Lean In: A Ryerson University Init-Together-iative

In this pod, Valeria interviews Samantha, the president of both the Biomedical Science Course Union and STEM Fellowship Ryerson. They chat about the altruistic benefits of community involvement at Ryerson, how Samatha became involved in student groups, and how to actually enjoy your university experience.So please lean-in and enjoy this conversation with Valeria and Samantha.https://stemfellowship.org/http://www.rsuonline.ca/218/course-unions/Biomedical-Science

On this week’s episode of the pod we have Valeria interviewing Biomed student Steven Tran. Gain insight on student groups and clubs at Ryerson as Steven recounts about being a part of a whopping 8 student groups and 1 course union. Not only does this chat allow Ryerson students to learn about some awesome groups available on campus, but it also highlights the importance of teamwork and finding one’s own “niche,” especially during this period.Highlights from the podcast:0:51 – How Steven initially got involved in student groups2:00 – All student groups steven is involved in3:38 – Steven’s top 3 student groups + info on each group10:54 – The significance of student groups to Ryerson as a whole18:20 – Why Steven enjoys participating in student groups22:22 – Steven’s least favourite part about being involved in student groups25:46 – Why is community involvement so important29:30 – Favourite moment while in a student group35:59 – Transferrable skills gained through student groups

On today's podcast we have Anna interviewing Tamara a PhD student at Ryerson.They discuss Tamara's journey to her PhD.So please lean in on todays podcast with Anna and Tamara.

 

Some highlights of the conversation were: 0.00 Intro, 2:02 Tamara's school journey, 2:15 Hometown, 7:18 What did you want to be as a kid, 11:53 Have you thought about your next steps, 15:34 What did you find yourself doing during your PhD?, 21:05 What would you say from your perspective would be the most transferable skill for a student to have and why? ,23:50 What do you think is a fact about you that your colleagues know least about you, 24:19 What famous person current/otherwise would you want to go to dinner with? , 25:07 What would be your favourite food, 25:57 Complete the sentence If I was not a PhD student I would be...? ,26:10 What is one thing that  that is on your top 10 of your bucket list, 26:25 Who is your favourite role model, 27:00 What would you consider to be your greatest achievement,28:23 What would you consider to be your greatest failure?,29:30 What would you say you're most grateful for?,29:42 What would you say concerns you the most?, 30:54 What would you say is the most productive time of your day?,31:52 What would you say is your favourite hobby?,33:52 What advice would you give your second year undergraduate self?

Marina and Valeria delve into the topic of mental health and mental illness with two students Anna and Anja. They discuss how school factors into mental health, burnout, stigma around academic accommodations, how to approach someone who may need help, and helpful coping strategies. If you or a friend are struggling with your mental health or mental illness, check out the resources below:Ontario Resources: https://www.ontario.ca/page/find-mental-health-supportRyerson Center for Student Health and Wellness: https://www.ryerson.ca/mental-health-wellbeing/get_help/#tab-1552312232399-department-of-student-health---wellnessMeditation App: https://www.headspace.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=917256442&utm_content=51529949212&utm_term=409650401169&headspace&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8sq84JOl6wIVBbLICh1q5AS8EAAYASAAEgL2XvD_BwECBT App for Anxiety: https://www.anxietycanada.com/resources/mindshift-cbt/Crisis Resources from Ryerson: https://www.ryerson.ca/student-wellbeing/counselling/students/crisis/CAMH Crisis Resources: http://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/crisis-resourcesYoga with Adriene: https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadrieneAffordable, Online Counselling: https://inkblottherapy.com/https://www.skylarkyouth.org/what-we-do/programs-counselling-services/counselling-services/https://www.getmaple.ca/providers/psychotherapist-counselling/https://www.betterhelp.com/Academic Accommodations Support: https://www.ryerson.ca/accommodations/My SSP App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.onetapsolutions.morneau.myissp&hl=en_CAhttps://apps.apple.com/ca/app/my-ssp/id1112006222For a referral to OHIP covered therapy and psychiatry, talk to you family doctor about what you are going through. The referral process takes a while, but once you are in the system with a psychiatrist they can help you access many OHIP covered resources, prescribe you medication if needed, and sometimes provide therapy themselves.Note that if you are opted into healthcare insurance at Ryerson: “Students can access external counselling services using their RSU Health Plan, which covers up to $1000 per academic year (ie. September 2020 - August 2021)”

On today's pod, we have Mr. Marco Cuzzupoli, a high school teacher at St. John Henry Newman High School, with 10 years of experience. We discuss his relationship with academics and teachers/profs in high school & university, and how his experiences inspired him to pursue a career in teaching.We further touch upon topics surrounding the role of a high school teacher, such as how one can become a teacher, the majors & minors students should pursue, teacher’s college and the pros & cons of being a teacher.So, please lean in & join my conversation with Mr. Marco Cuzzupoli!

