alone.