Your Name
Melanie Foltak
What High School do you attend?
Donald A. Wilson Secondary School
Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am the oldest daughter in a family of 4. My father was raised in Montreal and is also an engineer (mechanical) . He gave me the strength and courage to apply to some of the most difficult programs across Canada, and ultimately inspired me to pursue engineering. My mother immigrated to Canada from Poland when she was only 21. It was because of her encouragement, that I ended up applying for Software Engineering. She always told me to believe in myself and never let the fact that I am a women discourage me from entering a male-dominated field. Lastly, my younger brother is 13 years old and never fails to make me smile when times are tough. He is able to light up a room where ever he goes, and I will definitely miss his jokes and positive outlook on life when I leave for university.
What are your plans after graduation?
I want to acquire the competitive and technical skills needed to successfully work in the software industry. I wish to immediately begin solving significant problems, creating smart products, and improving individual’s quality of life. At the University of Waterloo, I can reach my maximum learning potential when building easy to maintain software that is reliable and in demand as I become a Software Engineer (with coop).
What are two of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Lone Star and the Greek Tycoon – always delicious food from people with the biggest smiles 🙂
If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
If I could travel anywhere, I would take a cruise and visit the Caribbean islands. I have many fond memories ziplining through rainforests, scuba diving in ship wrecks, and zooming through the water on jet skis. I specifically love taking cruise vacations with my family because you are able to explore a vast set of islands, watch amazing shows, swim with a variety of marine life, experience new adventures through excursions, and ultimately soak in the sun. I would guarantee that my next cruise visits Jamaica, as I love the people, plants, food, and vibes of the island. My favourite activity is to climb Dunn’s River Falls as you are out in a large group, where you all hold hands and begin climbing the waterfall together. There are homemade rock waterslides, reggae plunges, and the accomplishment found after reaching the top. I would be sure to take a nice swim in the pool as I return to our cabin and get excited for night full of delicious food, dancing, and breathing in the warm and salty air. I can’t wait until my next cruise family vacation!!
What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Mamma Mia!!! I feel like I get to live my dreams of going to Greece when I watch this movie.
If you were asked to give advice to your senior class and the younger students at your school, what would you say?
Senior Class: Don’t be scared of what is to come. We are about to open a new chapter in our life and gain the knowledge and strength to change the world. Be sure to trust yourself and remember that Whitby is always here supporting you. We got this class of 2021!
Younger Students: Don’t hesitate to say “yes”. Try new things and experience all that high school has to offer. You have the opportunity to become who you are meant to be, so make sure to take full advantage of it. Study hard, but don’t forget to laugh with friends. At the end of the day, those are the memories you will cherish.
If you were able to be cast as yourself into a television show or series, what show would you want to be in?
Stranger Things – My favourite TV show ever!
If you could choose anyone to have lunch with, who would you choose? Why? And where, locally, would you meet for this lunch?
I would have lunch with Ammar Kandil. He is a founder of the group “Yes Theory” which frequently posts stories about going outside your comfort zone and saying “YES” to activities that scare you. I would ask him to get a takeout from the Greek Tycoon and bring him to Hayden Shores Park. I would then pick his brain as to how he has the ability to consistently remain positive, despite being faced with some of life’s worst challenges. He always inspires me to better myself and I would love to personally share and thank him for how he has changed my life.
What is your favorite thing about our community?
Going on walks around the community and seeing everyone smile as you pass them by.
Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Working on a tech company that uses the latest and greatest artificial intelligence
What is something on your bucket list?
Go skydiving
What is your go to band / singer when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Harry Styles
Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
My favourite month of the year is August as the weather is at an all time high and my family usually like to go on vacation and get away from our routine of life. I am always sporting a tan and going swimming, the 2 greatest pleasures in life.
My favourite holiday would have to be Christmas as I get the opportunity to spend time with my family in each of our hectic lives. Cheesy movies are always playing on TV and Christmas carols never stop! It really is the most wonderful time of the year.
The single best day on the calendar has to be the first day of summer because it signifies a new beginning and the chance for the weather to finally start to get warm!! The sun is out longer, BBQ start taking place, and you have the chance to go out and try that 50km bike ride you have always wanted to do. Overall, there is nothing quite like the start of summer, especially after a cold Canada winter!
What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Reading the Harry Potter books and then binging all the movies!
What is something you want to do as soon as this pandemic is finished?
Go on an airplane and TRAVEL!!!
Who inspires you to be better?
My friends, they are always encouraging me to step outside my comfort zone.
