UPSA’s Peer Ambassador program allows students to partake in events and other initiatives that support the development of students or better student life at York University. As a Peer Ambassador for UPSA, students can expect the opportunity to aid student success as well as network with fellow York students. Peer Ambassadors will also be put into roles which allow them the opportunity to grow leadership via facilitation roles, teamwork and collaboration through initiatives like UPSA’s monthly podcasts and bi-weekly newsletters, communication through interactions with other UPSA members or fellow students, and creativity among a variety of other skills. From event help like chat monitoring and note taking to event facilitation, Peer Ambassadors are the representatives of UPSA for almost all the organization’s events. UPSA is very open to receiving input from members so Peer Ambassadors will also have the opportunity to implement new initiatives to better support the York community and grow alongside the organization.
GENERAL AMBASSADORS
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General Ambassador
Aaisha is a third-year student pursuing a BSc in Psychology. She hopes to one day pursue a career in research aimed at exploring the science of perception.
Outside of school, she has integrated her psychology background as well as her passion for art to found and lead youth art programs for mental health. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, sketching and hiking.
“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
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General Ambassador
Ashley is entering into third year of a B.A. double major with Honours Psychology and Criminology. She is driven by the goal of attending law school and pursuing an M.A. and Ph.D. in psychology. Ashley’s dedication and perseverance in making a change in the legal system, as well as exploring the reliability of eyewitness testimonies across diverse ages and periods, have been a driving force in her academic pursuits and other aspects of life. Outside of school, she enjoys gymnastics, working out at the gym, spending time with friends and family, and shopping at the mall.
Ashley can now do a standing backflip thanks to years of gymnastics!
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General Ambassador
Hirsha is a fourth year psych major who is also doing the YSR certification. She loves to explore new countries, hobbies, new jobs and learn new things, and love dogs. She has been part of several debate competitions during her high school. She loves watching sports but cannot play any. Public speaking is her favourite thing. She loves reading, painting, swimming and enjoy yoga and strength training.
“Your legacy is the lives you’ve touched”
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General Ambassador
Ching Yin is a Year 3 student in Psychology BA program with a focus on personality and counseling health. Committed to social impact, she has volunteered tutoring for primary and middle school students. For upcoming goals, she aims to strengthen her profile by maintaining a good GPA and making good use of Yorku's resources. She seeks to bridge the connection of psychological theories and human connections through the studies and campus engagement.
"Without effort, your talent is nothing more than your unmet potential."
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General Ambassador
Eddie's driven by a passion for the well-being of people and the environment alike. He's an undergraduate BA psychology student, and aspiring to practice personal injury law. After being confronted with some shocking cases, he's taken a keen interest in medical malpractice and learning about the systems that allow damage to be done. With that said, he's always ready to chat, loves to cook, and strongly believes in reusing what you have + reducing consumption, or at least that's his excuse for using things till they fall apart.
"The greatest danger to our future is apathy"
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General Ambassador
Rumaysa is a second-year Psychology student at York University. Her goal is to work in research, primarily focusing on rehabilitation. What she hopes to take from her post-secondary education is the long-lasting connections and the fervor to always seek knowledge.
Currently, Rumaysa is a Youth Support Worker for Community Living York South (CLYS), alongside assuming the role of Co-Vice President of Volunteering for SAHMPI.
Rumaysa enjoys playing and watching various sports such as basketball, rugby, hockey, rally racing, and Formula 1. Her hobbies include bookbinding, watching films, and visiting local thrift and record stores.
"Do good and throw it in the sea"
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General Ambassador
Jeuel is currently taking psychology and planning to go to law school after undergrad (big switch, but it makes sense somehow). Loves reading — like a lot — whether it’s books, random articles, or sometimes even class readings if they’re interesting enough. Has volunteered in different kinds of stuff before, mostly things that involve helping people or being part of something. During free time, you’ll probably catch her watching K-dramas or movies and thinking way too much about the plot. She's curious, observant, and always bring a bit of humor into things.
"You can't control the wind, but you can adjust your sails."
