Meet Brigitte!
Brigitte is a PhD candidate in the Family Medicine and Primary Care program at 涩里番鈥檚 Department of Family Medicine. Their research focuses on using technology to improve communication for people with serious illnesses. As a future career researcher, Brigitte hopes to enhance health service delivery for those in need鈥攚hile also pursuing their passion for music projects!
Brigitte first discovered the 2SLGBTQIA+ Mentorship Program at 涩里番鈥檚 Queer Orientation. Wanting to both connect with their community and pass on the peer support that was instrumental in their own academic journey, they became a mentor. A standout moment in their mentorship experience was a visit to 涩里番鈥檚 Macdonald Campus with their mentee. Meeting other students鈥攅specially one from the program their mentee hopes to apply to鈥攐ffered valuable insight into campus life. Seeing their mentee鈥檚 excitement and relief as their uncertainties were addressed made the visit particularly rewarding.
Brigitte and her mentee worked on finding the balance between goal-setting and real-life constraints. Initially, self-care was a key discussion topic, but their mentee struggled to implement changes due to a demanding academic schedule. To help, Brigitte adapted their mentoring sessions鈥攏ow, they begin each one by crocheting together, integrating self-care into structured time. Not only has this helped their mentee, but it has also encouraged Brigitte to practice more self-care in their own life.
Through this experience, Brigitte鈥檚 sense of community has grown, and working with their mentee has been deeply fulfilling. Their journey highlights the power of mentorship鈥攏ot just in guiding others, but in learning and growing together.
Meet Negin!
Negin has been with us since the pilot phase of the 2SLGBTQIA+ Youth Mentorship Program. With a strong academic background and a passion for social justice, Negin brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to their mentorship role. They have a history of working with diverse communities, using their skills to advocate for equity and inclusion in various educational and professional settings.
Meet Negin, a PhD candidate in Computer Engineering, specializing in AI ethics with a focus on addressing gender and racial bias in AI systems. Their work aims to create more equitable technology, reflecting their broader passion for fairness and inclusion.
One of the most impactful moments for Negin was when mentors came together to share their personal journeys. Hearing everyone鈥檚 stories and recognizing the resilience within the group was deeply inspiring. It reinforced the importance of building a space where shared experiences can uplift and empower others. Mentorship also came with challenges, such as finding the best way to connect with each mentee鈥檚 unique personality and learning style. By actively listening, asking thoughtful questions, and staying flexible, Negin was able to create meaningful connections and provide individualized support.
Through this program, Negin has not only given back but also gained valuable skills in communication, active listening, and mentorship. Most importantly, they鈥檝e found an incredible community of supportive and inspiring individuals. Learning from diverse perspectives has deepened their understanding of others鈥攁nd of themselves.
Negin is committed to supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ youth through their academic and personal journeys, offering guidance on overcoming obstacles and navigating higher education. Their dedication to fostering a safe and empowering environment for youth is invaluable, and we are excited to have Negin as part of our team.
Meet Val!
Val, a first-generation university student, has been with us since the pilot of the 2SLGBTQIA+ Youth Mentorship Program in April 2023. With a background in educational leadership and environmental health, Val has contributed to projects like the 涩里番-UWI Queen Elizabeth Scholars Program and the Andromeda Botanic Gardens in Barbados.
As a Senior Student Ambassador at 涩里番 and the Queer 涩里番 Events Coordinator, Val advocates for queer students and fosters inclusive environments. In our mentorship program, they provide guidance on topics such as financial literacy and navigating the challenges faced by 2SLGBTQIA+ youth transitioning to higher education. We're proud to have Val's expertise and commitment as part of our team.
Meet Kehan!
Kehan is an undergraduate student majoring in Statistics with a minor in Management. As Kehan approaches the end of their final year, they are committed to giving back by offering the same support that was invaluable to them throughout their own academic journey.
Being a mentor has been a deeply rewarding experience for Kehan. One of their proudest moments has been successfully connecting their mentee with the right resources and helping them navigate different aspects of university life. Seeing their mentee grow and gain confidence has been a highlight of their mentorship experience.
Beyond supporting their mentee, Kehan has found that mentorship has also been a reflective and enriching process for them. Sharing experiences within the 2SLGBTQIA+ Mentorship Program has helped them gain a deeper understanding of their own journey and prepare for future challenges. The sense of community fostered through the program has been a source of gratitude and inspiration.
Kehan鈥檚 story is a testament to the power of mentorship鈥攏ot only in guiding others but also in learning and growing together. We鈥檙e thankful for mentors like Kehan, who help build a strong, supportive community at 涩里番!
