Peer Academic Leaders in Science (PALS)

Program/Year: Chemistry, 2nd Year

Experiences: MSA graphic organizer, part-time F&B employee, student council throughout high school

Interests: Learning new languages, reading, playing sports, chemistry 

Passions: Learning about religion, cooking, science, photography

Advice: Take advantage of the SLGs and TAs, don’t hesitate to ask questions if you need additional help. Your first semester might just be your hardest especially when it comes to adjusting to the uni lifestyle so take it easy and remember to put yourself first.

Additional Languages: Gujarati, French, Arabic, Urdu 

Get in Touch: Email

Program/Year: Biology, 2nd year

Experiences: Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) Association’s Friends of the CNE volunteer, part-time employee in the food and beverage industry, 1st-year representative for the biology student course union, Sexual Assault Survivor Support Line (SASSL) volunteer

Passions: Drawing, reading manga, watching anime, K-pop, ramen, ice cream

Advice: First year is a huge transition, don’t think you are the only one feeling anxious or confused. It takes time to adjust to your new weekly schedule - everyone is different and works at their own pace so there is no need to compare yourself to others. Remember to take breaks between your studies and prioritize some time for your hobbies.

Additional languages: Cantonese

Get in Touch: Email

Program/Year: Biology, 2nd year

Experiences: TMU pre-dental society member, small business/art portfolio starter (@miart.fa), founder of nonprofit health organization (@projecthealth.web), clinic volunteer, administrative assistant for Achev during my grade 12 year, StepAboveSigma mental health program volunteer and pre-dental association researcher

Interests: Art specifically acrylic painting, reading romantic or nonfiction novels, website/graphic design, fitness, fashion (particularly styling clothes), henna designing, watching K-dramas, collecting Photocards and skincare routines.

Passions: Painting, graphic designing, fashion health and disease research, epigenetics and advocating for student mental health.

Advice: As a first-year student, it's natural to feel the pressure of having everything figured out from day one. But don't worry, it's okay not to have it all together just yet. You may not understand how the system works, and getting straight A's or joining clubs might not happen right away. It's important to remember that it might take you a semester, a year, or even until your second year to gain the confidence to get involved on campus, and connect with professors, TAs, upper-year students, and staff members. The most important thing is to not set a deadline for your success or compare yourself to others. Your journey is unique, and you'll reach your goals at your own pace. Remember that you'll adjust and slowly see yourself become the person you've always wanted to be. Let your first year be a stepping stone to your success in the upcoming years. Embrace the challenges, learn from your mistakes, and don't be afraid to ask for help.

Additional Languages: Urdu and conversational Canadian French

Get in Touch: Email

Program/Year: Math and its Applications, 2nd year

Experience: VP of events for the math course union, peer tutor

Passions: Video games, sewing, exercising, reading, puzzles

Advice: TMU offers so many opportunities and fun events. Don’t be afraid to sign up or get involved. Events are a great place to meet like-minded people and to make friends.

Get in Touch: Email

Program/Year: Biomedical Sciences, 2nd year

Experience: Worked at McDonald’s & Scaddabush, volunteered at a Senior Residence and Etobicoke General Hospital, and participated in school-based organizations like the Faculty of Science’s Academic Committee at TMU

Interests: Lifting/working out, cooking, hiking

Passions: Medicine, Health/Wellness

Advice: Although I have a lot of advice for first-year students, the most important would be to not be scared to talk to people and reach out on social media. During the first year, you will likely have almost all, if not all, classes with the same handful of people. Don’t be scared to make the first move and become friends with these people because everyone is in the same boat. Just reach out and introduce yourself.

Additional Languages: Punjabi, Hindi, some French

Get in Touch: Email

Program/Year: Biology, 4th year

Experiences: I currently work as a hostess and volunteer at a food science lab, previously worked at Chipotle as a crew member and volunteered at Toronto Western Hospital during the summer

Interests: Baking, working, self-care, watching movies, hanging out with friends and family

Passions: Medicine, Biotechnology, Education, Science

Advice: Make sure you don't stress too much over bad grades. No one can be good at everything and mistakes happen - just make sure you learn from them and try not to focus only on the negative!

Additional languages: French 

Get in Touch: Email

Program/Year: Computer Science Co-op, 2nd year

Experience: Director of Social Media at Toronto Metropolitan South Asian Association (TMSAA), volunteer at Science Rendezvous 2023, participated and won 1st place at sustainability track at MetHacks 2023, participant at Sprout 2023

Interests: Music, cooking, playing badminton

Passions: Coding, Computers, Tech

Advice: First year can be overwhelming, but keep calm and explore different things as much as possible. Things like having your own time at the harbourfront to applying to jobs on/off campus, even if your resume is blank. Trying things once is better than not trying at all. Be confident, and make sure to take care and love yourself. And lastly, stay away from negative people.

