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Meet Your School of Communication Peer Mentors!

Kaylee Higgs

Hey there! My name is Kaylee, and I am a third-year Communication major and intended Psychology minor! I am excited to be helping out as a peer mentor this semester, but you may also see me on campus filming or hosting events with the Communication Student Union. 

My favourite CMNS course by far was CMNS 304W - Communication in Everyday Life. The course breaks down and examines the ways that we connect and relate to each other daily, which challenged the way I viewed simple social habits in my own life.

Outside of class, you can find me playing video games, reading a book, or out on the rugby field. Regardless of where you see me, I am always happy to chat!

Jenny Jeon

Hello! I'm Jenny, a 4th Communication major and IAT minor student. I’m originally from South Korea and have been living in Vancouver for the past three years. Last semester, I was involved in student clubs; CAC and polyglots, although I haven’t joined any clubs this term yet. 

I love travelling, so whenever the semester ends, I usually plan a trip somewhere, no matter where it is. I especially love walking by the beach in the summer while holding an ice cream under the sunshine. 

My favourite CMNS course is CMNS 226: Digital Media Communication Techniques because it introduced creative forms of communication through photography, video, and hands-on media projects, which made learning much more engaging and memorable.

 

 

Teagan Leong

My name is Teagan and I’m a 3rd-year Communications major with a minor in Education (Counselling & Human Development) at SFU. Since September 2024, I’ve been working as a tutor with SFU’s Friends of Simon Program, where I support newcomer elementary and high school students with their homework, plan literacy activities to strengthen their English skills, and lead games to build connection and creativity. I also really enjoy working with kids and volunteer in younger elementary grade classrooms in Burnaby, where I assist teachers and support students in their learning. In my free time, I love hanging out with friends and family, doing Pilates, going on walks, listening to music, making playlists, shopping, watching Netflix, and scrolling through Pinterest. My favourite CMNS course so far has been CMNS 120W: Creativity & Communication Across Media. I loved how the course emphasized creativity in both writing and content creation in the world of communication studies. Every assignment encouraged different forms of creativity which made the course both interesting and more engaging.

 

Megan Lin

Hi all! My name is Megan and I'm currently a fifth year Communication major and Sociology minor. I am a part of the CMNSU and I love to volunteer with community-oriented non-profits for youths in my free time. When I'm not on campus, I love to cozy up on the couch and watch a good show or surf the media. One of my favourite CMNS courses so far has been CMNS445: Media and Popular Culture in China. It's a wonderful course to step outside of the Western bubble and explore the pop culture and media landscapes that have taken shape on the other end of the globe. 

Joie Marin

Hello! My name is Joie (she/her) and this Fall, I’ll be going into my fourth year majoring in Communication, and minoring in Print & Digital Publishing and Public Policy. I’ve completed an eight-month co-op with SFU’s Student Engagement and Retention team, where I led Surrey Games Lounge in Fall 2025 and supported Welcome Day programming from Summer 2025 to Spring 2026 across all 3 campuses. I’ve also recently joined SFU’s Filipino Student Association (FSA) as part of the Events team! My favourite CMNS course that I’ve taken so far is CMNS 240: Political Economy of Communication. I was intimidated to take a theory-heavy course, but I ended up loving being able to apply communication to different things, like technology and news. When I’m not in class, you’ll find me reading a fiction novel, doing puzzles, or exploring new cafés!

Liam McKay-Argyriou

My name is Liam, and I am a third-year communication major. I came to SFU from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, to pursue my passion for using storytelling and public engagement to create meaningful change. Hands-on courses like CMNS 326, Video Podcast Journalism, are my favourites, as they combine the theory behind crafting effective narratives with practical skills. Outside my classes, I serve as President of the SFU Communication Student Union (CMNSU) and as an Executive Member of the Young Digital Leaders of Canada. I am currently applying the skills I’ve learned from these experiences in an internship at Toronto’s SickKids Hospital. In my free time, I can be found on a hiking trail, in a museum or at a vegan bakery. I can’t wait to meet you!

Emi Namoro

Hi everyone! My name is Emi and I’m a third-year Communication student with a minor in Print and Digital Publishing.

My favourite CMNS course so far was CMNS 226: Digital Storytelling for Public Engagement with Chris Jeschelnik. He is such a caring professor, and I absolutely loved learning about different components of storytelling through the weekly readings. As both a full-time student and a communications professional, I appreciated being able to apply what I've learned in the classroom directly to my work in the field. 

Outside of academics, I'm a member of the Catholic Christian Outreach (CCO) club and love their vibrant community. When I'm not studying, you can usually find me swing dancing at a nearby hall, writing yet another blog post, or spending quality time with my loved ones! :)

Inaz Neshan

My name is Inaz Neshan, and I am a third-year undergraduate student pursuing a major in Communication at Simon Fraser University. I am originally from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, where I attended Evan Hardy Collegiate Institute, and have since moved to Vancouver for school.

I am currently involved with CMNSU, which has been a great way to meet other students and feel more connected to the Communication community at SFU. Alongside school, I’ve also spent a lot of time balancing work and academics, which has taught me a lot about time management, setting boundaries, and giving myself grace during busy semesters.

