TMUG Talks
Jun 43 min read
Faria Islam
Apr 144 min read
Faria Islam
Dec 11, 20233 min read
top of page
Blog Team Lead/ Director
Faria Islam
Hi! My name is Faria and I have a background in Health Studies and Psychology. My role as the Blog Team Lead at TMUG has been an exciting journey, allowing me to explore diverse topics while aligning with my career aspirations. I'm inherently passionate about learning and writing, and blogging beautifully brings these together for me. It's a constant motivator for me to delve deeper into topics and present information in my own unique storytelling style, which is what I love most. Outside of this, I'm a lifelong learner who finds joy in nature, long drives, music, and coffee!
Blog Writer
Shaliny Balachandran
I am a third year student specializing in mental health studies. A fun fact about me is that I enjoy writing in my free time which is what inspired me to become a blog writer. As a blog writer for TMUG, I hope to be able to raise awareness about mental health to the UTSC student population!
Blog Writer
Aurelia Grey
As a second year student majoring in Sociology and Anthropology, I am interested in bringing awareness of how various factors intersect, such as SES, race, gender, educational attainment affects an individual’s life chances. I am interested in going into the field of research, and so being a blog writer provides me with a rich experience of meeting like-minded, ambitious students and the skills I can enhance to increase my chance to be successful in all my future endeavors.
Blog Writer
Abigail Fernandes
I’m a second year at UTSC and am majoring in Conservation and Biodiversity! I joined TMUG as a blog writer because I’ve loved writing since I was a child and think mental health is an important topic that we don’t talk enough about. I hope that through my articles, readers will feel less alone in their struggles and feel more comfortable talking about their mental health.
Blog Writer
Amber Aamer
Heyy, I’m in my fourth year studying Human Biology, Public Law, and Creative Writing. As someone who has always used writing as an outlet to understand and reflect on herself and life, writing about mental health and all the factors that may impact that health is very important to me. As a blog writer for TMUG, I strive to use my personal experiences, blended with scientific research, as a means of educating others on the effects everyday routines and habits can have on mental health
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!
bottom of page