Shanshan is originally from Beijing and moved to Calgary in 2018 to pursue her studies. She is currently working on completing her PhD in Immunology at the University of Calgary .
In 2022, after completing her Master’s degree, Shanshan found herself with more free time. Eager to embark on something new, she decided to give back to the community, make new friends, and offer support to newcomers. Having faced challenges as a newcomer herself, Shanshan felt she had valuable experiences to share and was determined to help others going through similar struggles.
Shanshan participates in the Pathways to Success Program as a Youth Career Exploration Mentor. She takes the time to get to know her mentees and thoroughly prepares for every meeting. Shanshan has helped mentees explore careers in STEM, and as a result, several were admitted to science programs at different universities with Entrance Scholarships. She also assisted one of her mentees in applying for a free laptop, which has been invaluable for their studies. In addition to one-on-one mentorship, Shanshan is always willing to contribute to group activities and CIWA events, such as the Youth Forum in 2023, where she helped ensure that all mentees were engaged and included.
Volunteering has provided Shanshan with valuable opportunities to learn from and support immigrant youth. She can relate to their experiences, having faced challenges starting university, feeling isolated as a newcomer, and navigating the difficulties of English as a second language. Driven by a sense of responsibility, she is motivated to guide others through similar struggles. Shanshan understands that adapting to a new life in Canada is not easy, and she believes that it’s crucial to approach these challenges with compassion and intentionality.
My mentees have different opinions, and it’s important to acknowledge their perspective and be open to different ideas. It’s a privilege.
Watching her mentees grow and thrive brings Shanshan great fulfillment. She feels a deep sense of joy and pride when she connects them with valuable resources and is thrilled when they receive scholarships that recognize their hard work and dedication. Shanshan describes herself as a “connector between girls and their ultimate goals.” Shanshan always strives to support them as much as she can to help young newcomers succeed.
Over time, Shanshan has learned to “think from the perspective of others”. She has mentored several young people from diverse backgrounds and understands that each person is unique and requires a tailored approach.
Shanshan consistently goes above and beyond for her mentees. She not only helps them stay on track with their goals but also supports their personal growth. Whether it’s helping a mentee navigate university rejection letters or encouraging them to improve their English communication skills, Shanshan is always there to help them persevere in the face of setbacks.
In her free time, Shanshan enjoys exploring new restaurants, doing puzzles, and creating things with Lego.
Want to learn more about how you can make an impact? Click here to see volunteer opportunities at CIWA.