When I’m not in class or working, I love watching movies and doing photography. I’m usually drawn to creative outlets and enjoy capturing everyday moments through my camera or finding films that leave a lasting impression.

Now for a little bit more about my SFU journey… My favourite Communication course has been CMNS 130 because it was incredibly eye-opening and changed the way I think about media, communication, and everyday life. It helped me better understand how deeply communication shapes the way we see the world around us.

Bryant Nguyen

Hey! I’m Bryant Nguyen, a Communication student with a Business minor at SFU. I came to SFU ready to “figure life out,” but quickly learned that most of university is actually trying your best, checking Canvas way too often, and pretending you are not stressed during finals season.

One of my favourite CMNS courses so far has been CMNS 202 because it made me see storytelling, dialogue, and media in a completely different way. It was the kind of class that made me think, “Wait… communication is literally everywhere.”

Outside of class, you’ll probably find me working, hanging out with friends, looking for good food spots, or convincing myself I will be more organized next semester.

Ask me about balancing school and work, finding your routine, and surviving finals without fully losing your mind.

Naomi Pausche

Hi! I’m Naomi, a fourth-year Communication major minoring in Criminology. I’m passionate about visual communication, especially around data and policing legislation in Vancouver. I’m the Vice President of Creative for the CMNSU, where I design graphics for student events, and a Social Media Ambassador with the School of Communication.

Outside of school, I volunteer with Girl Guides of Canada, supporting young girls in pursuing their passions. In my free time, you’ll find me grabbing coffee with friends on campus or at home, making art. 

My all-time favourite course I have taken has to be CMNS 315: Topics in Data and Society with Dr. Frederik Lesage, for anyone interested in more creative and visual forms of communication. 

I’m often found around the CMNS wing, please feel free to say hi!

Nicolas Ruiz Vargas

Hey guys! My name is Nicolas. I am a fourth-year student majoring in Communication and minoring in Business Administration. I am currently part of the Association of Latin American Students (ALAS) here at SFU. I am part of the planning and execution of events uniting the Latin American community and also teaching our culture to people from other parts of the world. 

In my free time, I like to participate in the football intramural organized by SFUrec with my friends or just playing for fun. I also enjoy playing video games. Currently, I am playing Pokémon Champions on my Switch.

My favorite Communication course is CMNS 221: Media and Popular Culture, taught by Dr. Jennesia Pedri. She is amazing in creating an interactive environment with the whole class and making the lectures fun and understandable.

 

Varinder Singh

Hi! I’m Varinder, a third-year Economics major with a Communication minor who loves exploring where numbers meet people and stories. I’m especially interested in bringing social insight into the rigorous math of economics and finding ways to make data feel human. Outside of class, I organize weekly badminton meetups — one of my favorite ways to stay active and build community on campus. When I’m not studying, you’ll usually find me at English Bay, wandering new neighborhoods, or cafe hopping around Vancouver.

My favorite CMNS course so far has been CMNS 200: Strategic and Professional Communication, because it showed me how adaptable communication can shape real connections, a skill I use every day as a Peer Mentor.

Excited to support you this year!

Harmeet Singh Gill

My name is Harmeet Singh Gill. I am a second year student majoring in communication.I love horseback riding, hiking, running and taking my dog for a walk.I have been Director of events and New west campus Representative at Justice Institute Student Union for 2 years and 4 months. 

Professor Chris Jeschelnik’s course, CMNS 226: Digital Storytelling for Public Engagement, became my favorite because of its hands-on approach. By breaking down iconic scenes from movies and television, Professor Jeschelnik demonstrates what makes a story truly resonate, which helped me take my own digital storytelling skills to the next level.This course was instrumental in sharpening my digital storytelling skills, specifically in how to craft narratives that drive public engagement. 

I look forward to helping incoming communication students navigate their first year and making their transition into the university community a memorable one.

 

Katie Tai

Hello upcoming CMNS students! My name is Katie Tai, and I am a third-year Communication major with a Business minor. I am currently a Marketing Executive in the Hong Kong Society. My favourite course is CMNS 120 because you get to be creative like making your own social media content and collaborate with others. I love travelling, going on spontaneous side quests, drinking matcha, and going on fancy dinner dates with my friends. It still feels like yesterday when I was a first year student, and I know how nerve wracking it can be to adjust to university from high school. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your academic advisor or fellow peer mentors. We’re here to make your university journey as great as you hope it will be! I’m looking forward to meeting all of you and spending the academic year together!

 

Brianna Zhao

Hi everyone! My name is Brianna, and I’m a second-year Communication student at SFU. I’m originally from Richmond, BC, and currently living in residence on Burnaby Mountain.

Outside of school, I work as a makeup artist and volunteer as a scout leader. In my free time, I enjoy going to raves, exploring cafés with friends, and keeping up with fashion and beauty. I’m really into EDM music, so if you’re also into raving, feel free to connect with me! I also love traveling, especially around Asia. My favourite course has been CMNS 202 because I got to work with others and research topics I’m interested in. I highly recommend taking it in your first year. As a Peer Mentor, I hope to help first-year students feel more comfortable, confident, and supported as they adjust to university life. Looking forward to meeting you all!