Nilou Tafreshi, currently on her journey to medical school, is taking time to mentor a student from our 2020 Cohort. For Nilou, mentorship isn’t just a responsibility; it’s a powerful tool she wishes she’d had access to during her own undergrad years. Reflecting on those early days, she recognizes how much mentorship could have guided and accelerated her path. Her enthusiasm in giving back highlights the transformative potential mentorship holds in bridging experience gaps, boosting confidence, and fostering resilience in those following similar paths.
Read on to learn more about Nilou’s journey and why mentorship means so much to her.
Work Title | Company:
Medical Student at University of Calgary
Why did you decide to become a mentor with Beedie Luminaries?
I remember feeling so lost in my first year of undergrad. I joined Beedie Luminaries to support other students using my past experiences.
What was your favourite subject in school?
I loved biology and learning about how the human body works!
What was your first job? What was your biggest takeaway from that experience?
My first job was working as a summer camp counsellor for international students. I learned the importance of cross-cultural communication when interacting with people from different countries. I met some incredible students by being open-minded and respectful.
What are the three qualities that got you where you are today?
- Perseverance
- Resilience
- Honesty
Do you have a “favorite failure” of yours?
Nope. Most things in life are not really a “failure” if you reflect on it.
What book(s) have greatly influenced your life?
100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez.
What would the title of your autobiography be?
It’s pronounced “Knee-Loo”.
What advice would you give to post-secondary students as they prepare to transition into the working world?
Talk to your peers, your mentors, friends, and family about what you are going through. You are not alone. When you share, you are not only helping yourself, but you are also creating a safe space where others can share with you when they need it too.
What / where is your happy place?
The beach at sunset and my grandmother’s arms.
What is a dream you have that you’ve yet to achieve?
Sky diving. I am too scared to do it, but I WANT to do it. One day…
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