Meet Sarah Chocano, a second-year Innis student, an ICSS Equity and Outreach Director, an InSIGHT Mentor, and an IRC Senior House Rep.
I am a second-year international student from Peru doing an Anthropology specialist and a Latin American Studies minor. I am obsessed with dogs, I cry when I see them. Another interesting fact about me is that I am vegan and I love vegan food. Also, The Office and Game of Thrones are favourite shows.
My favourite thing about Innis is that it is a close-knit community, which has allowed me to meet wonderful people and make amazing friends. I come from a small town and I feel that Innis allowed me to successfully transition into Toronto.
My favourite course so far in ANT343: Anthropology of Gender. I love this course so much because it has taught me interesting theories on the society we live in and has encouraged me to be more aware of how I preform my gender on a daily basis.
Outside the classroom I try to be involved as much as I possibly can. Within the college, I am one of the Equity and Outreach Directors in the ICSS and an InSIGHT Mentor. I am involved in residence as a senior house representative in IRC. I am also one of the Instagram managers for the UofT VegClub.
My role in with InSIGHT is providing mentorship. Right now, I mentor two awesome first year students. This experience has been amazing because it has allowed help me to help first years to have a better transition into university.
I think that mentors benefit from the mentorship program because we learn from our mentees. Being a mentor forces you to reflect on your own experiences integrating into the UofT community, as well as becoming more aware of the resources the university has to offer.
I think that international students can benefit from InSIGHT or similar mentorship programs because having a mentor will allow them to have a better transition into university and Canada. Classes can seem intimidating, especially when you are in a new country.
I love the InSIGHT Mentorship program because it is a great way to help others transition into university and allows you to reflect on things that have been working for you, academically and mentally. I started this program in my first year as a mentee and learned a lot from my mentor. Now that I am a mentor I have learned a lot from my mentees.
I would advise first-year Sarah to not be afraid to get involved and to believe in herself a little bit more. Also, that putting effort on the things you love will get you places.