Fourth year UTM student perseveres in the face of chronic illness and first-year challenges.
Adjusting to university life can be a tough transition for incoming students. For Jocelyn Aryeetey, a fourth-year student majoring in Biology for Health Science and Sociology at U of T Mississauga (UTM), the complexity of getting seriously ill and being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease in their first year of study was an additional unforeseen dilemma.
This kind of setback can either crush one’s spirit or ignite their resolve: for Aryeetey it motivated their future professional ambitions to ultimately become a rheumatologist.
From a young age, life sciences always spoke to Aryeetey, however it wasn’t until their health crisis that their passion solidified into a clear goal.
Aryeetey’s diagnosis of systemic lupus, a painful condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue in many parts of the body, not only impacted their physical health but also fundamentally changed the way they viewed medicine.
“Being a patient for so long, I started to question if I was ever going to fulfill my goal to become a doctor,” says Aryeetey.
Yet, this experience ignited a deep interest in rheumatology and immunology, motivating them to pursue a path where they could help others facing similar health challenges.
On top of dealing with a chronic illness, Aryeetey also grappled with another obstacle: like many students starting out in higher education in 2020, they were also spending most of their time online and isolated due to COVID-19 restrictions. Undeterred by these pesky predicaments, Aryeetey was determined to get involved in other areas of interest and find community on the UTM campus to ease the transition to university living.
As the Co-President of UTM’s Black Literature and Art Club, Aryeetey found a supportive network that shared a passion for black literature and music. The club became a space for them to engage with others who were equally enthusiastic about culture and art, eventually starting a book club focused on works by black authors. Additionally, their involvement as an Events Coordinator the Black Student Association (BSA) provided an environment for forming lasting friendships.
“The BSA was one of the first bigger communities I engaged with at UTM,” says Aryeetey.
“I bonded with and met a lot of the friends that I have currently.”
Their identity as a Black student has also significantly shaped their perspective on the life sciences and healthcare. Recalling instances from childhood when their parents’ concerns about Aryeetey’s health were brushed aside until her symptoms became severe, Aryeetey became acutely aware of existing health disparities in care and treatment.
“Thats where my majors of biology and sociology intersect – in health disparities and in reducing health inequalities,” says Aryeetey, who is determined to work in preventative medicine for youth.
Aryeetey has also taken on roles that allow them to give back to their community and improve access to education. As a previous mentor for the Support, Engage, Experience University of Toronto Mississauga program (SEE@UTM) with the Centre for Student Engagement (CSE), Aryeetey guided Black Grade 12 students in the transition from high school to post-secondary, providing the support they wished they had at that age. Moreover, their summer research at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, under the supervision of Dr. De-Lawrence Lamptey, focuses on understanding parental concerns for children with disabilities during COVID-19. This experience further solidified their commitment to making a difference in healthcare.
Currently, Aryeetey is furthering their skills in mentorship and leadership through the Community Mentorship Team at the CSE. As an assistant with the Alumni Mentorship Programs, they work to connect upper-year students with supportive UTM alumni to foster career development and networking opportunities. By bridging the gap between students and professionals, Aryeetey wants to ensure that others can access the guidance and resources necessary for success in their career journeys.
Aryeetey’s goal is to reduce health inequalities and inspire young people to pursue careers in healthcare: “I want young girls and boys to see me and know they can do work and thrive in this area as well.”