Crew:
Wellness Hub
Name/Program:
Yasmin Dini - Global Health
Pictured Crew:
Hayaa Yamunarasan, Pranavan Kandasamy and Yasmin Dini (me)
Crews I am a part of at York U:
- Health Education and Promotion
- Student Health Ambassadors at York (SHAY)
- Career Center
- Future Black Physicians Initiative (FBPI)
What has being involved meant to you during your time here at York U?
My team is what I center my community engagement around, they give me a sense of community here at York and as someone who came to this university without a lot of connections, they’ve helped me fulfill my purpose on this campus. It has also given me people to talk to, engage with, share opportunities, and as we try to fulfill our mandate of well-being they also help me maintain my own well-being. There are a series of things I wish to see reflected on campus and the community at large, actively engaging York U students means that whatever message I’m trying to spread reaches far and wide. Being involved also allows me to implement the practices I learn as a Global Health student and have an application component.
How did you first get involved?
In my first year I started as a volunteer. First year was difficult for me because I didn’t really know anyone and I didn’t feel a sense of belonging on campus. When I joined Health Ed as a volunteer, I met a lot of different people and I learned about a lot of topics that I had no idea about. I had hopes for what I wanted this campus to look like in terms of health-consciousness and this was the first step in fulfilling that dream. In my second year I joined as a work/study student and that was a great year for me because it helped me see York in a different light. I got to engage with more students, and it was a personal fulfillment of finding a purpose on campus. And now in my third year I’m a senior peer, so its been a transition but doing the behind the scenes work to fulfill the mental health strategy, I think has been important and challenging, but something I really cherish. I think I’m going to look back at my university career and this is going to be the focal point.
How has been involved impacted education in other ways?
As a Faculty of Health student I learn a lot of health strategies and information in class, but HealthEd affords me the opportunity to engage with my learning and apply it here at work. HealthEd has also helped me strengthen my time management, communication and other administrative skills. I get a really well-rounded experience without even having a practicum per se.
What would your university experience have looked like if you didn’t get involved?
I think my university experience would have been really dull if I didn’t join as many clubs/initiatives as I have. A lot of the key skills I have today is because I’ve been part of so many initiatives. Plus the people I work with not only become coworkers, but friends. My bosses have become mentors and as I transition to things outside of campus, I know they’re there for me. I’ve found a really good sense of community. I am more comfortable on my own and I personally proud to be part of the forces working to make the changes individuals needs to have a health-conscious life, a connected community, and a support system. I always know that whatever cause or community I identify with, I can find here on campus. It really is a city within a city.
