The Peer Mentor program helps undergraduate students get used to university life and to our program, so you can become connected to the larger community of York University.
Peer Mentors have excellent leadership, are academically successful and are a positive influence on students by providing support, advice and encouragement. Some Peer Mentors provide writing and stats tutoring during selected times in the term.
What Do They Do?
Provide Guidance & Support
Our well-trained Peer Mentors are available to guide and help you over the course of your program.
Their office is a welcoming place where you can meet other students in your program.
Our Peer Mentors provide the friendly support you need to help you navigate university life.
Help You Integrate & Thrive
Attend first- and second-year classes to inform students about support services.
Invite you to the annual De-Stress Day - a fun day to help you relax before exams.
Offer instructional support for some courses, especially first-year courses, after you've contacted your professor and your TA.
Offer writing support! Talk to your professor or TA for writing issues and then contact us!
Peer Mentor Office Hours
The Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change Peer Mentors are available Monday to Friday.
Office hours for Fall 2021 are listed below.
Meet Your Peer Mentors
What program are you in? Environmental Studies - Environmental Management
What high school did you come from? Or what other academic institution did you come from? Notre Dame Catholic Highschool
Why did you pick your particular program? At first it was really just curiosity but as I took more courses and learned more about the history of the environment I realizes it really connects with my personal and social beliefs
What is your favourite part of the program so far? So far I love the diversity of the curriculum because it's so broad it allows me to really make my own opinion and I have a lot of topics to choose to learn more about.
What are your intentions for the future? In the future I would like to work as a business consultant or in the government.
Year: 2
What program are you in? Geography (iBA)
What high school or other academic institution did you come from? Homeschooled until Grade 12, then Humber College.
Why did you pick your particular program? I originally wanted to be an engineer, but then I thought that I wanted to do more to make a difference in the world. I wanted to understand the spaces and places we inhabit, and more importantly why we change them, i.e., move from one place to another. With this understanding, I can build a better picture of how to serve migrant populations in a manner that respects them and the future they want to have.
What is your favourite part of your program so far? Learning about different places and people, and of the different social structures that hold societies together. To me, it is remarkable how similar patterns of human behaviour are over vast distances and cultural divides.
What are your intentions for the future? I intend to, after completing at least a Master’s, and maybe a PhD, go into the field of migrant justice. I would like to become a force of change, for good in the world. Right now, the world is seeing the largest displacement of people in human history, and yet policies and attitudes have not changed to match this reality. I hope that I can, at least in a small way, contribute to a better understanding of migrant populations, and help to provide a better life for migrants, whether or not they have chosen to leave their country.
What Program are you in? Environmental Studies - Environmental Management
What high school did you come from? Or what other academic institution did you
come from? Sherwood Secondary School
Why did you pick your particular program? I picked environmental management because ever since I was younger I've always had an interest and passion in the environment and the different issues associated with the environment and the BES program here at York offers many perspectives and opportunities that I am able to learn and take action on these topics.
What is your favourite part of the program so far? My favourite part of the program is how everyone is so passionate and connected about the environment. Having such a driven and friendly community about what you are also passionate about makes this program so much more fun and informative.
What are your intentions for the future? My intentions for the future are hopefully to get a job working for the government in environmental management as my interests are with disaster management and waste management and wildlife conservation so I am hoping to get a job related to making a change in one of these topics.
What program are you in? Environmental Management
What high school did you come from? Or what other academic institution did you
come from? Father Bressani Catholic High School
Why did you pick your particular program? I picked my particular program because it ties into so many of my interests and gives me opportunities to work in different communities and environments.
What is your favorite part of the program so far? My favourite part about the program so far is just the sheer amount of diversity in topics we learn and how they are connected, and often inseparable, from one another. Equal importance is placed on history, art, and science so as to create a more holistic image of our world and its complex issues, which I haven’t really seen in other programs.
What are your intentions for the future? While the numerous interests I have make it difficult to pinpoint one thing I would like to work towards, ultimately I would like to do some kind of ecological restoration work.
Area of concentration: Environmental management
High school attended: Holy Cross Catholic Academy
Why did you pick your particular program: I found the courses offered very interesting. I liked the tight knit community that came with the program and I also appreciated how well-rounded the program is and how it prepares you for a variety of interests and career paths.