In this pod, Marina and Valeria are back to talk about men’s mental health. They facilitated a candid discussion with their peers on vulnerability, reaching out, coping methods, and much more. I’d also like to add a content warning before you listen. They touch on the topic of suicide, so if this is a difficult subject for you, maybe skip this pod. Also, a quick reminder that there are mental health resources in the description, and to always reach out to your loved ones for help if needed (change some words if you’d like, this is more of a guideline).If you or a friend are struggling with your mental health or mental illness, check out the resources below:Ontario Resources: https://www.ontario.ca/page/find-mental-health-supportRyerson Center for Student Health and Wellness: https://www.ryerson.ca/mental-health-wellbeing/get_help/#tab-1552312232399-department-of-student-health---wellnessMeditation App: https://www.headspace.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=917256442&utm_content=51529949212&utm_term=409650401169&headspace&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8sq84JOl6wIVBbLICh1q5AS8EAAYASAAEgL2XvD_BwECBT App for Anxiety: https://www.anxietycanada.com/resources/mindshift-cbt/Crisis Resources from Ryerson: https://www.ryerson.ca/student-wellbeing/counselling/students/crisis/CAMH Crisis Resources: http://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/crisis-resourcesYoga with Adriene: https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadrieneResource for Men: https://headsupguys.org/Affordable, Online Counselling: https://inkblottherapy.com/https://www.skylarkyouth.org/what-we-do/programs-counselling-services/counselling-services/https://www.getmaple.ca/providers/psychotherapist-counselling/https://www.betterhelp.com/Academic Accommodations Support: https://www.ryerson.ca/accommodations/My SSP App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.onetapsolutions.morneau.myissp&hl=en_CAhttps://apps.apple.com/ca/app/my-ssp/id1112006222For a referral to OHIP covered therapy and psychiatry, talk to you family doctor about what you are going through. The referral process takes a while, but once you are in the system with a psychiatrist they can help you access many OHIP covered resources, prescribe you medication if needed, and sometimes provide therapy themselves.Note that if you are opted into healthcare insurance at Ryerson: “Students can access external counselling services using their RSU Health Plan, which covers up to $1000 per academic year (ie. September 2020 - August 2021)*

On this week’s pod, we have Jacqueline interviewing Larissa Gospodyn. Larissa is a Master’s student in Ryerson’s Environmental Applied Science and Management Program and a member of the Land and Water Resources Group here at Ryerson. 

More info here:  http://landandwater.geography.ryerson.ca. 

Originally from Winnipeg, we talk about Larissa’s transition to Toronto for grad school and the differences between post-secondary studies in Ontario vs. Manitoba. We also chat about what Larissa’s research entails and how COVID has affected her personal and academic life (as she’s set to graduate this Fall). Fast forward to the rapid fire questions and share a laugh with Jacqueline and Larissa as they get to know each other better.    

Some highlights of the conversation were: 1) Intro and her role at Ryerson @ 0:00    2) Hometown, previous schooling in Manitoba @ 0:55  3) Dream career when she was a kid @ 5:48   4) What her research entails @ 6:27   5) Piece of advice she’d give her second year self @ 7:12    6) Skills she recommends to all students @ 8:32    7) Coping with the COVID pandemic @ 10:22    8) Rapid fire questions @ 15:26

On today’s podcast, we featured Lila. She is writing an undergraduate thesis and is a new addition to Bryan's research group. Lila describes her transition to Toronto and her experiences living in the city. She shares the biggest lessons she’s learned through university, one being to stop procrastinating. 

 

I invite you to please lean in, and enjoy this conversation with Lila. 

 

Some highlights of the conversation were: 

0:38 - Thesis writing remotely4:53 - Struggles with determining a University program11:50 - Determining University majors 20:14 - Experience in Chang School courses26:33 - Rapid fire section

On today's podcast we have Eswari and Taylor. Taylor shares an experience that a lot of people have expressed on the podcast, but talks about her own very unique path to Ryerson. Eswari on the other hand is an international student and these students likely had a more difficult time during this COVID transition. However, both are Ryerson community members and both are coping and getting by. I really enjoyed learning more about these two fantastic students. So please lean in, and enjoy my conversation with Eswari and Taylor. 

 

Some highlights of the conversation were: 0:00 Intros, hometown, transitions18:05 What has been the best/worst thing about Ryerson?20:23 How did the semester end and how is downtown life like?25:41 What factoid do my peers know least about me28:28 What is your favourite food?30:57 Who would you like to go to dinner with and why?33:50 If I was not a Ryerson Biomed student I would be…35:05 Who is your favourite role model?37:27 What concerns you the most?39:45 What has been your silver lining?41:15 What is something in the top 10 of your bucket list?42:25 What is your favourite hobby?44:11 What is the quote that you live by?45:20 What piece of advice would you give your second-year self?

Here at LinkedIn we’re always looking to encourage creative community driven content and this podcast is a classic example.Today we have Stephanie, Marina, Valeria, and Saher as they share a candid conversation about the experience of being a woman in STEM.These types of podcasts are fantastic for Lean In as this is really what we are looking for. Based off this conversation held today, I would expect these women to have their own podcast really soon.Please lean in and enjoy this conversation with Stephanie, Marina, Valeria, and SaherSome highlights of the conversation were:9:51 - Have you ever felt the need to dumb yourself down to appear less intense?14:51 - Have you every experienced imposer syndrome?22:06 - Has anything discouraged you from pursuing something because you are a woman?34:10 - The importance of men’s perspectives38:08 - Female role models