ACM Mentors 2023-2024

Program: Art History and Visual Culture

Hi! I am Yanling Shi, a fourth year studying a Specialist in Arts Management and a Major in Art History. Feel free to ask me about either of these programs and the experience of taking them both!   

In my first year in Toronto, I spent the majority of my free time volunteering in various arts organizations on campus and around the city. I found that it is not only an amazing way to discover things that I enjoy and the path that I want to pursue, but it is also a great way to make friends with common interests. If this is something that you are interested in, let me know and I can talk on and on about it!   

For incoming students who are new to the city, enjoy all the great art that Toronto has to offer! You can reach out to me for recommendations 😊 

Program: Arts Management

Hello! My name is Mohammed (he/him), and I'm a fourth-year student specializing in Arts Management with a minor in Art History.  

I'm a passionate film enthusiast. Whether I'm delving into the intricacies of independent cinema or enjoying the nostalgia of a classic movie, movies are my go-to escape. In my free time, you'll find me exploring new releases or revisiting iconic films that have shaped the industry. 

Throughout my time at university, I've collaborated with many professors and peers on impactful Arts Management projects. These hands-on experiences have been pivotal in shaping my career goals. As your mentor, I'm committed to helping you navigate the complexities of university life by assisting you in making informed decisions about your academic path.  

I'm looking forward to supporting you in every way I can to ensure you have a fulfilling and enriching university experience! 

Program: Journalism

Hi, I am Muzna (she/her), and I am in my fourth-year student pursuing a specialist in the joint journalism program and minoring in international development studies. 

Something Interesting About Me:  I am a big podcast lover! I love listening to true crime podcasts (don’t we all) and producing and creating podcasts. Since high school, I have dabbled in audio storytelling and throughout my university career, I have gotten the chance to participate in producing and creating two different podcast series and did my journalism internship in the audio space. Currently, I am working with our community radio station, CIUT 89.5 FM, to release my own produced small podcast series on Scarborough. If you have any questions about podcasting or love podcasts, please reach out ! 

Advice for First Years:  Go out and explore your interests! Scarborough and the U of T, the community as a whole is so big, there are so many opportunities to get involved in many different clubs and societies in many different areas, so always go out and explore.  

Program: Media, Journalism, Digital Cultures/New Media (A-M)

Hello everyone! I am Xiaochen Ji (she/her). My go-by name is April. I’m currently a third-year student double majoring in Arts and Media Management and Media, Journalism, and Digital Cultures (Media Stream). 

Interesting fact about me: I’m a music lover and also a photographer. I’m a big fan of Taylor Swift, K-pop music, and C-pop music. I also love taking photos with film cameras. Also, I attended a summer abroad and an exchange program last year. If you have any questions or interests about those two programs, please feel free to contact me! 

A piece of advice for incoming students: I felt very disappointed that my first year was during COVID-19 so I didn’t have any chance to get involved in the campus personally. This year, it’s going to be a wonderful year for all new students to meet your classmates and make new friends. Enjoy as many school activities as possible! This is the best chance for you to get involved in university life. You can join the club that you are interested in, meet friends who share the same interests as you, and also learn new knowledge from others. Overall, welcome to UTSC, and congratulations to all of you!

Program: Media, Journalism, Digital Cultures/New Media (N-Z)

Hey! My name is Mekhi, and I'm a third-year student pursuing a double major in Political Science and Media, Journalism and Digital Cultures. As an avid writer, I am a reporter for U of T's newspaper, The Varsity, and I do some independent freelance work on the side. A few fun facts about me are that I wrote a short story as a kid called Running Afar, and I can eat a whole box of Oreos in an hour.  

My advice would be for first-year students to find an outlet outside of schoolwork to showcase your talents: whether at a school club, a personal Instagram photography account, or your local comedy club. Your experiences outside of academics help shape you as a person and will contribute to your opportunities down the road! 

Program: Music and Culture

Hello! My name is Michelle Chin. I am a third-year student pursuing a double major in Human Biology and Music and Culture. I am deeply passionate about orchestration, composing, and listening to music. In my spare time, I also enjoy woodcarving and practicing wushu.  

To incoming/ first-year students: Don’t be afraid to ask questions! I know it's intimidating to approach professors, administration, and other students when you require help. Deciding while you are unsure isn’t worth it, and no one will fault you for asking a question (spoken from experience). So don’t ever be scared to reach out. 

Program: New Media

Hi everyone! My name is Keito Iuchi and I’m going into my third-year majoring in New Media Studies and double minoring in Applied Statistics and Culture, Creativity and Cities. 

I’m passionate about bringing creative ideas to life on the digital platform. I enjoy video editing, web design/development, as well as logo/graphic design and I recently dived into the world of app development.  I’m also active and outdoorsy, love playing soccer, ballet and exploring parks.  

I’m excited to be an ACM mentor for New Media Studies and connect with fellow students. My advice is to participate in many events on campus and don’t be afraid to say hi and make some new connections! 

Program: Studio Art

Hi, I am Anson Yan (Yuanze Yan) (he/him), currently in my fifth year with a major in New Media and a minor in Studio Art.  

Interesting fact about me: Photography is not just a hobby, but a profound expression of my love for capturing moments, especially when rendered through the evocative lens of film. I also take great pleasure in crafting short films, and I have a deep appreciation for the nostalgic beauty of vinyl records and the myriad of musical genres they house. 

As your mentor, I'm here to provide guidance and support as you navigate through your academic journey. Should you have any questions regarding program distinctions, course selections, or the intricacies of campus life, do not hesitate to approach me. I'm equally passionate about engaging in conversations centered around photography, short films, vinyl, and music. Remember, your curiosity will open countless doors; I'm here to help guide the way. 

My advice to incoming students: To all who are just beginning their academic adventure here, a hearty welcome! College represents a pivotal chapter in life, brimming with opportunities and the freedom to chase after what genuinely resonates with you. Cherish these invaluable years and ensure you harness their full potential. Always keep the lines of communication open, whether with professors, peers, or mentors like me. We've all traversed the path you're embarking on and stand ready to offer guidance and insights. While every journey comes with its own set of challenges, with dedication and an eagerness to grow, success is within reach. Welcome to this exciting phase of discovery and learning! 

Program: Theatre and Performances

Hi! My name is Shannora and I use she/they pronouns. I am a fourth-year student doing a double major in Theatre and Performance Studies & Mental Health Studies. 

A little bit about me, I'm becoming a bit of an animal lover and I especially love cats! In my free time, I like to make different types of crafts and play video games. That's for when I'm not busy working, doing schoolwork, or working on a production as an extracurricular! 

I was a big introvert in my first year (I still am!) but I would definitely recommend that first-year students take a look at all the possibilities there are to get involved and try some of them out! You can start small just by attending shows and events, it's a great way to get to meet new people and explore your interests. After some time, you can try out being an executive of a club or volunteering with them!