Not all heroes wear capes, but they do have their origin stories.

As the incoming class of students at The Michener Institute of Education at UHN prepares to take the next step on the path to becoming the future of healthcare, their journeys are being guided by the efforts of orientation coordinators Maria Butt and Tiana O’Connor.

“The hero’s journey as a theme really resonated with us because after we get through all the hard work and assume the role of a health professional, we do become those people who help others in their most vulnerable time of need,” says Maria.

“After this great adventure, you end up where you were meant to be.”

Both Maria and Tiana have been involved with student groups since arriving at Michener – the Michener MRI Student Association and the Michener Respiratory Therapy Student Society, respectively.

They each chose to pursue the role of orientation coordinator to help showcase all that Michener has to offer.

“I really enjoyed my Michener Orientation and I’m so happy to help shape the experience for the incoming class,” says Tiana.

Orientation 2026 offers an array of engaging activities through both in-person and virtual formats.

Program-specific information sessions will introduce the new students to their faculty and offer more insight on what to expect over the course of the program.

Campus tours, mentorship from upper year students and info sessions on campus clubs, the Learning Resource Centre and the MichBrite LMS will also be provided.

Social events over the week include a campus cookout, trivia night, paint night, a bar night and a puppy social event, with students getting to spend time and play with puppies to end off the week.

Professional headshots will also be made available to help students prepare for their future careers.

Maria and Tiana encourage incoming students to take every opportunity to learn about their new programs and new community.

“Starting someplace new can be intimidating, but everyone’s in the same boat on day one,” Tiana says. “I’d say participate as much as you can and make sure to get everything you want out of this week before classes get underway.”

“We tried to fill this Orientation with events and sessions that we’d look forward to attending or that we would find useful,” says Maria. “We hope people can make it out, have fun and take it all in.”