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First Generation Student Engagement

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First Generation Student Engagement programming and support provides connections to academic, career, wellness and many other services to foster a sense of belonging and community.

Within each area of programming, there is a focus on connection (to each other and the broader U of T community), as well as navigating barriers to access and inclusion.

This program is for First Generation students with intersectional identities, including: Racialized, international, English as a second language, religious or spiritual, 2SLGBTQIA+, mature, Transitional Year Programme students (current & former) and other lived identities.

Register to make an appointment
or attend a drop-in

First Generation Mentor Navigator appointments and drop-ins are available to all undergraduate students who identify as First Generation with intersectional identities, including: Racialized, international, English as a second language, religious or spiritual, 2SLGBTQIA+, mature, Transitional Year Programme students (current & former) and other lived identities.

Mentor Navigators are available for individual appointments and drop-ins from October to March.

Register now on Folio ↗

Meet the Mentor Navigators

Headshot of Daniel smiling.

Daniel (he/him)

Mentor Navigator
Latin American, First Generation
Undergraduate, 3rd year

Additional Intersectional Identities:
Mexican, Catholic

Program of Study:
Economics & Statistics double major, Math minor

Best Thing About This Program:
I can help my community.

Interests:
Running, politics, economics

Headshot of Elias.

Elias (he/him)

Mentor Navigator
Southeast Asian, First Generation
Undergraduate, 4th year

Additional Intersectional Identities:
Filipino

Program of Study:
Psychology major, Sociology & Education and Society double minors

Best Thing About This Program:
I can empower and support underrepresented students by sharing my knowledge and life experiences, helping them navigate their academic and personal journeys, and fostering a strong sense of belonging and success within the community.

Interests:
Visiting cafes, long walks, cooking

Headshot of Julia smiling.

Julia (she/her)

Mentor Navigator
Southeast Asian, First Generation
Undergraduate, 3rd year

Additional Intersectional Identities:
Vietnamese

Program of Study:
Economics & Statistics double major

Best Thing About This Program:
I can share my passion for guiding and supporting other students particularly those from diverse backgrounds like myself, which aligns with my experience in fostering inclusivity and helping others navigate challenges in their academic and personal journeys.

Interests:
Running, painting, photography

Headshot of Mica smiling.

Mica (she/her)

Mentor Navigator
Latin American, First Generation
Undergraduate, 3rd year

Additional Intersectional Identities:
Peruvian, International student

Program of Study:
Psychology & Drama double major, Education and Society minor

Best Thing About This Program:
I can make Latin American students just like me feel accompanied, heard, and welcomed.

Interests:
Long walks, listening to new music, doing crossword puzzles

Yasmin (she/her)

Mentor Navigator
African Black Caribbean, First Generation
Graduate, 1st year

Additional Intersectional Identities:
Canadian, Somalian, Muslim

Program of Study:
Master in Anthropology

Best Thing About This Program:
I can provide support for Black first generation students on campus.

Interests:
Reading, museums, new cafes

Headshot of Duda smiling.

Duda (she/her)

Programs Assistant
Latin American, First Generation
Undergraduate, 3rd year

Additional Intersectional Identities:
Brazilian

Program of Study:
Global Health Specualist, Physiology minor

Best Thing About This Program:
As a Program Assistant, I can guide and support students in navigating their academic and personal challenges, using my own experiences to help them succeed.

Interests:
Horse riding, drawing, hanging out with friends

Upcoming Events

Facilitated workshops and events focusing on connections to supports and First Generation clubs, staff, librarians and faculty.

View the event listing on Folio.

Stories of Struggle, Resistance & Success: African Black Caribbean, Latin American, Southeast Asian & First Generation* Students

March 6, 4:30 – 6 p.m.
Online (MS Teams)

Share experiences of thriving, surviving and failing at university. Exchange strategies for resilience with supportive academic program directors ready to listen, guide and support you.

*First Generation students are those whose parents did not complete a post-secondary degree in Canada.

Register for Stories of Struggle, Resistance & Success on Folio.

You will receive a confirmation email regarding your registration. For questions and registration support, please email Adonica Huggins at adonica.huggins@utoronto.ca.

News and Resources

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If you’re interested in further resources, please check out the Mentorship & Peer Programs resource library to learn more.