What is your favourite part of the program? One of my favourite parts of the program are the conservation biology courses that contrast the arts-based and political courses nicely and offer a different perspective which speaks to the diversity of the program. Our eco-campus offers a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn in breathtaking Costa Rica which is one of the many examples of experiential education offered by EUC to help students grow and succeed as a person and member of society!
Intentions for the future: To work toward upgrading outdated energy grids and implementing renewable energy sources to improve infrastructure in urban areas and create sustainable cities.
What program are you in? BA Geography
What high school did you come from? Dr. Norman Bethune CI, Scarborough, ON
Why did you pick your particular program? Geography is such a broad and interdisciplinary field, I enjoy the diverse range of courses and opportunities offered at York.
Favourite part of the program so far? My favourite part is how friendly and supportive peers, staff and faculty contribute to a welcoming environment. Moreover, I especially like the faculty/program-specific space and resources EUC provides for their students.
What are your intentions for the future? I aspire to become a High School Geography teacher to instill my passion for Geography and the Environment to students!
What program are you in? Sustainable Environmental Management
What high school did you come from? Our Lady Queen of The World Catholic Academy
Why did you pick your particular program? I have always been interested in studying ecology and learning more about the earth's history and the organisms within it. I want to understand how the world works and how to advocate for a better future. I also found the program description to sound very enlightening as it allows me to learn how I can make a change through sustainable alternatives in many interesting career paths.
Favourite part of the BES program so far? There are many resources available that are easily accessible through online learning. I also enjoyed the flexibility between the courses in first year that were geared towards science, English proficiency, history, and more. I found that this allowed for a greater amount of diversity in course materials as Professors were able to cover a wide range of content. Specifically, I enjoyed how - despite the variety in course subjects - all the courses thus far have maintained a sense of interconnectedness. I also appreciate the sense of community in this program where it is not only academically driven but also seeks to enhance your collaborative skills.
What are your intentions for the future? Currently, my options are very open and I do not have a specific career objective in mind. I'm still accessing my interests and where my passions and skills truly lie within the environmental sector. However, I do hope that it will have something to do with reducing resource mismanagement with a focus on biodiversity loss.
What program are you in? Politics Arts and Justice Faculty of Environmental with a minor in Indigenous Studies.
What high school did you come from? I attended high school at Bradford District High School.
Or what other academic institution did you come from? After high school, I took a year to think about my next move and decided to study tourism at Georgian College. I was considering going to university instead halfway through my program and with the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic I knew that York was really where I wanted to be.
Why did you pick your particular program? I knew I wanted to study environmental justice seriously when my favourite part of the tourism program was eco-tourism.
What is your favorite part of the program so far? My favourite part of my first year was Engaging People and the Environment, which is why I decided to minor in Indigenous Studies as well.
What are your intentions for the future? I intend to finish school with my Master in Environmental Studies and I am not sure about the future after that, I know that I would love to be a voice for our environment.
What program are you in? Environmental Management
What high school did you come from? Guelph Collegiate Vocational Institute
Why did you pick your particular program? I’ve always been interested in the environment and the world around me, so I knew the environmental studies program would be perfect for me! I also love that the program is interdisciplinary. There are many different interests and passions that I can develop and pursue in this program.
What is your favourite part of the program so far? My favourite part of the program is the variety in what we learn. I never feel bored because I get to learn about many interesting topics.
What are your intentions for the future? After my undergrad, I want to do a masters! There’s still so much I want to learn and would love to continue my studies in something environmental related when I’m finished my undergrad.
What program are you in? Environmental studies and Urban change
What high school did you attend? Segi Sarawak
Why did you pick your particular program? I’m captivated by flora, and biophysical elements and processes. I’ve always been interested in the physical structures that comprise our urban cities. In this time of economic and global uncertainty learning about social justice issues or how the environmental landscape has changed is of key importance. I wanted to study a discipline that was truly interdisciplinary and encourages exploration of the social sciences, humanities, arts and natural sciences.
What is your favourite part of the program? I love how interconnected we are. We are a group of like minded people who are driven and want to see the world become a better place. We are truly a family.
What are your intentions for the future? I see myself as an environmental scientist or an engineer. Maybe a restoration ecologist or environmental analyst/manager too although I really hope to sit in the senate and advocate for environmental /human rights protection which we often neglect in the haste of expansion and profit.
