We are excited to introduce Shenin Mehnaj (‘21 BSc Nutrition and Food Sciences), one of the newest members of ASSET (Alumni Student Support and Engagement Team). 

ASSET is a volunteer alumni group, specially trained in mental health and wellness whose goal is to support U of A students. ASSET members are present on campus throughout the academic year, hosting events and activities as well as partnering with other services such as Unitea, the Registrar’s Office and the Days of Action initiatives. 

Shenin believes strongly in the power of the community around her and volunteering is one of many ways that she contributes as a member. She is quite active in both the U of A and Edmonton area; as a staff member on campus she is a representative on the Equity and Diversity and Inclusion Committee for the union and has participated in other events on campus including volunteer judging for FURCA (Festival of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities).  She has also volunteered at some of the big Edmonton festival favorites such as Heritage Days and Taste of Edmonton. Volunteering for Shenin is a really personal experience that provides the chance to support something that aligns with her interests and passions. She loves being able to meet people that she can learn from and experience new perspectives and ways of doing things. Wherever she volunteers, she is always able to learn something new. She also loves the mementos she collects during volunteering as well, such as T-shirts or water bottles because they remind her fondly of her experiences.

Shenin had the chance to volunteer with ASSET as a guest member this past April during the Unwind Your Mind library snack hand out. She felt it was a really fun experience where she could see the positive impact it had on students studying for their exams. Visiting the libraries brought her back to her own time on campus, affirming her desire to stay connected. As someone who graduated during the pandemic, she also saw first hand how it impacted her own experience and career path. She is passionate about sharing the message that your degree gives you many skills that you can apply in a huge number of ways - there is a value in not being overly attached to a specific job title or position. There are so many opportunities out there that job-seekers likely do not even know exist!. She herself is not working directly in her field of study, but is happily applying her learnings to her career, volunteer work and life everyday. 

Shenin’s advice to future volunteers: “If you don’t enjoy your volunteer experience, it’s OK to explore more options. The more you try, the more you know about yourself. Open your mind when you volunteer (very much the same with the job market!)”