UTSC FSGs

Meet Yazan! Another one of our awesome FSG facilitators – hear from him below ⬇️📊

Q: Why did you join FSGs?
A: “I joined FSGs because I really enjoyed being able to go to FSGs for courses I've taken, meeting new people, and seeing the things I really didn't understand in a new light. When I made mistakes in FSGs I never made them again, and that's something I wanted for other people.”

Q: Why did you choose your program?
A: “It gave me a lot of freedom in what I wanted to take, and how to manage my courses. I was also introduced to a large breadth of concepts and experiences, which really shaped some of my interests.”

Q: What is a “must-do” on campus?
A: “Definitely spending those nights with friends where you play cards all day at Rex's or in Timmies, yeah that's pretty fire I'd say. Also going to campus talks on some new research in your field, or what you'd like to do. Keep yourself updated and motivated, and make sure your friendships foster that!”

Q: Quick tip for new first years?
A: “First year is so overwhelming, and sometimes you'll think that you're not doing it right, or that people are doing better than you. Definitely focus on getting your study habits right, and meeting some new people- university is like a reset button! You can try new things in all aspects of your life. Don't overload yourself, but DO NOT take first year lightly. I know from experience that it doesn't get easier, and that you need to experiment and see what works for you, and what you can personally manage.”

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

Q: Why did you join FSGs?
A: “I wanted to be a part of a team whom advocates for active learning. Students who collaborate with each other and solve problems in an interactive setting will comprehend and remember the course content easier than sitting in a lecture hall. The FSG facilitating team strives to encourage students to work together and promote mentorship skills development from 1 peer to another. The rewarding faces from student feedback after an FSG session is sufficient to explain why I want to join the FSG team.”

Q: Why did you choose your program?
A: “I like to think of the specialist in human biology program as an umbrella term for many diverse fields of biological sciences such as physiology, ecology, molecular genetics, biochemistry and more. If you want to gain exposure and build a really solid foundation in biology, this is the perfect program.”

Q: What is a “must-do” on campus?
A: “If you haven't tried Nasir's Hotdog stand, are you even a UTSC student lol?”

Q: Quick tip for new first years?
A: “Work hard, play hard... Always find the time to reward yourself after intensive nights of studying.”

Meet Lin! Another one of our awesome FSG facilitators – hear from her below ⬇️📊

Q: Why did you join FSGs?
A: “In my first year, FSG helps me a lot in many different courses. I want to know more about the organization, and luckily, I get the chance to work for the organization. What we do in the FSG is to discuss, I like the study forms that participants work on the problems together. I enjoy the process of mind collision. It is also a good opportunity to make more friends, and at the same time, I may also understand the academic materials deeper when I try to designing the worksheets.”

Q: Why did you choose your program?
A: “I am specialist in computer science now. It is a pretty challenging field, but it also has its charm. I like the problem-solving process, and enjoy the sense of achievement after finishing the projects.”

Q: What is a “must-do” on campus?
A: “Enjoy the sunshine, follow the geese, and take a photo with them if it is possible, but make sure keeping an appropriate distance with them, so we would not get hurt.”

Q: Quick tip for new first years?
A: “First year is a hard transition from high school to the university, but do not put too much pressure on yourself. Professors are nice, and there are many organizations that are set to help students in first year. So trying to make full use of the resources will make life easier. Enjoy the time in the university, and work hard to get close to the ideal person in our minds.”

Meet Danzell! Another one of our awesome FSG facilitators – hear from him below ⬇️🔬

Q: Why did you join FSGs?
A: “Attending FSGs made me realize that the leaders facilitate more than just learning. They also cultivate critical thinkers, confident speakers, disciplined and open-minded learners, and future leaders. I joined FSGs with the goal of contributing what I can to the best of my ability to help develop the same kinds of people who would one day be the leaders of our society. This is one way of how I want to make a positive difference.”

Q: Why did you choose your program?
A: “I chose Neuroscience Specialist Co-op because I am interested in understanding how our brains function. Neuroscience is still a growing field of science and it is incredible how our brains hold numerous mysteries including perception, emotion, learning, motivation, motor control, drugs, beliefs, philosophy, creativity, calculations, decision making, etc. We are learning more and more about the brain and as we do so, it will not stop in presenting more questions for itself to answer. Mind-blowing, right?”

Q: What is a “must-do” on campus?
A: “Take a walk across the Valley (it might still be under construction but do so after).”

Q: Quick tip for new first years?
A: “Be grateful in any moment, even the difficult ones. Make "Get-to-do" lists instead of "To-do" lists! Be thankful that you get to study, get to attend lectures, or get to write essays and papers, instead of being anxious that you need to study, need to catch up, or need to write reports. If you see the value of your education, then all your endeavors and struggles would have meaning and essence.”