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General Ambassador
Momina is in her third year as an undergraduate student in the BA Honours Psychology program. She is passionate about understanding the complexities of the human mind and behaviour, which sparked her interest in psychology. Looking ahead, she aspires to attend medical school and pursue a career as a surgeon.
Outside of academics, she enjoys reading novels, poetry, and exploring her creative side through sketching, painting, and photography. She is currently volunteering with Sunrise Senior Living, where she engages with residents, and with the CCSC Volunteer Crew at York, helping facilitate events. She also loves playing sports like cricket and badminton.
"What's meant to be will always find a way."
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General Ambassador
Anjali is in her final year of the BA Psychology Honors program. She is super friendly and always down for a chat! For the future, she aspires to get a graduate degree and become a clinical child psychologist. She has volunteered with multiple organizations in the field of psychology and social work.
Anjali enjoys getting lost in a good book or tv show. During her free time, she loves exploring museums and cafes and hanging out at the library. She is usually running around campus with an iced coffee, listening to Lin-Manuel Miranda!
A random fact about me is that I love sitcoms and musicals more than life itself!!! New Girl, The Office, Hamilton and Les Miserables are my ultimate comfort shows/music!
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General Ambassador
Samantha is in her third year studying a BA specialized honours degree in psychology. She loves her courses and has always found the field of psychology very interesting. She plays hockey and soccer recreationally outside of school and has always had a passion for these two sports. Currently, she teaches children how to skate and coaches soccer during summer months. She finds comfort in watching her favourite TV show, Gilmore Girls. She joined UPSA to be more involved in the psychology community at York. In the future she hopes to get her masters in speech language pathology or psychotherapy.
"Have courage and be kind...where there is kindness, there is goodness, and when there is goodness, there is magic"
- Cinderella
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General Ambassador
Serena is a Psychology undergrad with a passion for understanding human behavior and mental health. She loves wandering through the ink garden of books! She looks forward to continuing to learn, teach, and contribute to her community.
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General Ambassador
Simran is an ambitious individual driven by a strong desire to be of service to others, she is passionate about making a meaningful impact, particularly for those in need. A graduate in business diploma, Simran is committed to becoming a person of value, both professionally and personally, as she continues to grow and contribute in every space she enters. With a clear vision and unwavering determination, she strives to reach her highest potential, believing that true fulfillment comes from using her skills and experiences to uplift others and create lasting, positive change.
“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.”
— Pablo Picasso
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General Ambassador
Sharan is a Law and Society graduate now continuing her studies to pursue an undergraduate degree in Psychology, hoping to become a future psychotherapist. She is passionate about mental health and is always looking for ways to learn more about the field through research, volunteering, and other hands-on experiences. Sharan plans on attending graduate school in counselling psychology to further her education and training.
In her free time, Sharan enjoys reading, colouring, decorating, and traveling. She is excited to be more involved in the psychology community and looks forward to supporting and connecting with new students.
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”
– Steve Jobs
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General Ambassador
Simar is a very friendly and approachable person that loves all kinds of art. She loves to sketch and listen to music. Her career goal is to become a child psychologist and help individuals around the world with their mental health. Her academic goals are to continue learning more about psychology and evolving as an individual. She was apart of her high school ambassador team and loved helping set up the showcases. She loves to host events and make people feel comfortable.
"And like the moon, we must go through phases of emptiness to feel full again.“
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General Ambassador
Isabella Lagana, is a psychology student working towards a concentration in youth, adolescence, and counselling/mental health. She has a strong passion for holistic wellness, counselling, and supporting emotional growth. Her career goals include becoming an author, child psychotherapist, and health coach. She has made the honour roll, received the Principal’s Award, and placed 1st and 2nd in public speaking competitions. She volunteered at the Thought Centre Psychology Clinic in Aurora and Voyage Yoga Studio, gaining hands-on experience in supportive wellness settings. In her free time, she enjoys yoga, reading, dancing, discovering new foods, and spending time with friends.
"Self love is the highest frequency that attracts everything you desire."
