Happy International Women’s Day! Today is a day we acknowledge the wonderful women we see everyday, whether they be people we personally know, or idols that we look up to. I want to talk about some of the most amazing women I know: the BoostHER team itself. This team is full of amazing women who work tirelessly to empower the future generation of women.
And nothing screams ‘girlhood’ more than girls helping girls. So for Women’s Day, we would like to share what our team wishes they told their younger selves, as a way of sharing our experiences with the next generation.
Amy Li - President:
Don't be afraid to ask questions and try new things! Back in first and second year, I wish I reached out to more upper years, professors, and clubs. Amazing opportunities (like BoostHER) come up when you look for them! Don't be afraid to put yourself out there <3
Pooja Patel - President:
Something I wish my younger self knew was that it’s okay to not be able to give 100% all of the time, and to check-in with myself a little more!
Noran Abdalla - VP Marketing:
Not to overthink every single aspect of your life - it's not always that deep or serious!
Chau Nguyen - VP Marketing:
Don’t be so hard on yourself. It’s okay to make mistakes, you’ll learn and grow from them
Hiya Kundra - Marketing Director:
That you shouldn’t stress yourself out by thinking you need a perfect plan for your future self, everything turns out the way it’s supposed to and nothing ever turns out as expected. Live in the moment, work hard, and have fun.
Ria Nayyar - Marketing Director:
I wish my younger self knew to not stress about little things in life because everything works out the way it’s meant to be (and it’s always in your favour whether you know it in the moment or not!)
Anamika Rajeev - Video Editor:
Things don’t always go your way and it’s okay!
Rachel Mawuenyegah - Website Designer:
Even though you’ve handed in assignments at 11:59 pm, procrastination will never actually be the solution.
Jordan Rooney - Graphics Designer:
Mentality is everything, don’t limit yourself
Ella Pirhonen - VP Community Relations:
Everyone's journey is going to look very different. Don't compare yourself, even to those who you relate to the most. Understand that you bring unique qualities to the table and learn how to embrace your differences as this is what will set you apart from the crowd.
Eman Madhani - Community Relations Director:
Everyone is almost always just as anxious about something new they are doing, just like you. So don't stress out too much!
Abby Frick - Community Relations Director:
Treat yourself like someone you are responsible for helping.
Sara Janmohamed - VP Outreach:
I would say: put yourself out there and constantly challenge yourself to get out of your comfort zone!
Srushti Patel - VP Outreach:
I wish I took more risks and initiative to expose myself to new experiences. First year is the perfect time to take new classes, join different clubs, and explore the different amenities/resources that the Western campus has to offer!
Ikjot Bedi - VP Education:
I would tell my younger self to get involved early on, because there are so many things you can learn and so many amazing people you can meet if you just have the confidence to put yourself out there!
Nafisa Nuzhat - Blog Writer:
I wish my younger self knew that she is her own rock. No one will get her through the hard days or celebrate with her better than herself. The one person she can always rely on is herself.
Myah MacDonald - Blog Writer:
Don’t worry about things you can’t control.
Mahnoor Maqsood - Blog Writer:
Committing to love and care is not illogical or naive—in fact, it's the only thing that is never wasted in life.
Juhaina Nawal - Blog Writer:
Never stop trying to be the best version of yourself, even if it feels like nothing is changing, because doing something is always better than doing nothing. Believe in yourself!
Kirsten Davis - VP Finance:
If I could give advice to my younger self, I would tell her to be more open to making mistakes- nearly nothing is perfect the first time, failure is never as catastrophic as you expect (at least in my experience so far!), and it really is a chance to grow. I used to absolutely fear making mistakes, even when it came to little things such as speaking up in class, because I always worried that it meant that I lacked ability. In reality, failure is such a crucial part of the learning process, and understanding this has provided me with opportunities for both personal and professional development throughout my time in university.
Mia Kramer - Finance Director:
Something that I wish my younger self knew is that everything will work out just the way it should :)