First-Year Learning Communities: Life Sciences

Maarib Kirmani Haseeb, Peer Mentor 

Year: Three

Program: Psychology and Global Health (Majors) + Political Science (Minor)

College: Victoria College

Hometown: Toronto, Ontario

Studies: During second year, I was an ROP student at the Academic Intervention Lab (OISE) where I assisted on a project investigating the effects of COVID-19 on refugee student education. I am continuing work on my project related to the effect of the home environment on refugee youth access to education.

Why peer mentorship? I was involved in FLC and it was the highlight of my first year! My peer mentors were very helpful in the transition to university and I met many of my friends through the program. I would love to help first-years in navigating U of T and getting involved in the community.

Advice to first-year students: Everyone goes through imposter syndrome, but you belong at U of T! You would not be admitted if you were not capable of excelling. University is an adjustment but you have lots of support. You got this!

Jessica Yang, Assistant Peer Mentor 

Year: Two

Program: Immunology, Pharmacology and Toxicology 

College: Victoria College

Hometown: Edmonton, Alberta

Studies: I am planning to pursue a major in pharmacology and toxicology and a major in immunology next year. In my first year, I was an RSG leader for two study groups. As well, I volunteered with U of T Hemoglobal, a charity that works to improve the lives of children with blood disorders in Asia.

Why peer mentorship? I participated in the FLC program as a first-year and I felt that it played a big role in making my adjustment to university easier. I felt supported by my peer mentors and really enjoyed the program, so I want to give back, helping next year's students also have a great first year!

Advice to first-year students: Don't be afraid! First year may seem really daunting, but there are lots of people here to support you! You can do it!

Shih-Hua Lai, Peer Mentor 

Year: Three

Program: Computer Science Specialist, Neuroscience Major

College: New College

Hometown: Changhua, Taiwan

Studies: Currently, I am specializing in computer science and majoring in neuroscience. In my second year, I was involved in a research competition with a research topic of optimizing biofuel production.

Why peer mentorship? In my first year, I benefited a lot being in the FLC community. As an Assistant Peer Mentor last year, I really enjoy planning sessions and coordinate events for the FLCees and will like to continue this journey of supporting first-year students.

Advice to first-year students: Every struggle you face will eventually become temporary.

Polly Ou, Assistant Peer Mentor 

Year: Two

Program: Pathobiology Specialist

College: New College

Hometown: Markham, Ontario

Studies: I’m a second-year pathobiology specialist student. This summer, I’m volunteering at my local hospital's fracture clinic and tutoring high school students.

Why peer mentorship? Being a FLCee was a big highlight of my first-year experience. In my FLC, I met new friends and found resources for success. As a mentor, I hope to create a positive and welcoming environment for the incoming students and provide resources and advice to support them on their university journey!

Advice to first-year students: Take a deep breath - you’ve got this! Remember to always make some time for yourself and that it’s okay to ask for help if you need it.

Ashenafee Mandefro, Peer Mentor 

Year: Three

Program: Bioinformatics 

College: St. Michael's College

Hometown: Scarborough, Ontario

Studies: Hey y'all, my name is Ash and I'm studying bioinformatics (or as I like to call it, bofo)! It's a field of study that ties in the worlds of CS and life science. I'm currently a work-study student in Dr. Belinda Chang's lab, working on applying computational analysis on the evolution of vision.

Why peer mentorship? Mentorship is something I gravitated towards because in university, a social life is what's kept me afloat. I hope to use my experiences to guide my mentees, but learn from them as well. The goal is to create friendships among my group; we're in a collective struggle, one that's more fun with friends!

Advice to first-year students: Take time to create a regular schedule for your week, and don't be afraid to take on more. I found that as I added more to my plate, I better managed everything - weird to think about, but it helps.

Anavi Parekh, Assistant Peer Mentor 

Year: Two

Program: Neuroscience specialist

College: St. Michael's College

Hometown: Toronto, Ontario

Studies: My major is neuroscience and I am interested in human biology, radiology, and psychology. I'm doing an online research program studying behavioural neurology over the summer and I am also volunteering at an MRI imaging centre.

Why peer mentorship? My first two months as a Life Sciences student at U of T consisted of me trying to wrap my head around how much my life had changed since Grade 12. My FLC helped me structure my life and academic schedule and I hope to pass this support on to next year's First Years.

