UTSC FSGs

Meet Reema! Another one of our awesome FSG facilitators – hear from her below ⬇️🔢

Q: Why did you join FSGs?
A: “I chose to facilitate first year calculus because I have passion to reduce stigma associated with mathematics. To do well in Calculus is more than just practicing problems. What is more valuable is to use your knowledge to engage in meaningful discussions with your peers. I love seeing how happy students get when they are able to understand and solve the problems in FSGs. I hope to make a difference in your learning and help you reach your potential.”

Q: What is a “must-do” on campus?
A: “A "must-do" on campus is to spend all your money on food.”

Q: Quick tip for new first years?
A: “Keep working hard and practicing. It's not as bad as people say.”

Meet Raza! Another one of our awesome FSG facilitators – hear from him below ⬇️⚗️

Q: Why did you join FSGs?
A: “I joined FSGs because I wanted to make my mark as an undergraduate student by inspiring the next generation of leaders, professionals, and innovators. I felt I could best produce this kind of ripple effect by supporting the most vulnerable population at university, first year students. Not only would I be able to help students gain mastery over challenging course content, but by being provided the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with the students, I would in turn be able help them navigate the turbulence associated with their new learning environment and help them form a learning community that can support them throughout their time at UTSC.”

Q: Why did you choose your program?
A: “I am currently double majoring in neuroscience and psychology. I am deeply fascinated with how neuroscience invites a deep understanding of the biology of the mind; how the complex interactions of genes, proteins, neurons, and circuits can lead to the individuality of consciousness and behavior. Recent advances have deepened our understanding of how the brain functions, and today neuroscientists from a vast array of disciplines (including biology, psychology, genetics, chemistry, computer programming, physics, engineering, linguistics, medicine, ethics, law, and philosophy) employ a powerful arsenal of techniques to address the biology of the mind, and to provide insight for treating the more than one thousand known associated medical disorders with the brain. Similar, psychology is an immensely fascinating field of study. It helps us understand human behavior and mental processes and allows us to better understand how we think act and feel.”

Q: What is a “must-do” on campus?
A: “A "must-do" on campus is to pull an all-nighter in the library during final exam season! The tranquility of the library at night offers much to be realized... All jokes aside, get as involved as possible as early as possible! Participating in meaningful extracurricular activities allow you to hone your aptitudes and competencies in a manner that will best prepare you for future careers.”

Q: Quick tip for new first years?
A: “The transition from high school to university is unequivocally a big leap, encompassing not only a change in the academic environment and learning community but also marking a shift in the cultural norms that are intimately woven into the fabric of daily life. As first years, there are a handful of tactics you can deploy to ease this period of psychosocial adjustment. I will give you one piece of advice that will (hopefully) change your life for the better! It is important for you to eradicate the faulty notion of UofT boasting an exceptionally competitive environment. Psychologically, students internalize the stereotype of UofT being a highly competitive environment which can hinder their ability to form meaningful and fruitful relationships with others. Without a sliver of doubt, collaboration not competition is key to your success as a student and beyond!”

Meet Yasamin! Another one of our awesome FSG facilitators – hear from her below ⬇️🔢

Q: Why did you join FSGs?
A “I joined FSGs because I liked the idea of organizing a stress-free space, where students can engage in content discussion. As a first year student, it was comforting to know I'd always have peers to form study groups with, even if my friends were busy. Being part of an initiative that promotes active learning and self-accountability encouraged me to apply for a facilitator position.”

Q: Why did you choose your program?
A: “I am currently in my third year, doing molecular bio/immunology and health policy double major. My first major was more natural for me to choose due to my interest in pathological origins of disease and cellular mechanisms. However, there is always more to illness than its biology. So, I also chose to focus on health from a different perspective, aka. policy making and its social determinants.”

Q: What is a “must-do” on campus?
A: “Find a gym buddy to go to Pan Am with!!! There are group fitness classes and pools THAT YOU JUST GOTTA MAKE USE OF!”

Q: Quick tip for new first years?
A: “Get to know yourself and find balance. Yes, there are so many student organizations supporting great causes, but take it slow and see if you've adjusted well to university life FIRST. Don't get involved in too many things because the impact you'll be making in any given activity won't be as substantial. ALSO, prioritize sleep and nutrition ALWAYS. Think of it all as a game, where if you compromise your health you've lost; regardless of the grade on your transcript.”