Academic Success peer mentor appointments

Mo is a Master of Social Work student who moved to Canada in August 2022. As an international student, he relied on the University's resources and support from his peers to help with his transition. He joined the Academic Success team to support other students in adjusting to university life. He believes in building a collaborative relationship with students to prepare them for their academic journey.

Status: Graduate

Program of Study: Master of Social Work

Year of Study: 2nd

Interest(s):

• Reading
• Soccer
• Chess

jessica (who uses a lower-case j) has a deep passion for mindfulness and meditation, and eagerly looks forward to enrolling in the Master of Pastoral Studies program this fall. They find immense joy in supporting fellow students on their academic journeys. They've experienced the role of both mentor and mentee through their involvement with Accessibility Services and joining Academic Success as a peer mentor is an exciting new opportunity! With a unique perspective as a student with disabilities, mature student and mother, jessica is excited to share their insights and knowledge with peers.

Status: Undergraduate

Program of Study: Buddhist Psychology and Mental Health & Critical Studies in Equity and Solidarity

Year of Study: 3rd

Interest(s):

• Argentine Tango dancing
• Spanish language
• Baking of all kinds and Peruvian food

Each year, Edwin has felt more at home attending University of Toronto. By taking the position of a peer mentor for Academic Success, Edwin is excited to support his peers in their academic pursuits whilst helping them transition into university life. Edwin is currently working towards attending graduate school and would like to become a social worker in the future. Edwin’s favorite pastimes include listening to music, watching movies and rock climbing with his friends.

Status: Undergraduate

Program of Study: Criminology & Bioethics

Year of Study: 3rd

Interest(s):

• Rock climbing
• Music and movies
• Finding restaurants in Toronto

I’m a first year Master of Teaching student at OISE of U of T. I studied English Literature at Trent University, and took a year to live and work in Spain where I further cultivated my love for teaching. I have a passion for learning and working with people in social settings. I’m ecstatic about joining U of T’s Academic Success team to support students on their own journeys! “Enjoy every sandwich” – Warren Zevon.

Status: Graduate

Program of Study: Master of Teaching

Year of Study: 1st

Interest(s):

• Being outside
• Tasting menus
• The Ottawa Senators

Having amassed a range of professional and extracurricular experience in event planning and facilitation, Izzy is excited to bring their energy and passion for community development to the role as a Peer Facilitator. They are also passionate about the arts, social justice and building strong communities, all of which they hope to incorporate into their practice this year. This is their second year with the academic success team, and they are overjoyed to be back.

Status: Undergraduate

Program of Study: Critical Equity and Solidarity, Sociology and Indigenous Studies

Year of Study: 4th

Interest(s):

• Going to art galleries, dancing
• Reading bad shoujo manga
• Spending time with friends

Linyi is an experienced educator capable of bringing the most struggling students out of unfavorable situations. Having come out of the undergraduate struggle himself, he is passionate about making learning at U of T as smooth and easy as possible. Years of tutoring success speak for his track record of helping others, and his current program of study adds more skills to his toolkit. After participating in and then facilitating the Study Hubs, he is now joining this new role to make more contributions.

Status: Graduate

Program of Study: Master of Education in Curriculum & Pedagogy – Online Teaching and Learning

Year of Study: 1st

Interest(s):

• Military-style body conditioning and table tennis
• Tutoring
• Crisis management and financial education

Vivien is passionate about helping students ease their transition from high school to university. Going into first year was daunting for Vivien who, as a prospective law school student, put pressure on herself to do well in her courses. Now, she wishes to help others adjust to the new environment and find their place here. She currently writes for The Varsity and volunteers with Youth Challenge International to create community-based solutions to climate change.

Status: Undergraduate

Program of Study: Economics, Psychology & Music History and Culture

Year of Study: 3rd

Interest(s):

• Listening and playing music
• Binging Netflix

Since starting, Megan has found U of T to be welcoming and inclusive. Previously she majored in Kinesiology with a minor in Psychology at McMaster University. Megan joined the Academic Success Peer Mentor team because she was previously involved with McMaster’s Student Success Centre where she helped students develop their academic skills and facilitated virtual study sessions. She hopes to continue to support students in meeting their academic and personal goals. Megan’s go-to resources from U of T are the Harnessing Habits tip sheet and productivity sessions.

Status: Graduate

Program of Study: Master of Science in Occupational Therapy

Year of Study: 2nd

Interest(s):

• Going to fitness classes
• Crocheting, cross-stitching and sewing, specifically dino stuffed animals!

Sadi thinks the Math and Science Aid Centres were a great resource in his first year to help with the transition from high school to university learning. “Lots of supports are available for students in all courses, through TAs and office hour. Mentors for academic and career advice were essential for helping Sadi figure out his career path and how to navigate through university life. Applying to grad school was nerve-wracking for Sadi, since many schools wanted a perfect GPA—but he learned that participating in extracurriculars could help his application and recommends that others do the same.

Status: Graduate

Program of Study: Biomedical Engineering, focusing on medical imaging and heart disease

Year of Study: Last year of his PhD

Interest(s):

• Baking desserts from different cultures and trying new recipes (One of the first things he learned how to make was an apple pie!)

“I am excited to be a part of the Peer Team at Academic Success. I look forward to in-person and virtual interactions with students and sharing my experience and resources for a successful academic experience at U of T.” As an undergraduate student, Vyshali utilized various academic resources from Academic Success to effectively plan and manage her time as a commuter. She relies on her time-block planner to prioritize and complete tasks.

Status: Graduate

Program of Study: Master of Education in Adult Education and Community Development

Interest(s):

• Singing
• Baking, decorating cakes and acrylic painting
• Taking strolls in nature