Hello everyone, my name is Clare Choi, and I am excited to join the U&Me Mentorship Association as a business mentor this year! To introduce myself, I am currently in the BUCS Program (combined major in business and computer science) in the Business faculty at the University of British Columbia (feel free to ask me about the BUCS program as well!), and I will be starting my first year of university. Some of my hobbies include playing piano, reading books, and watching Netflix. In terms of career goals, I am still exploring multiple pathways, but I am interested in roles that integrate business and tech, such as product management and Business Analyst. I am so excited to meet everyone to share some tips and insights on getting through high school and to achieve your goals for your post-secondary plans!

Harnoor is an undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of British Columbia. With a variety of academic interests, she brings extensive research experience spanning clinical and wet lab work, as well as public health projects. As an employed tutor for an advanced scholarly research and writing course at UBC, Harnoor helps students strengthen their academic communication skills. Outside of academics, Harnoor is passionate about mental health advocacy.

Shay has been a mentor with U & Me and is excited to be back for this year’s cohort! She is currently finishing her last year at UBC, majoring in English Language and Literature and minoring in Education, and she looks forward to completing her Bachelor of Education in the future. As an advocate for systemic equality--particularly in addressing education disparity--her passion lies in working toward meaningful change. In her free time, you can often find her reading at her favorite coffee shops. 

Sabrina is a fourth-year student studying Cognitive Systems (Brain & Cognition) at the University of British Columbia. She has an interest in behavioral neuroscience and has been involved in research ranging from cerebral organoids to marijuana and sleep. She also completed co-op work terms at St. Paul’s hospital as an orthopaedic surgery research assistant. Other than academics, she runs a small business called “MeeplesMakes” selling her handmade crochet goods, and is involved in the entrepreneur community at UBC through planning artisan markets like “Makers Market”. In her free time, she enjoys cafe-hopping, hiking, and exploring new neighbourhoods in Vancouver! 

Elizabeth is an undergraduate student at the University of British Columbia. She is passionate about supporting the program’s mission of mentorship by guiding individuals and empowering personal growth among students. Through her role as a content writer, she hopes to inspire and inform others by sharing experiences and resources. In her free time, Elizabeth enjoys exploring new places and spending time with family and friends. 

Sajjid is currently a Biology major at UBC, but he plans to transfer into Integrated Science to study Psychopathology. He is looking to pursue a career in pediatric psychiatry or university-level teaching. During his first year in UBC Science, he was a part of the Science One program, an enriched and interdisciplinary learning experience that serves as an alternative to mainstream. Sajjid attended high school in Vancouver, where he was a part of the Odyssey Mini School program at David Thompson Secondary School. There, he took a couple of AP courses and had an extensive history of extracurricular activities.

Jefferson is from Langley, BC, and is studying Political Science and Economics at UBC. He’s passionate about connecting with others and sharing what he’s learned through his own experiences. Outside of academics, he enjoys playing soccer (and coaching), golfing, and playing violin. As a mentor, Jefferson is excited to support students by offering guidance, encouragement, and a friendly perspective on navigating both university and life.

Sophia is a first-year student at the University of Toronto, majoring in Psychology. Sophia is passionate about mental health and special education. As a first-generation student, she understands the difficulties and frustrations many face when transitioning from high school to post-secondary. Inspired by the students she worked with while volunteering as a tutor in after-school programs, she plans to attend graduate school and become a counsellor or educational psychologist to support diverse learning needs.

Asha recently graduated from the University of British Columbia with a degree in Honours Microbiology and Immunology, where she loved being part of different community initiatives and learning about the exciting world of research. She is now pursuing her MSc in Microbiology and Infectious Diseases at the University of Calgary, studying the early childhood microbiome. Asha is passionate about gut microbiome research and its potential to improve health outcomes, as well as mental health advocacy and creating supportive communities for students. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors, running, and trying out new recipes!

Sonia is a mechanical engineering student specializing in biomedical engineering, but has a broad curiosity that spans the full spectrum of mechanical engineering. She has conducted undergraduate research on the feasibility of solar energy and completed two co-op terms at the new St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver, gaining valuable experience in healthcare infrastructure. Her dedication to community is reflected in her diverse volunteer work across healthcare, outreach, and corporate settings. Outside of academics, she’s passionate about the outdoors, whether hiking, snowboarding, or trying new sports like rock climbing, and has recently found joy in painting and crafting new coffee recipes with her Nespresso.

Flynn Althaus is a second-year student at the University of British Columbia who is working toward transferring into Kinesiology. He has experience teaching youth golf and soccer, which helped him develop strong leadership and communication skills. Flynn is passionate about health, fitness, and helping others improve through sport and physical activity. In his free time, he enjoys playing recreational sports, staying active, and connecting with others through team activities. He looks forward to mentoring high school students and sharing his experiences navigating university life and academic transitions.