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Previous Peer Mentor
Crystal Zhang
Graduated: 2021
As part of the guinea pig-trial year for the Education mentorship program, it made a tremendous difference on my experience at SFU, and now, I would like to pass this on to the new first years. It made my first year much easier as they helped me navigate my way and helped me avoid a lot of bumps, that I would’ve encountered with limited knowledge coming into this school. I met awesome people and I stayed friends with many of my mentors. They’re now teachers with their own classrooms and/or in PDP. I want to pass this deed on and build meaningful relationships as well! It’s beyond comprehendible how much a difference having someone there for you is, and I hope that one day you can pass those deed on to the new first years as well.
What is your best first year memory?
I’m not sure if this counts as a best memory, but what I still remember clearly in my fourth year was how nervous and excited I was at the same time. Those emotions mixed together got me to become super involved and eager to meet new people, and overall, it was an interesting experience. I remember meeting a third year who told me it’s so refreshing to meet a first year who is so bubbly and eager because I reminded her of herself in her first year, and now, she’s just tired and unenergized. I remember trying so hard every year to make sure what she said doesn’t come true for me as well..hmm!
Words of advice to new students?
Delegation and be aware of both your mental and physical health. It can be challenging when we have so much on our plates at once, whether it be balancing work, school, social life, family, exercising etc., it’s never easy. Therefore, remember that it is okay to take on less and do one thing at a time. You can always take a class later on, but if your mental health deteriorates, it can do more harm than good in other aspects of your life too. Do some yoga, write in your journal, go eat out with your friends, have family nights, those are what’s important for you in the long term!!
What are you involved in on and off campus?
On campus, I am currently involved in the Education Student Association, the mentorship program, and I’m also a senior welcome leader in which all surround guiding and planning events for students in the Faculty of Education. Off campus, I am currently an assistant manager at Kumon Math and Reading centre, and I am also an Early Childhood Educator Assistant in a preschool/daycare centre. I also volunteer in a Kindergarten classroom.