About me

I use this website as a public journal ~ a collection of thoughts that expresses who I am.

My name is Benjamin, I'm a Systems Design Engineering student currently studying at the University of Waterloo in Canada.

Outside of academics, I often spend my time reading, swimming, exploring the outdoors, mountain biking or kayaking, snowboarding, or rewatching old movies.

These activities keep me afloat. Here's some of my favourite books/media.

Core Values & Beliefs:

Embrace discomfort: Engage with life. Grow your perspective. You’ll learn a lot about yourself in the process. Start somewhere.
People make the world special: I live to connect with people in meaningful ways. Enjoy the people present in your life.
Comparison is the thief of joy: The internet has made it incredibly easy to compare yourselves to others. Realizing this is liberating.
The most fulfilling experiences are difficult: Struggle is what makes achievement fulfilling. Anything worth doing is hard.

Past: I've,

explored the sculptures, cathedrals in Rome, Italy
drove across New York, Florida, and Washington
hiked down the Grand Canyon in Arizona, US
camped in the backwoods of British Columbia / Alberta, Canada
glacier trekking and gold panning in Alaska, US

Present: currently,

studying systems design engineering at the University of Waterloo
reading more on economic history, philosophy, classical literature, and communication
learning more about fields I'm hoping to pursue ~ software development, fintech, edutech

Future: going to,

write more. tell stories to the public in written form.
become more articulate and thoughtful in my speech.
reconnect with loved ones. check in on my friends and family.
be more in tune with my community
ship a technical project related to my passions
make time for the things I've put off in life

more things to come ...