Class of 2018: How science mentorship and ambassador programs helped foster connections

We know across all levels of the University of Calgary that our students — with their curiosity, their passion, and their enthusiasm — are our best champions.

The Science Mentorship Program and the Science Ambassador Program are examples of student leadership and achievement. Created for students by students in 2014, the Science Mentorship Program connects first- and second-year students with senior students to help foster a sense of community. The science ambassadors are a select group of students who work together to share perspective on the student experience via social media (@UCWeAreScience).

Three students marking the end of their undergraduate careers in this year’s spring convocation joined these programs for opportunities to learn and lead. Laura Matchett, Alice Zhang, and Henry Ma are three such students. After convocating last week, the three reflected on their time in the Faculty of Science and their leadership experience in the Science Mentorship and Science Ambassador Programs.

The mentorship leader: Laura Matchett     

Laura Matchett, BSc (Hon)'18, was a mentorship leader in the Science Mentorship Program. Matchett, who convocated with a BSc (Honours) in chemistry on June 7, will continue her education with graduate studies at the University of Alberta focusing on atmospheric chemistry. 

Q: What are three words you would use to describe your undergraduate experience in the Faculty of Science?

A: Three words:

1. Community – as a mentor in my fourth year, and a mentorship leader in my fifth year, I really felt that I was part of a community of like-minded individuals that supported me and allowed be to grow as a person
2. Exploration – getting a chance to take a multitude of different science and non-science courses to find what I am passionate about
3. Growth – both as a person and a scientist

And I do think amazing is also a great word to sum it all up.

Q: What inspired you to become involved with the Science Mentorship Program (SMP)?

A: Since high school I have always been involved in student organizations and I thought that the Science Mentorship Program would be a great way for me to keep doing that. As well, this program didn’t exist when I was in first year and I know that I could have benefited from having a mentor, so I wanted to be there for other students.

Q: What was your favourite thing about being involved with the SMP?

A: My favourite part of being a mentorship leader was helping to organize all the events and then getting to attend them. The events we put on are a lot of fun and it’s a great way to meet new people. Some of my favourite events were the breakfasts, research nights, dodgeball night, and Pi day (the pies were amazing). 

The mentor: Henry Ma

Henry Ma, BSc'18, was a mentor in the Science Mentorship Program. Ma graduated with a BSc in Cellular, Molecular, and Microbial Biology on June 7, and plans to enter a career in health care. 

Q: What are three words you would use to describe your undergraduate experience in the Faculty of Science?

A: Three words:

1. Eucatastrophic: After four years at the university, I have learned so much and had so much fun that I would consider it a happy ending.
2. Woebegone: I feel bittersweet and sad now that my four years have come and gone.
3. Beautiful: Throughout my four years, I've learned a lot of about myself and what I want to do in the future. Looking back and thinking about my experiences, all of them were beautiful in their own ways. Some are beautiful because they made me feel proud about myself, some were beautiful because I learned to improve my weaknesses, some were beautiful because they are memories I will never forget.

Q: What inspired you to become involved with the Science Mentorship Program (SMP)?

A: I thought back to my first year at the University of Calgary. First year is stressful, and frustrating, and scary. I thought that I could help out a fellow first-year student if I joined the program. I've learned a lot of things that I wish I knew in my first year, so I thought it would be great to share that knowledge with someone who would benefit greatly from it.

Q: What inspired you to become involved with the Science Mentorship Program (SMP)?

A: When I was involved in the Science Mentorship Program, I was surrounded by an amazing group of people. It was not just about helping out first- or second-year students; it was about collaborating together and learning from one another. My favourite thing about the Science Mentorship Program was the community it fostered. I felt connected to not only the university and campus community, but also felt a stronger connection to all the amazing people around me. The joy of being around such a spectacular group made the Science Mentorship Program an experience I will never forget.

The ambassador: Alice Zhang

Alice Zhang, BSc'18, was an ambassador in the Science Ambassador Program. Zhang, who graduated with a combined degree (BSc in Cellular, Molecular, and Microbial Biology and BSc in Psychology) on June 7, plans on completing the Education After-Degree at the University of Calgary in the hopes of becoming a biology teacher. 

Q: What are three words you would use to describe your undergraduate experience in the Faculty of Science?

A: Dynamic, thought-provoking, and collaborative are the adjectives that come to mind. I am always amazed by all the things that I learn every day both as part of my coursework and as part of participation in Science Engagement activities, especially the experiences I've had working with other people.

Q: What inspired you to become involved with the Science Ambassador Program?

A: I was inspired to become part of the Science Ambassador Program because I wanted to share my experiences with incoming students to help them make the most of their university journey.

Q: What was your favourite thing about being involved with the Science Ambassador Program?

A: My favourite thing is all the students that you get to meet at the events. Everyone has a story to share, so it's really inspiring and fun. Furthermore, I found it very rewarding to be able to bond with my mentee in the program.

Learn more about the Science Mentorship Program and Science Ambassador Program on YouTube.