What program are you in? Environmental Management
What high school did you come from? Or what other academic institution did you
come from? Inglenook Community High School
Why did you pick your particular program? I have always had a passion for environmental and social issues, and the BES program seemed to offer various perspectives and opportunities for learning about these topics.
Favourite part of the BES program so far? My favourite part of the BES program is the supportive and passion-driven community here.
What program are you in? Sustainable Environmental Management
What high school did you come from? Or what other academic institution did you come
from? Bishop Marrocco/Thomas Merton CSS, Toronto, ON
Why did you pick your particular program? I have had a passion for the environment and the wellbeing of our planet for many years now, and I have been working on living more sustainably. Therefore, I chose this particular program because it gives me an opportunity to further educate myself on the wide range of environmental topics that interest me and one day put that knowledge to practice in my own life as well as for social change.
What is your favourite part of the BES program so far? My favourite part of the BES program so far is the wide range of topics discussed in classes and how they all interconnect with each other and the environment. The program takes an interdisciplinary approach that is very helpful in solving the complex issues that we face as well as provide great flexibility that lets you find exactly what speaks to you.
What are your intentions for the future? Due to the many interests that I have, it is difficult to know my exact intentions for the future, however, after my first year in the program, I have learned that I am very interested in the topic of sustainable agriculture. I am also very interested in sustainable living as a whole. In general, I hope to find what speaks to me over my next 3 years in this program.
What program are you in? Environmental Management
What high school did you come from? Craig Kielburger Secondary School
Why did you pick your particular program? The BES program is welcoming and allows students to explore their own interests while keeping the environment their main focus.
Favourite part of the BES program so far? The peer mentors and advisors in this program are very close and supportive. The amount of support I receive academically and personally has helped me prosper as a student.
What are your intentions for the future? I’m interested in learning about the fundamentals of policymaking and environmental consultation. With the knowledge of environmental policymaking and consultation, I want to make sure organizations are compliant with environmental regulations and policies, and perhaps even create policies that help reduce air pollution and create a clean environment.
What program are you in? Environmental Studies Justice, Politics and Arts
What other academic institution did you come from? Seneca College, I have a diploma in service management.
Why did you pick your particular program? The earth is everything that we have but I cannot sit back and watch people destroy it. I want to learn everything I possibly can about it so that I can understand how companies, governments, and people can become more sustainable and I want to be a part of that change.
Favourite part of the BES program so far? My favourite part of the BES program is the community. In such a short time, I have met so many wonderful, driven, and benevolent people who consistently help each other learn and grow. This small community is what we need more of.
What program are you in? Sustainable Environmental Management
What high school did you come from? Or what other academic institution did you come from? St. John Paul II Catholic Secondary School, Toronto, ON & Durham College, Whitby, ON.
Why did you pick your particular program? Since childhood, I have always been intrigued by the natural world and our planet. I found this program to be a great opportunity to educate myself with the way in which our environment and habitats function to gain a better understanding and one day help to make a positive impact.
Favourite part of the BES program so far? The interdisciplinary approach of learning environmental, social, and global concepts. The curriculum provided me with a wealth of information that will equip me for my future endeavours and career. The staff and students in the faculty are very friendly and easy to talk to which really helped during my first-year experience.
Intentions for the future: I am highly interested in resource management and energy efficiency. I aim to find solutions to our everyday environmental issues as well as the ones that we will face in the future, helping myself and those around me in a professional setting to seek more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives. I look forward to acquiring knowledge in fieldwork as well as using what I have learned formally and informally in consulting within mid-to-large companies and government.
What program are you in? Environmental Studies (Sustainable Environmental Management)
What high school did you come from? Bishop Marrocco/Thomas Merton CSS
Why did you pick your particular program? I wanted to better understand the relationship between the physical and social environment and how these relationships are reflected in social justice issues and climate change.
What is your favorite part of the program so far? The interdisciplinary nature of my studies. We don’t solely focus on science, but rather a multitude of disciplines that reflect the complexities of the physical and social environments.
What are your intentions for the future? I’m not entirely set on a specific job title, but I would like to work broadly in conservation or ecosystem restoration.
