'I wanted to make my own story'

Laura Payne came to Dalhousie from Corner Brook, Newfoundland, looking for new opportunities. Today, she’s a confident engineer, teacher, presenter and humanitarian. 

“I always keep my eyes open, and think that’s key coming to university and for life in general,” she says. “You never know who or what will be around the next corner so you don’t want to have your eyes closed.”

The 23-year-old chemical engineering graduate compares her studies to complex baking. “You have a cake – the desired product with its given ingredients – and you are given the task of designing the process, the recipe, to get what you want or to work in reverse,” she explains. “That’s a great challenge and challenges are good.”

But her most memorable challenge at Dalhousie was her involvement in Engineers Without Borders (EWB), a Canadian movement of professional engineers, students, and overseas volunteer staff.

“My first taste of EWB was at a speaker series with the Co-CEO (now CEO), George Roter, and immediately I was interested. They asked me to be involved with the school outreach program which lit the match for me and was where I realized I enjoy engaging audiences.”

As an executive member in EWB, hearing stories from other members peaked her own interest. “From the exposure to people’s experiences in Africa I realized I wanted to make my own story.”

While the position in Africa with the Dalhousie EWB chapter was already filled, through her eyes-open approach, she saw other opportunities. An active member of her church, where she teaches Sunday school, she traveled as a missionary to teach in Zambia where she also helped her EWB colleagues with their work, immersing herself in the local culture. 

“It was cool learning the greetings of the Lunda Tribe and seeing the excitement on their faces because I took the time to learn it.”

Ms. Payne, who loves singing and playing guitar and piano, starts work with Shell in Alberta this September. While looking forward to the opportunity – and skiing – she hopes to return to Africa someday. “I’d love to go back. I travel with a purpose. I want to find somewhere I can help out.”