Sarah Walker
Computer Science Specialist with a Focus on Computer Vision and Artificial Intelligence
Victoria College
Unsure of what path to take after high school, Sarah Walker chose a direction that combined her interest in math with the creative potential of programming. That choice opened doors to a wide range of experiences — from campus leadership and mentoring through the DCS Ambassadors program to founding U of T Reads, a book club that connects students across disciplines. Along the way, she gained clarity about what matters to her and where she want to make an impact. Next stop after graduation: University of Toronto (U of T) Law, where she’ll explore the intersection of technology, policy, and AI governance.
This Q&A has been edited for clarity and length.
What inspired you to study computer science at U of T?
At the end of high school, I wasn't really sure what I wanted to do. But I enjoyed my math courses, so it felt right to study something related. I also took a couple of high school computer science classes, where we had the opportunity to work on a personal project, and I appreciated the creativity that coding allowed us to explore. I settled on the program at U of T because I was interested in research and graduate school, but also because of the vast breadth of courses it offered (both computer science-related and the number of courses we could take from other Arts & Science departments).
You have been very involved in mentorship and leadership. Why was it important to you to get involved in student life at U of T?
Honestly, my involvement in student life kind of crept up on me. In my first year, I was not very involved. I felt like I was missing out on the club experience, so I applied to a variety of clubs and positions in my second year. I thought it would be good to get a broader sense of what is out there and what people could do with computer science; that, in part, helped me decide on what I wanted to pursue or at the very least what I didn't want to pursue. Seeing how older students were making a difference was also inspirational. Eventually, as I gained more experience, especially with different kinds of research, I thought it might be worthwhile for me to take on more of a leadership or mentorship role.
Tell us more about your experience being a DCS Ambassador for the past three years.
It has been truly amazing to witness how the DCS Ambassadors program has evolved, enabling students like me to take on a more impactful role in the DCS community. When I first joined, we mostly did outreach. I recall a session on teaching coding to high school students, which was actually quite enjoyable. This past year, however, it was great being able to take on a more hands-on role within the current undergraduate community, whether through drop-in sessions or supporting events. Everyone has been super supportive and fun to work with, so I've had a great time.
You founded U of T Reads in May 2024. What inspired you to start this book club, and what impact has it had on the campus community?
I've always been a big reader and a bit of a writer. I attempted to start the club in 2021, but it didn't quite pick up as much due to COVID-19. But as I continued to fill my course load with computer science courses and not much else, I realized that I wasn't reading as much as I used to, much less the kinds of stories that really make you want to think. This felt somewhat of a shame! (Although we do also read lighter books!) So far, it's been a really great way to discover new genres and perspectives — we're genre-agnostic and open to anyone, while getting to know some new people and enjoying some snacks.
What’s one piece of advice that you would give to incoming students?
Set your priorities straight, but don't be afraid to try new things. I think having a clear idea of what your goals might be really helps your time management — whether it’s how much you prioritize your courses versus extracurriculars, or how much time you should put aside to continue certain hobbies. However, being able to try new things is also a great way to gain experience and figure out what you enjoy doing. There are a few times when an event I wasn't so keen on became a really important learning moment for my future goals and path.
What's next for you? How do you plan to intersect your computer science background with your plans of becoming a lawyer?
I'll be returning to U of T for a JD degree. My initial interest is related to AI regulations and governance, but I'm very excited to see what the program has in store for me.