BYMLP: One Step Towards Finding my Why

Towards the end of the Black Youth Mentorship and Leadership program, mentees were advised to write an essay reflecting on what the program meant to them. The prompt served its purpose to remind them that the program was not the end of their path, but rather an important step towards discovering their purpose and excelling at it .Here is what they had to say:

Sussan Koleoso, BYMLP mentee

During the summer of 2024, I had a wonderful experience as a research assistant in the Black Youth Mentorship & Leadership Program. This opportunity allowed me to develop life and academic skills while actively applying them in my work with my mentors, helping me overcome weaknesses and identify areas for growth. The program covered various fields of study, demonstrating their connections and introducing me to possible areas of interest. A safe and engaging environment was fostered through group discussions, projects, debates, and more. I had the privilege of working closely with Dr. Oluwagbenga Paul Idowu, a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Calgary’s Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine. Dr. Idowu’s mentoring in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Brain-Computer Interfaces deepened my understanding and inspired me to explore their real-world applications. In addition, I was provided with a community mentor who answered questions about my current standing, offering guidance on beneficial courses, communities to join, and more. Discussions on leadership and managing disagreements in a professional setting were valuable in preparing me for university, internships, and future jobs. Guest speakers educated me on essential life skills like financial and time management, and offered useful information on scholarships, personal essay writing, reference letters, and more. Furthermore, I had the opportunity to learn about the history, traditions, and influential figures of various African countries. Overall, this program provided a perfect balance between collaboration and learning, fostering personal growth, academic development, leadership skills, and cultural enrichment. I am excited to continue practicing the skills I learned and look forward to applying them in new stages of my life.

Emmanuel Adesina, BYMLP mentee

Participating in the Black Youth Mentorship and Leadership Program has been a transformative experience, teaching me the importance of networking and the value of knowledge. Touring the biomedical research lab and being exposed to the medical field and research opened my eyes to the cutting-edge work in the field. Meeting with undergraduates in a panel discussion provided invaluable insights into the academic journey ahead, while engaging in various debates honed my critical thinking and communication skills. These experiences have not only solidified my passion for biomedical science but also forged a clear path for me to pursue it as an undergraduate degree, empowering me to achieve my aspirations.

Toluwanimi Adeboje, BYMLP mentee

My BYMLP experience has been unique in many ways. What I have learned through working with my community mentor and my project mentor has been quite invaluable to me. Through working with my community mentor, I have reduced my use of filler words like “basically” and “like,” and I am more confident speaking in front of others than I was before. Specifically, whenever I would present slides in front of my class before, my heart would vigorously beat against my chest, and it would be hard to retain my thoughts. Now, when we were presenting slides on a BYMLP workday, something evidently changed: I was calm and collected, finishing my presentation with ease. Another life skill I learned from my project mentors was punctuality, efficiency, and debriefing. When I was done with a section of my project, I would have to check in with one of my three project mentors. I would quickly and efficiently summarize all I had done in a week and present any issues that had come up. Additionally, I was able to take criticism and bounce back ideas on how to better complete my project.

Aside from my mentors, I learned other things through BYMLP, mainly through the tours. The biomedical lab, the nursing simulation unit, and the U of C campus were very interesting places that gave me a better understanding of the world around me, which I was previously unfamiliar with. It was very introspective to learn more about different environments that I wasn’t used to, and I gained invaluable experiences.

One of the most significant aspects of the program that has really affected me is the workshops. The workshops, featuring many guest speakers, were uniquely different in the subjects they covered. From personal writing to how to gain a scholarship, from medical preparations to research papers, and from mental health to budgeting, these workshops provided invaluable tips and advice. They were just as, if not more, informative than traditional school. My experience in this program was quite amazing, and I would recommend it to others.

Joel Isu, BYMLP mentee

Where am I coming from, where am I now, and where am I going? This is a question that often lingers in my mind lately, and it highlights elements of the past, present, and future. These elements of time are intertwined and play significant roles in shaping an individual. For me, this program has greatly assisted me in planning for my future, which is crucial to me. I was always told that failure to plan is planning to fail. So, although it helps with my pre-existing anxiety, it pushes me to keep my eye on the prize, the bigger picture, and my future. I feel this is necessary because there are things in my past that I wish I could change, but the only thing I can change is what I’m doing now. Positive changes made now are required to form healthy habits for what is to come and to ensure that I am strong enough to withstand any obstacle that life may present. All in all, this program subtly served as a wake-up call or reality check, highlighting the amount of personal work that still needs to be done.

Godswill Aikhomu, BYMLP mentee

My name is Godswill, a high school student passionate about helping others and pursuing a career in biomedical engineering with aspirations to become an emergency pediatric doctor. I joined the Black Youth Mentorship and Leadership Program because I believe it iscrucial for Black youth like myself, who face unique challenges. This program will provide the guidance and support necessary for my personal and academic growth. By engaging fully, I aim to develop leadership skills, gain hands-on experience, and build a strong professional network. Ultimately, I hope to leverage this opportunity to overcome barriers and contribute positively to my community.