Advice to first-year students: If you need help, ask. U of T is a huge university with the answers to your questions but you must ask the relevant people for assistance.

Aleeza Dar, Peer Mentor 

Year: Three

Program: Neuroscience, Cell & Molecular Biology

College: University College

Hometown: Brampton, Ontario

Studies: I am studying cell biology and neuroscience, I'm super passionate about this topics as I love learning about all the intricate processes occurring in the human body! I have participated in an ROP course where I studied atherosclerosis. I received CSB department research award to research stem cells.

Why peer mentorship? I'm interested in being a peer mentor because I value giving back to the U of T community. I hope to help first year students and provide them with all the tips I wish I knew in first year!

Advice to first-year students: Get involved and make the most of your university experience! Join clubs or student unions and make new connections!

Rabbia Akbar, Assistant Peer Mentor 

Year: Three

Program: Double Major in Nutritional Science and Global Health, Minor in Psychology

College: University College

Hometown: Brampton, Ontario

Studies: I am a third-year student doing a double major in nutritional sciences and global health, and minoring in psychology. I joined the UC FLC and HMB SLC in first and second years. Last summer, I participated in the COUHRxTidBit Research Program where I analyzed journal articles and created infographics

Why peer mentorship? My peer mentors helped me navigate through first year in a virtual environment. Through the FLC sessions, I learned a lot about the opportunities and on-campus resources available at U of T. I understand that starting university can be daunting and I want to help these students with their new journey

Advice to first-year students: It's okay if you don't have everything figured out right now. Take time to figure out what you like by taking electives and joining extracurriculars.

Dana Lee, Peer Mentor 

Year: Four

Program: Double Major in Neuroscience & Psychology

College: St. Michael's College

Hometown: Calgary, Alberta

Studies: During university, I volunteered with children’s organizations through Centre for Community Partnerships, served as a FLC peer mentor, and a member of U of T club 'VOKLS'. I have also been working as a volunteer research assistant at the ‘Memory & Perception Lab’ as well as ‘Wisdom and Identity Lab'.

Why peer mentorship? I am interested in being a peer mentor because I find mentorship very fulfilling and meaningful to both myself and others. As a peer mentor, I hope to act as a stepping-stone for incoming first-year students in their successful undergraduate journey by reflecting on my personal experiences!

Advice to first-year students: Although stepping outside your comfort zone can be quite scary, getting involved in campus clubs and organizations will allow you to make meaningful connections - so don’t be afraid and start small.

Jessica Sah, Assistant Peer Mentor 

Year: Two

Program: Life Sciences

College: St. Michael's College

Hometown: Edmonton, Alberta

Studies: I am taking a double specialist in psychology and neuroscience. This summer I am in a ROP at the StarLab for Mind and Development by Dr. Christina Starmans studying social and moral cognition in kids. At a non profit organization, I serve as a disability management and social program coordinator.

Why peer mentorship? As a peer mentor, I want to facilitate grounds for making connections, friends, and valuable experiences to foster academic and personal development. I hope to meet and mentor students from diverse backgrounds and learn about how they have strived through adversities and build their resilience.

Advice to first-year students: Always surround yourself with people that motivate you to be a better person than you are today.

Eliz Shimshek, Peer Mentor

Year: Four

Program: Neuroscience Specialist, Psychology Major, Physiology Minor

College: Innis College

Hometown: Kazan, Russia

Studies: Last year I did a 4th-year research project at the "Memory & Perception" lab at UofT, and I will continue to work on the project this year as part of my work-study. During the summer I also had the chance to go to Austria to do a summer research internship in Neuroscience.

Why peer mentorship? I participated in both the FLC and SLC programs, and I felt that it played a big role in making my adjustment to university easier. Being a Peer Mentor last year for the Innis Life Science FLC, I learned that I really enjoy helping students navigate through first-year!

Advice to first-year students: Be Brave. Don’t be afraid to talk to people, you can learn a lot not only from courses, but also from people around you!

Hiba Azher, Assistant Peer Mentor 

Year: Three

Program: Pharmacology and Biomedical Toxicology Specialist, Immunology Minor, Practical French Minor

College: Innis College

Hometown: Toronto, Ontario

Studies: This summer, I'm working for UHN as Ate-the-Elbow support via the Arts and Science Internship Program. Fall 2022 - Winter 2023 I will take part in the Research Opportunity Program, working on the Ehlers Danlos Syndrome project. I am a member of The Citizen's Foundation U of T.