Additional Languages: Hindi and Gujarati

Get in Touch: Email

Program/Year: Biomedical Sciences, 4th year

Experiences: PALS Mentor Leader, USSTM VP Finance, Greenologii Product Development Associate, R3 Science Lead, OCAD in Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Interests: Gaming, Reading, Microbes

Passions: People – I love working with people, Healthcare and Advocacy

Advice: First year can really be tough, try to use all the resources that our institution offers. Each one is tailored to improving our experiences as students. Also, take time for yourself and enjoy the university experience. There is no rush to get it done - Grad/Professional schools love well-rounded students.

Additional languages: Conversational German & French

Get in Touch: Email

Program/Year: Biomedical Sciences, Co-op, 3rd Year

Experience: USSTM Secretary, USSTM Student Life Committee, youth leader at local community centres, organized/hosted events and fundraisers for the community, teacher's assistant for summer programs, survey caller for COVID-19

Interests: Painting, singing, watching K-dramas, exploring new cuisines

Passions: Traveling, leadership, learning more about the different lifestyles that make up our community

Advice: Try allotting time to different aspects of your life to understand what needs more time and what you can use less. It takes a while to adjust to university, and that's completely ok. Give yourself the space to meet new people, get involved with the school, and ask professors or upper-year mentors for help when you need it.

Additional Languages: Bangla, conversational Hindi and Korean

Get in Touch: Email

Program/Year: Biomedical Sciences, 4th year

Experiences: MJA Lab Research Assistant/Thesis Student, Senior SLG Leader, USSTM Crash Course Leader for PCS120 and BCH261, ArtSci VP Communications, SciXchange Volunteer, TMP Peer Mentor, private tutor

Interests: Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Genetics, Philosophy

Passions: Mentoring and helping students navigate through university 

Advice: Starting University can be challenging for many, it's always good to have a solid support system by meeting people through clubs and events. Ensuring a balanced schedule between school work and personal life is key to succeeding.

Additional Languages: Conversational French, Cantonese and Mandarin

Get in Touch: Email

Program/Year: Biology, 3rd year

Experience: VP of Operations in the TMU Mental Health Science Association, Student Council President and Peer Mentor in high school

Interests: Some of my interests include fashion, music, and reading. In the summer, I enjoy going on walks to explore the city and find new places!

Advice: Join a club! Even though it may seem intimidating, there are many clubs on campus catering to all types of interests. Joining such groups can help connect with people who also share similar passions to create lasting memories and friendships.

Additional Languages: Farsi

Get in Touch: Email

Program/Year: Computer Science, 2nd year

Experiences: High School Chess Club President, Vietnamese Buddhist Youth Association youth-leader, CNE Attendant

Interests: Reading is my main hobby. I am also interested in Philosophy, Astronomy, and Engineering, as well as anything related to science.

Passions: Learning, Chess, Music, Card/board games

Advice: Getting involved is the easiest way to integrate yourself into the community. It’s a great way to meet new people and find new opportunities. Additionally, keeping in touch with others can help you find the right resources through their recommendations.

Additional languages: Vietnamese

Get in Touch: Email

Program/Year:Chemistry Applied Physics, 4th year

Experiences: Co-president of the Chemistry Course Union, Group Mentoring Lead for Women in STEM at the Tri-Mentoring Program, Chemistry and Biology Representative on USSTM for 2022/2023, Lifeguard and Swimming Instructor for the City of Toronto

Passions:  I'm passionate about promoting diversity and inclusion in STEM fields, especially by empowering women and underrepresented groups.

Interests: I'm an avid reader and love diving into fantasy novels. I also have a deep love for the natural world and enjoy hiking and camping whenever I can.

Advice: My advice to fellow students is to seek opportunities to get involved in your academic community. Joining clubs and organizations related to your field of study can enhance your knowledge and provide valuable networking opportunities. Additionally, don't be afraid to ask questions, take on challenges, and explore interdisciplinary opportunities. And remember, your passion for science can make a meaningful difference in the world!

Get in Touch: Email

Program/Year: Biology, 4th year

Experiences: I take part in clubs such as the TMU Pre-dental Society and the Toronto Metropolitan Vietnamese Student Association (TMVSA), where I serve as the Financial Associate and the Director of Corporate Relations respectively. 

Passions: I’m an advocate for human rights and world issues. In addition, research in the fields of dentistry or vaccines is something that drives me. Skincare is also something I’m devoted to, as many do not realize the dangers of UVA & UVB radiation, which can lead to serious consequences. In conjunction, I believe everyone should be comfortable and confident in their own skin and by understanding the foundations of skincare, I strongly entrust that skincare can achieve that. In general, helping others fuels these passions.

Advice: The biggest piece of advice I would give to incoming students is to find friends who will help support you as the transition from high school to university is drastic. It is easy to fall behind if you don’t have a consistent schedule and a support system to motivate you to be the best version of yourself. Not only that but having friends you can rely on will make the university experience more enjoyable.

Additional languages: Vietnamese, and conversational Cantonese and French.

Get in Touch: Email