Brandon Montour, PYP Mentor (March Break ’21, Summer ’21)
“As an Indigenous student myself, I know how difficult it can be to find a mentor, especially one who has successfully navigated the challenges of postsecondary education. As someone who did not have a mentor, I wanted to be there for those who were in the same position that I found myself in."
What initially drew you to the PYP program?
As an Indigenous student myself, I know how difficult it can be to find a mentor, especially one who has successfully navigated the challenges of postsecondary education. As someone who did not have a mentor, I wanted to be there for those who were in the same position that I found myself in.
What did you learn from working with the participants?
I learned that programs such as these have a great impact on the lives of the participants because it provides them with a meaningful mentor-relationship that they can trust. The students helped me understand how important this program is for them and how much of a difference it makes when it comes to thinking about their future and career goals.
What made you want to return to the program a second time?
I was drawn back because of the great feedback that I heard from the students the first time around. I wanted to continue being a part of the program’s success and help as many students as possible.
What do you hope entering students will get out of the program?
I hope that they will get an enriching experience that not only provides them with a better sense of what their educational path looks like, but I also hope that they leave the program knowing that they have what it takes to accomplish their goals. My role is to simply help them realize this.
