Undergraduate Mentees Edition
Through the Black Youth Mentorship and Leadership Program (BYMLP), high school and undergraduate students across Canada have found opportunities for growth, leadership, and community engagement. These testimonials capture personal journeys and the impact BYMLP has had on participants, mentors, and community members. Each story is a testament to the power of mentorship and the importance of building a supportive community for Black youth.
Amarachi Onah, Summer Research Assistant
Throughout the summer, my involvement with the Undergraduate Mentorship Program has been both inspiring and transformative. Working under the guidance of Dr. Aloysius Maduforo and alongside a dedicated team, I focused on a project that aims to explore and uplift the experiences of Black youth across Canada. This research, initiated by Dr. Bukola Salami, underscores a vital commitment to understanding the well-being of Black youth—a mission that resonates deeply with me.
My journey with Dr. Salami began in the summer of 2022 when I participated in the Black Youth Mentorship Program. That experience marked my first professional role and gave me invaluable insights into a workplace environment, introducing me to mentors who became pillars of inspiration. When I learned Dr. Salami was recruiting students for this project, I leapt at the chance to learn from her once more, knowing the skills I would gain could be instrumental in my academic and career journey.
This summer, I not only built on my research capabilities but also strengthened my teamwork skills. Weekly workshops have been a cornerstone of this experience, featuring guest speakers who share tools and insights that are not only relevant to our research but essential for navigating academia. These sessions have added incredible value to my experience, despite my remote status, and have fostered a sense of unity with the team, despite our physical distances.
The dedication of this team has fueled my drive to contribute meaningfully, and each article I read has deepened my understanding of the experiences of Black youth in Canada. I am immensely grateful for this opportunity and look forward to applying these insights as I continue my journey in the sciences, aiming for graduate studies and beyond.
Adedeji Williams, Summer Research Assistant
Walking into the University of Calgary’s O’Brien Institute for Public Health for the first time, I felt both excitement and trepidation. The environment exuded a level of prestige that was both inspiring and intimidating. Yet, as time passed, I grew more comfortable, realizing that this experience—working on the “Transforming the Lives of Black Youth” project—would be instrumental in building my confidence and professional skills.
For a high school student, professional environments are rare, making this summer’s opportunity invaluable. It has taught me essential skills in time management and mentorship, which I know will support my transition to post-secondary life. My work on this project involved rigorous planning to accommodate my daily two-hour commute, a challenge that I turned into a productive window. Whether reading or drafting essays during transit, I learned to maximize my time and manage stress—a lesson I will carry forward.
Mentorship has been another key element of my experience. During a conversation with co-workers Douye, Tope, and Ogechi, I shared an article I was writing on the importance of Black excellence. Their feedback was profoundly affirming, and each of them, embodying excellence and work ethic, has become a role model to me. These connections have shown me the importance of relatable mentors and the positive impact they can have on my ambitions.
My experience on this project has equipped me with tools that will be invaluable in academia and beyond. I am grateful for the mentors and peers who have guided me and helped me recognize my own potential.
Semilore Olafare, Summer Research Assistant
Joining the Black Youth Mentorship and Leadership Undergraduate Program was an easy decision for me. After my enriching experience in the high school version of the program, I knew the undergraduate opportunity would bring similar fulfillment, and it did not disappoint. In 2023, as part of the BYMLP, I developed skills that have proven essential in my university journey, alongside building connections that continue to guide me today.
One of the most exciting aspects of this summer was engaging directly in research, rather than learning research methods in theory. I had the chance to contribute to a project on health determinants for Black youth in Canada, and completing my first literature review on this topic was deeply rewarding. I felt I was truly contributing to something larger, applying my knowledge in a real-world context.
Adjusting to a structured work routine after summer break was challenging initially, but the support of my peers helped me overcome it. This program centered on healthcare research, and my tasks were assigned based on my strengths, providing both independence and direction. I also gained practical experience with tools like Covidence for scoping reviews and participated in every research stage, from proposals to initial data gathering.
Mentorship, both formal and informal, has been a highlight. From my supervisor, Dr. Aloysius, to my peers who had already adapted to university life, I was surrounded by support. These relationships have given me the confidence and mindset needed to thrive, reinforcing the belief that I belong in every opportunity that comes my way.
