BSc in Neuroscience and Minor in Environmental Science and Religion from the University of Toronto

MSc student in Neuroscience at the University of British Columbia

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From a young age, my mental health has gone through many periods of highs and lows; I was bullied throughout high school, suffered multiple sports-related concussions, and struggled with homesickness, depression, and anxiety during my first year of university. Through my experience with the journey to recovery, I found that not everyone can access the family support, mentors, and social networks that I had the opportunities to reach. In addition, I believe that the lack of support I received from university services to help with self-development, mindfulness, and lifestyle mentoring are felt by the majority of the student population. There are vulnerable populations and communities such as transitioning youth and current students and those who experience severe mental illness who often face stigma and other barriers, which create challenges in accessing the help they need.

 

I strongly believe that everyone deserves the chance to experience mental wellbeing and I would like to do my part in supporting those who are vulnerable to achieve this. My personal experiences and academic interests have led me to study Neuroscience in my undergraduate career and now, as a graduate student, I believe that through mental health research initiatives and spreading awareness about mental health and illness we can successfully reduce barriers in accessing help for mental health issues. Mental health to me not only encompasses emotional and psychological well-being, but also the ability and freedom to access the necessary resources and support without facing stigma or other societal barriers. Through this platform, I believe that an innovative solution can be found to mentor/create a better lifestyle for students going through transition periods in their lives. 

User Experience Design Student at Emily Carr University of Art and Design

BA in English Literature and Language from the University of British Columbia

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Desiree Chek is the User Experience and User Interface Designer at Building Blocks.

 

I'm passionate about creating accessible and intuitive products that improve people's lives. When I started university, I struggled with finding balance, pulled between my own needs and the expectations I was trying to meet. Trying to balance academics, friendships, and my health as a new university student was difficult. I had so many questions and worries when I started my first year, from picking the right courses to making new friends. I struggled with finding the best place for myself on campus and switched majors multiple times in my first two years.

 

Through my university experience, I realized the power of peer mentorship for students. Having upper-year students to talk with about my worries was immensely helpful. I found out that I wasn't the only one who struggled with the transition to university and was given advice and on-campus resources to connect to. My hope is that Building Blocks will provide students with more support to navigate the transition to university and young adulthood.

Bachelor of Kinesiology from the University of Toronto
Bachelor of Computer Science Student at the University of British Columbia

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Throughout my university career, I have always strived to learn, accomplish new things and push myself and those around me to be better than the person they were yesterday. However, like many other students,  the immense workload and drive to do well in school induced large amounts of stress and anxiety. If not handled properly, many people often lose sight of the more important factors at hand – personal health and wellbeing. My first three years of university were largely comprised of sleep deprivation, a lack of social connections and second-guessing my decision to enrol at UofT. After achieving numerous academic goals I set for myself, I still felt empty and unsatisfied with my journey thus far. I realized that this unsatisfaction stemmed from the lack of focus on myself; life is more than just academics. I spent the following years of my university career developing strategies to help maintain my academic success, incorporate more social activities into my weekly routine, and ultimately focus on my personal health and well-being. I want every student to be able to attain or maintain their personal health and wellbeing. I realise there are many students similar to me and I joined Building Blocks to try to make a difference in those students’ lives. Building Blocks provides the opportunity for students to find support and talk about the struggles they may be experiencing in their day-to-day lives. Although every student is unique in their own way, they all have the right to personal health and well-being – something we as a team are doing our best to make accessible.

Bachelor of Applied Science in Chemical and Biological Engineering Student at the University of British Columbia

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Bachelor of Commerce, Combined Major in Business and Computer Science Student

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I'm currently a sophomore student specializing in the Combined Business and Computer Science (BUCS) program at the UBC Sauder School of Business, and a Software Developer with Building Blocks. I'm a community-oriented leader passionate about volunteering and mentorship demonstrated from my previous experiences as an Orientation Leader, Second Year Representative at Commerce Mentorship Program, and team player in other extracurriculars. I have empathy for the adversities students often face in their university endeavours, I feel propelled to give back and help the younger generations.

Bachelor of Science in Biology and Computer Science Student

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I am a third year student studying biology and computer science at UBC. I’m excited to be a part of the Building Blocks team!

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Bachelor of Science in Physics and Computer Science Student

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I'm a second-year science student at UBC. I remember how anxious and stressed I was coming into university. A lot of it was due to academic pressure and the fear of falling behind. But one of the hardest things I faced that I wasn't even warned about, was making friends. Finding people around whom you feel comfortable to be yourself isn't easy. Building Blocks is a platform made to help students find that very community. I'm excited to be a part of this team and contribute to the growth of the platform!

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Bachelor of Computer Science and Business Administration Student

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I am a first-year student, studying Computer Science and Business Administration, with the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University. I enjoy combining my enthusiasm for technology and creative designing to develop products that can benefit others. I’m excited to be a part of the Building Blocks team!

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Bachelor of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering Student

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I'm currently a sophomore in UBC's Electrical Engineering Program in the Faculty of Applied Science. As an international student coming from Dubai, I understand the challenge of moving away from home and transitioning to a university where you may not know anyone, which is why I'm happy to be part of a team looking to curb that issue. I've worked with incoming engineering students and a student leader for UBC ENGagement Program and resonated with students that shared similar fears of joining university. I'm excited to contribute to the growth of Building Blocks! 

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Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry Student

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Bachelor of Science in Biology and Computer Science Student

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I am a third year student studying Biology and Computer Science at UBC. I am excited about the opportunity to work alongside a team of like-minded individuals who are passionate about improving student life and supporting students as they navigate the daunting transition to university!

Diploma in Web Development (BrainStation, Vancouver)

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Bachelor of Applied Sciences in Electrical Engineering Student

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As a third-year Electrical Engineering student, I am interested in software development. When I started university, I knew nothing about the city, culture, or university life. During my first year, I was not able to make friends and balance my social life with my academic life. To change this, I got involved in the peer mentor program where I shared my experience with first-year students which ranged from courses to resources for their mental well-being. This helped me connect with people and make new friends along with discovering my new interest in consultancy roles. I am grateful that I would be working alongside the Building Blocks team on a project which will combine both of my interests into one to design and develop a peer mentoring application.

Bachelor of Science, Combined Major in Computer Science and Statistics Student

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Building Blocks provides a great platform where every student has a chance to talk about

their warries, share their experience and find support regarding the university life. I am so

excited to join the Building Blocks team and passionate about helping more students who

are feeling struggled in university and looking for peer’s support.