Why peer mentorship? FLC was a vital part of my first-year experience, through which I learned about many resources and opportunities that I otherwise wouldn't have known about. It allowed me to make friends and gain a sense of community, which I now wish to pass on to incoming FLCees!

Advice to first-year students: First year is THE time to make friends, so don't be afraid to put yourself out there!

Jiya Shah, Peer Mentor 

Year: Three

Program: Neuroscience & Physiology

College: New College

Hometown: Vaughan, Ontario

Studies: I am double majoring in Neuroscience and Physiology and last year, I did an ROP with Dr. Bass, modelling the spread of COVID-19 in an oil and gas facility. Currently, I am a research assistant for the Stress and Healthy Aging Research Lab at TMU while also volunteering at Mackenzie Health Hospital.

Why peer mentorship? I want to give students a friendly face to reach out to. Navigating university life is difficult and it helps to have someone experienced by your side that you trust, to help you. I also want to help foster relationships and create a sense of community within FLC for incoming students.

Advice to first-year students: Don’t get overwhelmed by other people’s academic success and don’t compare yourself to them either. Everyone is on their own journey and will adjust to university differently so be mindful of that!

Jitian Chen, Assistant Peer Mentor 

Year: Two

Program: Chemistry Specialist

College: New College

Hometown: Jiangsu

Studies: I’m going into my second year, planning to specialize in Chemistry. I used to work as the Residence Academic Programmer and the Jr. House Representative in New College Residence. I was also the First Year Representative in Medical Sciences Students United.

Why peer mentorship? In my first year I received a lot of help and advice from my FLC mentors and peers. I feel that the FLC Program is really beneficial for incoming students as a first welcoming to college life. I hope to use my experience and knowledge gained to help incoming students, just as I was guided by others.

Advice to first-year students: Always take good care of yourself! University is not all about studying. Try to get enough sleep whenever you can!

Rachel Yen, Assistant Peer Mentor 

Year: Two

Program: Psychology Specialist

College: Trinity College

Hometown: Hong Kong

Studies: I am currently studying all about psychology! My favourite course was about abnormal psychology as I am pursuing a career in clinical psychology. I am also going to be involved in the Buchsbaum Lab this upcoming fall, where we focus on cognitive neuroscience research. I can't wait!

Why peer mentorship? Transitioning from high school to university can be a challenging experience, but it can also be fun and rewarding. As an assistant peer mentor, I hope to use my experience at U of T to create a safe and inclusive space for incoming first-years to learn, grow, connect, and have fun!

Advice to first-year students: Your mental health and wellbeing is just as important as your academic goals. I would advise first-year students to have a balanced lifestyle, where you can thrive personally and academically.

Nicholas Chan, Peer Mentor 

Year: Three

Program: Health and Disease Specialist

College: Trinity College

Hometown: Toronto, Ontario

Studies: I'm going into my third year studying Health and Disease. If I'm not not studying or hanging out with friends, I work as a research student in the Feldman labs at SickKids. I'm interested in causal modelling, biomarker discovery, and improving the patient/parent consent process.

Why peer mentorship? Being an Assistant Peer Mentor last year for the Central Life Science FLC, I learned that I really enjoy mentoring and helping first year students excel both academically and socially. If you have any questions about research, I am available to answer all of them, and I love talking about my work!

Advice to first-year students: Try something new and stick with it for at least one month.

Yash Kumar Singhal, Assistant Peer Mentor 

Year: Two

Program: Double major in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, and Cell & Molecular Biology

College: Innis College

Hometown: Bengaluru, India

Studies: I hope to focus in Stem Cells and Developmental Biology for my Cell and Molecular Biology major. I am also considering a minor in Mathematics, Bioethics, or Writing and Rhetoric. In my first year I lead an RSG for BIO120. I enjoy writing about science and my work has been featured in the Varsity, too!

Why peer mentorship? As a FLCee myself, I knew I wanted to help guide incoming students with what can be a really daunting experience. It's hard to transition to life at such a massive university and I hope I can offer students some advice and some reassurance to help them make the most of studying Life Science at U of T.

Advice to first-year students: Don't stress yourself out! One bad grade or hard class is not the end of the world. Talk to your professors, classmates, and upper-years. Ask for help when you need it and remember, you're not alone!