Samarah Siddiquee
Apr 9, 20255 min read
Samarah Siddiquee
Dec 3, 20246 min read
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Blog Team Lead/ Director
Samarah Siddiquee
Hi! My name is Samarah, and I’m a fourth-year student double-majoring in neuroscience and psychology. Writing for TMUG has been a meaningful way for me to explore my fascination with the brain and human behaviour while creating content that speaks directly to the university student experience. I’m deeply passionate about learning and storytelling, and blogging allows me to bring science, real-world application, and narrative together in a way that feels both engaging and impactful. Outside of writing, I enjoy reading, baking, sipping a latte, and going for long walks.
Blog Writer
Reva Jerath
Hi! I’m Reva, a third-year Co-op Health Sciences and Psychology student at UTSC. Writing has always been my way of making sense of the world and connecting with others, which inspired me to join the blog team. Through my posts, I hope to raise awareness about important issues, share perspectives that resonate, and create a space where readers feel seen and understood. In my free time, you’ll find me immersed in a true crime novel, baking something sweet, or going on long walks to recharge.
Blog Writer
Yaya Yao
Hello! My name is Yaya, and I am studying Psychology at UTSC. I am passionate about journaling and reading self-development books, which became my inspiration to become a blog writer on mental health topics. As a blog writer for TMUG, I hope to raise awareness about mental health and provide readers with comfort and insights through my writing. Outside of blogging, you can find me painting, rock climbing, or chatting with friends!
Blog Writer
Varsha Raveenthirarajah
Hey! I'm Varsha and I’m currently in my fourth year double majoring in human biology and population health. My interest in blog writing sparked from my love for reading! From murder-mystery books to reading blogs, the main aspect I enjoyed from different pieces of writing was hearing different perspectives from the author or a character in a book. I would love to share my perspective and knowledge regarding mental health topics to students in hopes of facilitating a unified sense of community! Some of my other interests include painting and going to the gym.
Our Team
Teaching | Inclusivity | Teamwork
About Us
What is TMUG?
The mental health field has made tremendous advancements over the last few decades. With the work of various advocacy organizations and movements, the stigma surrounding mental health is decreasing. However, many people are still unaware of how to care for one’s mental wellness. Or some may want to help those struggling with mental health, but are unsure where to start.
The Mental Unity Group (TMUG) was created in 2017 at the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus (UTSC) with this issue in mind.
Our Goal
The goal of this campus group is to build a stronger UTSC community through educating and equipping students with the skills necessary to promote mental wellness, as well as support the lives of peers and loved ones struggling with mental well-being.
Our aim is not to provide therapy or to turn students into therapists, but to help students become good support systems that are able to identify, understand, and respond when faced with the struggles of mental health.
Our Values
Inclusivity
We value the representation and involvement of all people. We treat each person with understanding, respect, and dignity.
We strive to have all members feel included towards our efforts of mental health advocacy.
Teaching
We value educating and providing opportunities for students to learn how to respond to mental health challenges when they are present.
Various mental health-related barriers can be addressed through proper preparation.
Teamwork
We value community growth through collaboration.
Our intent is to allow students to share their skills, experiences, and advice amongst one another in order to strengthen the sense of unity when confronting mental wellness.
Past Contributors
The Blog Managers
My name is Sarah Zorome and I'm currently in my third year majoring in Human Biology and minoring in Psychology and Applied Statistics. I find mental health and the huge role it plays in our lives fascinating! Outside of school, I love watching sports and hanging out with my family.
I’m Aryaki Sethi and I’m in my second year of a specialist in Psychology and a minor in Economics. My mental health tip is that giving credit where it’s due is really important, even to yourself!
The Blog Writers
Graduating with the class of 2018, I've attained an Honours Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience & Mental Health here at UTSC. I am currently in my second year attending Queen's University to complete my Masters in Science for Occupational Therapy. Having extensive experience with clinical research projects at CAMH, UTSC, Baycrest and Queen's spanning on topics from adolescent psychiatry, dementia and seniors health, I have great interest in mental health research as a whole alongside a knack for writing. Aside from academics, I'm a huge gym rat, and equally so an avid pianist!
Frankie Chan
Hi! My name is Aarya and I’m a third year in the Psychology Co-op program. I’m passionate about eliminating the stigma behind mental health treatment, issues surrounding body image, and the climate crisis!! Some things I love are fitness, food, and my dogs. An interesting fact about me is I am fluent in American Sign Language!
Aarya Koppikar
Hey! My name is Lakshana Varathalingam. I am currently in my second year of a Human Biology and Psychology double minor program. This is definitely going to sound cliché, but I wanted to be a blog writer to help others feel less lonely during the pandemic. So don’t hesitate to reach out if you need a friend or someone to talk too! Some things I love to do is reading, doing puzzles and FaceTiming friends.
Aanii! Hello! My name is Caeley Genereux and I'm in my fourth year specializing in Mental Health and minoring in Sociology. I have always used art as a healthy coping mechanism and have always had a passion for writing! I'm a bisexual Anishinaabe kwe born and primarily raised in Tkaronto but my family is from Sheshegwaning First Nation on Manitoulin Island. My ultimate dream is to help my people with adequate, consistent, accessible, and culturally-appropriate mental health resources. Miigwech, thank you!
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