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General Ambassador
Taylor is a passionate Psychology student with a strong interest in both psychology and law, hoping to pursue a career that allows her to support and advocate for others. This is her second year as part of UPSA, where she enjoys connecting with peers and building community. Outside of academics, Taylor is an avid reader and a huge fan of fashion and baking. She also loves fall time, is a dedicated coffee lover, and enjoys going to concerts. She values creativity and learning, and is excited to continue growing both personally and professionally through her involvement in UPSA.
"Never say never"
- Justin Bieber
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General Ambassador
Theipiha is a 3rd year BSc Psychology student at York University. She is passionate about mental health and improving education and reducing stigma around mental health services. Theipiha hopes to go to grad school to become a therapist and work with families and children! She loves to read, play piano, play guitar, and sing. She is also currently volunteering at Kids Help Phone!
“I believe in kindness. Also in mischief. Also in singing, especially when singing is not necessarily prescribed.”
- Mary Oliver
MARKETING AMBASSADORS
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Marketing Ambassador
Celina Sarkisian is a criminology major, interested in pursuing a career in criminal law. She enjoys visiting local coffee shops, watching desperate housewives, and hanging with pals.
"Carpe Diem. Seize the day boys, make your lives extraordinary."
- Robin Williams
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Marketing Ambassador
Farhana is in her third year studying psychology and criminology at York. Her concentration is in psychology and law, and she is hoping to pursue grad school in the future. Outside of academics, she loves reading, photography, and spending time in nature. She is excited to be a part of UPSA, and can't wait to see what this year brings.
“A random fact about me is that my favourite book is The Secret History!"
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Marketing Ambassador
She goes by Luna, and is getting her Bachelors of Science in Psychology. Hoping to become a licensed therapist she will be pursuing a Masters of Clinical Psychology, although she is still unsure of the specific counseling she will provide. Luna has a passion for anything in the kitchen, cooking and baking, as well as for the arts, including painting, crochet and drawing. She can be but nonetheless loves her close friends and meeting new people, and therefore is looking forward to being with UPSA this year.
“Viva La Palestina"
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Marketing Ambassador
Mary-Ann is entering her third year in the Specialized Honours program in Kinesiology and Health Science. She plans to pursue a Master’s degree in Physical Therapy and has a strong interest in psychology, which she hopes to incorporate into her future career. Mary-Ann currently works in a hospital where she provides direct care to patients. In her free time she enjoys going for runs, reading a good book or diving into a rabbit hole on some random topic on the internet. She is excited to connect with others and looks forward to building meaningful relationships within UPSA.
"In a world where you can be anything, be kind."
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Marketing Ambassador
Khue, a fourth year undergraduate studying psychology, is very interested in forensic psychology. She aspires to combine research and social impact in mental health. Khue volunteers at Mackenzie Health Hospital and the Hong Fook Mental Health Association, where she actively supports patient treatment and mental health initiatives. She enjoys advocating for social problems, writing artistically, and reading nonfiction books in her free time. Khue is a driven and compassionate individual committed to improving mental health and equity in social and educational contexts.
"Dream big, work hard, and stay focused."
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Marketing Ambassador
Shannon is currently in her third year of undergraduate studies in the BA Honours Double Major program for Psychology and Philosophy. Her concentrations are in Neuropsychology and Applied Methods and Analysis. She has a strong interest in how mental disorders impact the brain and aims to engage in graduate research related to neuropsychology and cognitive disorders.
During her free time, Shannon likes playing the piano and violin, painting, singing, and playing video games. She volunteers for Kids Help Phone and Music Share for Seniors and is a Peer Mentor with SAHMPI. Additionally, she has a deep love for her cats.
“"No matter how your heart is grieving, if you keep on believing, the dreams that you wish will come true."
–Walt Disney Company
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Marketing Ambassador
Thanika is a second-year student in the Psychology Honours program with a goal of becoming a psychiatrist, specializing in criminal psychiatry. Passionate about mental health and meaningful human connection, she hopes to help others navigate life with less stress and more purpose. In her free time, she enjoys going for walks, baking, reading, exploring local cafés, and spending quality time with loved ones. Her goal in life is to live fully and inspire others to do the same. She joined UPSA to connect with a welcoming community of like-minded students and to create lasting memories throughout her university journey.
"All is well, just laugh it off."