What program are you in? Environmental Studies
What high school did you come from? Our Lady of Mount Carmel Secondary School, Mississauga
Why did you pick your particular program? I chose the BES program because it intersected with all of my interests, and focused not only on the physical, but the social environment as well.
What is your favorite part of the program so far? My favourite part of the program is the community that we have. Everyone is extremely close knit, which has made my University experience that much more exciting and fulfilling.
What are your intentions for the future? I intend to become a marine biologist, with a focus on studying cetaceans and sharks. I also want to focus on stopping the illegal poaching of various marine species.
What program are you in? Environmental Arts and Justice
What high school did you come from? Emily Carr Secondary School
Why did you pick your particular program? I decided on Environmental Arts and Justice because it allows me to learn more about the world and the power I have as an individual. While also giving me the ability to learn creative ways to share my thoughts in classrooms and with people of all ages.
What is your favourite part of the program so far? I love that I am in a small, close-knit program that allows me to meet people and make friends! It has also allowed me to learn from diverse people and subjects, whether from readings or guest speakers.
What are your intentions for the future? I plan on becoming an educator in elementary school teaching grades primary to junior.
What program are you in? Environmental Studies - Environmental Management - 3rd Year
What high school did you come from? Or what other academic institution did you
come from? Loretto Abbey Catholic Secondary School
Why did you pick your particular program? I initially selected this program because it presented itself with a welcoming and inspiring atmosphere that piqued my interest in understanding the creation of space and how humans interact with their environment. I chose to specialize in management because I have always been fond of natural phenomena and the various entities of the physical world, urging me to become its companion and defender. I strive to conserve what fruits the Earth bears and to share its wealth with the world.
What is your favourite part of the program so far? I am infatuated with the idea of limitless possibilities and BES is the epitome of this ideology. Practical elements are as significant as theoretical ones in my program and generally within the Faculty of EUC, and this is reflected in the myriad experiential education and work/study opportunities available to students. I admire this delightful establishment and every active member of such.
What are your intentions for the future? I am still very much “riding the tide” of my interests and continually working to develop my intellect and environmental consciousness. Although, currently, I am interested in wildlife conservation, waste management, and sustainable ways of living, and am looking forward to securing a conservationist role.
What program are you in? Environmental Studies
What high school did you come from? Al Diyafah High School, Dubai, UAE
Why did you pick your particular program? I chose to study at EUC because the programs offered were very diverse. This worked in my favour since it meant I had a wide range of environmental careers to choose from once I graduate.
What is your favorite part of the program so far? I love that the faculty is very close-knit. The students, staff, and faculty members are very friendly and approachable, and that creates a sense of community. Since I am an international student, it is like the faculty is my home away from home.
What are your intentions for the future? In the future, I hope to be an urban planner. I want to design cities in a way that they cater to the needs of the population, and in a way that they will remain sustainable for future generations.
What program are you in? Environmental Studies
What high school did you come from? Emery Collegiate Institute
What did you pick this particular program? I picked this program because I loved the interdisciplinary nature of environmental studies that incorporates science, art, politics, and so much more.
What is your favorite part of the program? My favorite part of the program is the encouragement towards critical thought and implementing social justice and ethics in all of our work.
What program are you in? Sustainable Environmental Management
What high school did you come from? Vinschool Highschool (Hanoi, Vietnam)
Why did you pick your particular program? To be honest, studying about the environment and the earth system is always a passion of mine since I was a kid. I consider myself a person of action who likes to practice planning how to implement change from a logistical approach rather than from a scientific or mathematical perspective. Therefore, when I first saw the program description posted on university’s website, I immediately found environmental management a perfect choice for me. It allows me to innovatively come up with environmental solutions and ideas in order to create a better and more sustainable world, yet, from very common things in our daily life. How interesting it is!
What is your favourite part of the BES program so far? The best part of BES program to me is the fact that I have a chance to approach with numerous ecological concepts and theories. It is so open minding when you realize that protecting the environment is more than just merely going green and consuming less. Rather, it proposes such radical changes in the mind set and actions. Further, I also love the fact that you are always encouraged to discuss critically and creatively in every lecture.
What are your intentions for the future? So far, I am still going with the flow while finalizing my career decision. Yet, I pretty sure that I will pursue the ecological economic sector. Therefore, after graduating from BES, I will continue studying in a Master program.
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