Mehnaz

When Mehnaz isn’t busy being a full time Bachelor of Science student, an undergrad researcher, and a senior mentor with the FITF Peer mentorship program, she enjoys going to quaint neighborhoods, independent gelato shops, and strolling by a large body of water on a nice day. She is 21 years old, was born in Canada, and her favourite quality in someone else is when they put in the effort to learn things about her. This brought up an interesting question of how she feels others perceive her, and she told me “In most environments I find myself in (UofT, a lab, airplanes, other countries) I believe that I am perceived as a minority. Sometimes I think people see me as a token... a representation of the ‘Muslim woman’, almost like a prototype for how most Muslim women act, what they do, and what they aspire to be. “ Then I wondered on the contrary how she would like to be perceived, “I would like to be perceived as a capable, intelligent, confident person whose determination, perseverance and resilience amounted to any success I am fortunate to receive. Furthermore, I hope to one day be perceived as a kind, generous, philanthropic leader who just happens to be a follower of Islam and is a good role model.”

Q&A Feature:

What is your favourite hobby or pastime?

Trying new places to eat/eating good food /spending time with loved ones/friends/ listening to audiobooks

What is most important to you?

To be treated kindly/treat others kindly

What is a fun fact about you that you haven’t told me yet?

I like to think I have Harry Potter memorized

 What is one thing you know for sure?

Even the people closest to you will let you and down, and God is merciful.