Leaving this program, I feel prepared to face new challenges, equipped with skills, confidence, and a network I can lean on. I would wholeheartedly recommend this program to anyone beginning their university journey
Temitope Ogunleye, Undergraduate Research Assistant
Being accepted into the Black and Racial Equity (BARE) program came at a crucial time for me—a time when uncertainty and apathy had begun to overshadow my goals. Although I had developed strong skills as a student and research assistant, I felt my vision of becoming a psychiatrist begin to fade. BARE changed that. This program reignited my passion for both my community and my career, fueling my aspirations with renewed purpose.
Before this summer, I had proficiency in research and mental health topics, yet BARE provided the crucial spark to integrate these interests with a broader purpose of serving the Black community. This experience has deepened my understanding of mental health’s role within our community and set a foundation for my career in psychiatry.
This project allowed me to build on my existing skills while being surrounded by mentors and peers who shared my goals and commitment. Each day presented opportunities for growth, and every challenge reaffirmed my desire to serve my community. The program reminded me of the significance of representation and mentorship, and I am now motivated to apply the skills I’ve gained as I continue my academic journey.
Prosper Komolafe, Undergraduate Research Assistant
_”I deserve to be here,” I whispered to myself as I stepped into the Cal Wenzel Precision Health building for my first day as a research assistant. Months of anticipation had led to this moment, but doubt crept in. Could I balance the demanding rigour of a research position alongside my spring coursework? With a quick breath, I straightened up and stepped forward, and from that moment, my journey began.
Meeting my mentor, Dr. Aloysius, was transformative. Under his guidance, I learned not only about research but about resilience, confidence, and the value of embracing mistakes as stepping stones. Dr. Aloysius created a space where I could grow without fear, encouraging me to learn deeply and develop the skills I would need in this field. His mentorship was not confined to research alone but extended to what it means to be a compassionate leader and a supportive mentor.
I was equally inspired by Dr. Salami, my supervisor and the visionary founder of the Black Youth Mentorship and Leadership Program. Dr. Salami embodies excellence and kindness, balancing rigorous research with an unwavering commitment to the community. Her warmth, positivity, and dedication to supporting underrepresented groups inspired me daily and underscored the impact of purpose-driven research.
Building connections with fellow research assistants was one of the most rewarding aspects of the experience. From high school students with aspirations in medicine to seasoned undergraduates in diverse health-related disciplines, I was part of a vibrant community where learning and support flowed in every direction. We worked together on events and shared knowledge, creating a collaborative environment that strengthened my resolve and sparked lasting friendships.
As I look to the future, I am excited to apply what I’ve learned to tackle challenges in public health. This journey at CWPH has been more than just a research position—it’s been a pivotal step toward my goal of improving health outcomes for diverse communities.”_
Ogechi Okafor, Undergraduate Research Assistant
_”Qualitative research doesn’t just capture data; it tells stories, reveals challenges, and, most importantly, sparks change. As a research assistant on the Mental Health Standards for Black Youth project, I wasn’t simply observing data—I was deeply engaged with narratives that illuminated the disparities faced by Black and racialized communities in healthcare. This experience has solidified my career aspirations to advocate for equitable health access and lead with purpose in the medical field.
Working with the NVIVO software brought a new level of depth to our analysis. I coded transcripts from focus groups, unveiling themes that painted a comprehensive picture of the mental health challenges experienced by Black youth. Literature reviews helped link youth-driven solutions to existing studies, creating a dynamic fusion of real-world insights and grounded evidence. Far from being a routine exercise, this process urged me to think critically about healthcare systems and to imagine pathways toward meaningful change.
Dr. Salami and Dr. Aloysius were instrumental in fostering an enriching learning environment. They balanced rigor with encouragement, hosting workshops that covered everything from statistical communication to writing for publication. The qualitative analysis session was my favourite, where I learned about thematic analysis, discourse analysis, and other research techniques that I’ll carry with me in my future career.
Through this program, I have developed skills in collaboration, time management, and scientific communication. I’m especially grateful for the chance to convey my research to team members in accessible language, a skill that will be essential in engaging diverse audiences in the future. Knowing that our research contributes to actionable standards for mental health services fuels my passion to make a difference in healthcare. I hope more students can experience this journey, as I have, and come away with the conviction that they, too, can drive change in the lives of Canadians.”_
