Recent UTM grad exemplifies the importance of immersive learning and leadership.
A recent graduate of the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM), Natasha Tweneboah (HBSc 2024) was never one to limit herself: while pursuing intellectually fulfilling programs at UTM, she enriched her university experience by making her campus extracurriculars a cornerstone of her undergraduate years.
“I’m second generation Canadian – my parents came from Ghana,” says Tweneboah.
“One thing they really expounded was how much opportunity there is here compared to back home. So, for me, it’s not only important to pursue your interests but also to think about how you can impact people.”
So, in June 2024, Tweneboah graduated with a bachelor’s degree and a strong affinity for getting involved with her community in a meaningful way, offering peer support, and having an impact on others.
“It’s not just working for or with a community, it’s about helping students within the community get the experience of being at university,” says Tweneboah.
“When I first came to university, I wish I had this kind of support, so I really wanted to help students have a better experience than I did,” says Tweneboah when reflecting on the program.
Having started as a Team Lead for the Centre for Student Engagement (CSE), Tweneboah’s most recent work as an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Office (EDIO) Programming Assistant exemplifies her commitment to fostering meaningful connections among students on campus. She also worked as a Program Leader for the EagleConnect Program offered through the CSE to support students in a more comprehensive way.
As a leader for the Black Access to Educational Excellence (BAEE) program, Tweneboah again found an opportunity to welcome incoming students to UTM and enable them to succeed on campus with the right resources and connections.
Tweneboah’s community involvement extends beyond UTM: volunteering at Credit Valley Hospital (CVH) has been a hallmark of her experiential learning. As a Family Room Volunteer with the Ronald McDonald Health Charity, she supports families whose children are receiving treatment, particularly in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)and pediatrics unit.
Being based in a hospital ties in with Tweneboah’s fascination for the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subject areas. Her passion for STEM was ignited during her childhood and bolstered by support she received from her elementary school teachers and family. Her STEM interests continued at UTM, where she majored in Biology for the Health Sciences and Psychology, with a minor in Education Studies. This particular volunteer experience at CVH has solidified her aspiration to work in a hospital setting, particularly with children and youth.
“It’s about making people comfortable, whether they’re coming in for a serious injury or anything else,” says Tweneboah.
Tweneboah intends to continue combining her passion for health care with her experiences in community connections to pursue a master’s degree in public or global health, with a future ambition of attending medical school. Her UTM story is a powerful reminder of the learning and experiences that come through connecting with others, staying true to your interests, and pushing to bring about change, especially when it comes to engendering more inclusive spaces.
“Representation isn’t really seen in these particular health care sectors, and I want do my part to create those spaces for growth,” says Tweneboah.
“This notion really influenced me to want to be in the field and to provide people with inspiration – that if I can be here, so can you.”