We’re excited to introduce Mendy Ramanand and Arish Sivaruban to all of Michener’s incoming students. These second-year students are organizing this year’s activities and are your guides to Orientation 2024.
Find out what Mendy and Arish are looking forward to most at Orientation, their best advice for new Michener students.
Mendy Ramanand
MENDY RAMANAND
What program are you in?
Medical Laboratory Science
Why did you choose to pursue a career in healthcare?
I chose to pursue a career in healthcare because I want to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. I have always been naturally good at science, and this field allows me to combine my strengths with my passion for helping others.
What TV show are you binge-watching right now?
Currently, I’m binge-watching ‘The Bear’ since the new season recently came out.
What’s your favourite restaurant in Toronto?
I love juicy dumplings! It’s just a 15-minute walk from Michener, and we go there on lunch breaks all the time. It’s probably one of the cheapest places to get dumplings in the city, so it’s definitely student-friendly!
What destinations are on your travel bucket list?
I’d love to travel around Europe, especially Berlin for the nightlife. I also need to go to Japan at least once in my life!
Who would you say is your hero?
My hero is probably my mom. All Might from ‘My Hero Academia’ is a close second, though…
What’s been your most memorable moment at Michener so far?
There’s been a lot of memorable moments at Michener. One that particularly stands out was when my classmates unmuted their mics to sing happy birthday to me during a microbiology lecture. I was literally in tears because I didn’t expect them to actually sing!
What Orientation event are you most excited about?
I am most excited about the Scavenger Hunt taking place on August 29th. This event is probably going to be the most chaotic since it’s the day we see the most students on campus, so I’m really looking forward to it!
What is your best piece of advice for new Michener students?
My best advice to incoming Michener students is to be present as much as possible. Like most students I am introverted as well, but staying on campus is how I met most of my friends as we would naturally bump into each other outside of classes. Make an effort to be close to your classmates and professors – it’s a small school so it’s a lot easier to do that here than at university!
Arish Sivaruban
ARISH SIVARUBAN
What program are you in?
Radiation Therapy
Why did you choose to pursue a career in healthcare?
I’ve worked in several different healthcare settings over the years, and through those experiences I got to play different roles in the care provided to others. These experiences helped me realize how much I enjoyed providing care, being a supporter and working in such a dynamic and ever-changing environment.
What TV show are you binge-watching right now?
I’ve been binge-watching ‘The Rookie’, which recently finished airing its 6th season, and I’ve also been watching k-dramas like “Goblin”. I’m always on the lookout for more shows to add to my never-ending list.
What’s your favourite restaurant in Toronto?
Osmow’s or Lazeez will always have a special place in my stomach – they were my go-to for comfort food when I was studying in Waterloo.
What destinations are on your travel bucket list?
Pretty much everywhere in the world! But if I had to narrow it down I’d say Japan, Italy, Peru and Switzerland for sure.
Who would you say is your hero?
My dad has been my hero since I was a child. When I was young he instilled in me several values and principles that have shaped the way I’ve matured, and growing up he’d always find opportunities to teach me skills or pass on knowledge that he’s gathered over the course of his life. Now that I’m older, I can recognize all the times he’s looked out for me to make my life better and safer, and I have nothing but respect for him.
What’s been your most memorable moment at Michener so far?
I would have to say hanging out with my friends between classes. We’d always find some space at Michener to chill, whether that’s in the student lounge or the gym, and we’d play pool or basketball. It’s really nice to have these spaces where we can unwind between classes and hang out, instead of trying to find an empty classroom to sit in.
What Orientation event are you most excited about?
I’m really excited for our Michener Olympics event! We’ve designed a lot of fun, competitive games for students to play together, and the more people that join the more chaotic and enjoyable the games will be!
What is your best piece of advice for new Michener students?
Put yourself out there and try as many things as you can. It’s so easy to feel intimidated or nervous being in a new environment, but from my personal experience I can assure you that everyone is super friendly, and you’ll quickly find activities you enjoy and people to surround yourself with. Don’t let fear stop you from stepping out of your comfort zone!
