UTSC FSGs

FSGs will be held in these courses in summer 2021:
BIOB11
BIOB34
CHMA11
CHMB42
MATA22
PSYA01
PSYA02
PSYB70
STAB22

To join these sessions, look for "UTSC FSG [course code] in your Quercus. We look forward to seeing you there!

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

Q: Why did you join FSGs?
A: “I've attended many FSGs all throughout first and second year and found that they provided a lot of value to me whether it be through making friends, future connections, keeping pace with class, achieving skills or deeper understanding of course content---all of which I feel have helped me then and now. On top of this, there was facilitator that I had for BIOA01/2 when I was a first-year student that set the bar high in terms of work ethic, competence, and humility and I hope to become a great role model like him as well!”

Q: Why did you choose your program?
A: “I'm doing a double major in Human Biology and Molecular Biology, Immunology, and Disease and I chose these majors because I'm more interested in Biology than the other subjects and figured I'd still be able to take other courses (like Psych for example) that I find interesting on the side.”

Q: What is a “must-do” on campus?
A: "Study" with friends until it's late at night (and then go home and actually study).”

Q: Quick tip for new first years?
A: “If you have an idea for a club or event, don't sit on it. You'd be surprised how receptive the students and staff are at UTSC to supporting new initiatives.”

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 Reema! Another one of our awesome FSG facilitators – hear from her below ⬇️🔢

Q: Why did you join FSGs?
A: “I chose to facilitate first year calculus because I have passion to reduce stigma associated with mathematics. To do well in Calculus is more than just practicing problems. What is more valuable is to use your knowledge to engage in meaningful discussions with your peers. I love seeing how happy students get when they are able to understand and solve the problems in FSGs. I hope to make a difference in your learning and help you reach your potential.”

Q: What is a “must-do” on campus?
A: “A "must-do" on campus is to spend all your money on food.”

Q: Quick tip for new first years?
A: “Keep working hard and practicing. It's not as bad as people say.”

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

Q: Why did you join FSGs?
A: “I joined FSGs because I really liked the closely knit community and motivation that FSG sessions gave me in my 1st and 2nd years of my university studies”

Q: Why did you choose your program?
A: “I chose my program biochemistry and minors in biology and stats, because I intrigued by biology and I believe statistics is a good tool to investigate it”

Q: What is a “must-do” on campus?
A: “If you want some breathtaking views or just take a break from studying, hike down the Highland Creek trail”

Q: Quick tip for new first years?
A: “Get involved on campus and get a study buddy, or you can come to FSGs and make lots of study buddies!”

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

Q: Why did you join FSGs?
A: “I joined FSGs because I wanted to make my mark as an undergraduate student by inspiring the next generation of leaders, professionals, and innovators. I felt I could best produce this kind of ripple effect by supporting the most vulnerable population at university, first year students. Not only would I be able to help students gain mastery over challenging course content, but by being provided the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with the students, I would in turn be able help them navigate the turbulence associated with their new learning environment and help them form a learning community that can support them throughout their time at UTSC.”

Q: Why did you choose your program?
A: “I am currently double majoring in neuroscience and psychology. I am deeply fascinated with how neuroscience invites a deep understanding of the biology of the mind; how the complex interactions of genes, proteins, neurons, and circuits can lead to the individuality of consciousness and behavior. Recent advances have deepened our understanding of how the brain functions, and today neuroscientists from a vast array of disciplines (including biology, psychology, genetics, chemistry, computer programming, physics, engineering, linguistics, medicine, ethics, law, and philosophy) employ a powerful arsenal of techniques to address the biology of the mind, and to provide insight for treating the more than one thousand known associated medical disorders with the brain. Similar, psychology is an immensely fascinating field of study. It helps us understand human behavior and mental processes and allows us to better understand how we think act and feel.”

Q: What is a “must-do” on campus?
A: “A "must-do" on campus is to pull an all-nighter in the library during final exam season! The tranquility of the library at night offers much to be realized... All jokes aside, get as involved as possible as early as possible! Participating in meaningful extracurricular activities allow you to hone your aptitudes and competencies in a manner that will best prepare you for future careers.”

Q: Quick tip for new first years?
A: “The transition from high school to university is unequivocally a big leap, encompassing not only a change in the academic environment and learning community but also marking a shift in the cultural norms that are intimately woven into the fabric of daily life. As first years, there are a handful of tactics you can deploy to ease this period of psychosocial adjustment. I will give you one piece of advice that will (hopefully) change your life for the better! It is important for you to eradicate the faulty notion of UofT boasting an exceptionally competitive environment. Psychologically, students internalize the stereotype of UofT being a highly competitive environment which can hinder their ability to form meaningful and fruitful relationships with others. Without a sliver of doubt, collaboration not competition is key to your success as a student and beyond!”

Meet Karina! Another one of our awesome FSG facilitators – hear from her below ⬇️🗣

Q: Why did you join FSGs?
A: “I decided I wanted to be an FSG facilitator after having such great experiences participating in FSGs in my first and second year. Since most assessments in linguistics are very application-based, working through problem sets in FSGs was really helpful. I wanted to give back the same experience I received so I applied to be a facilitator (:”

Q: Why did you choose your program?
A: “I’m a Psycholinguistics Specialist student and I chose my program with the goal of wanting to be an SLP (Speech Language Pathologist). My younger cousin was diagnosed with ASD and worked with a variety of professionals, and SLPs were one of them! Seeing the care he received really made me want to work in the field.”

Q: What is a “must-do” on campus?
A: “Check out the Makerspace! At least once!! It’s a great place that not a lot of students know about.”

Q: Quick tip for new first years?
A: “Don’t believe that you need to take 5 courses every semester. It’s ok to take a lighter courseload if it means you’re less stressed and have a better balance! Also, there is no such thing as a bird course, you should enroll in courses you find interesting, not the ones you hear will give you an easy A.”

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.”

Meet Yasamin! Another one of our awesome FSG facilitators – hear from her below ⬇️🔢

Q: Why did you join FSGs?
A “I joined FSGs because I liked the idea of organizing a stress-free space, where students can engage in content discussion. As a first year student, it was comforting to know I'd always have peers to form study groups with, even if my friends were busy. Being part of an initiative that promotes active learning and self-accountability encouraged me to apply for a facilitator position.”

Q: Why did you choose your program?
A: “I am currently in my third year, doing molecular bio/immunology and health policy double major. My first major was more natural for me to choose due to my interest in pathological origins of disease and cellular mechanisms. However, there is always more to illness than its biology. So, I also chose to focus on health from a different perspective, aka. policy making and its social determinants.”

Q: What is a “must-do” on campus?
A: “Find a gym buddy to go to Pan Am with!!! There are group fitness classes and pools THAT YOU JUST GOTTA MAKE USE OF!”

Q: Quick tip for new first years?
A: “Get to know yourself and find balance. Yes, there are so many student organizations supporting great causes, but take it slow and see if you've adjusted well to university life FIRST. Don't get involved in too many things because the impact you'll be making in any given activity won't be as substantial. ALSO, prioritize sleep and nutrition ALWAYS. Think of it all as a game, where if you compromise your health you've lost; regardless of the grade on your transcript.”