Putting Yourself in Positions to Learn: Meet Peer Mentor Rashidi Amiri

Growing up in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, in the shadow of some of the world’s greatest wonders like Mount Kilimanjaro, the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti National Park, it’s tough to imagine ever leaving. But, for CBU student and Peer Mentor, Rashidi Amiri, an adventure in Cape Breton was calling his name. Now in his third year of studies at CBU, Rashidi’s journey has been one-of-a-kind, with plenty of life lessons, learning experiences and unexpected opportunities.

Throughout his university journey so far, Rashidi has continued to challenge himself and push beyond his comfort zone. “I’ve held several roles at CBU including being a Week of Welcome (WOW) leader, Peer Mentor and Teaching Assistant,” he says. “My time at CBU has been instrumental in preparing me for these roles. Connecting with professors, faculty and staff has been key in my journey; they have helped me with building essential skills by sharing their own experiences and insights.”

These roles have helped Rashidi develop new skills and refine others he’s learned through life experience. From strong leadership skills and the value of efficient teamwork, to becoming a better communicator and fine-tuning his time management and adaptability skills, Rashidi has continued to seek new ways to grow personally and professionally. His experience working with students has helped teach him empathy and improved his problem-solving abilities, as he’s always prided himself on being as supportive as possible to those who are experiencing similar thoughts and feelings as he once did.

Rashidi says living in Cape Breton has also had a significant impact on his development. “The Island is home to many people from diverse backgrounds, each with their own unique cultures,” he says. “This diversity has helped me connect with others and appreciate different ways of living. I’ve always put myself in positions to learn, and so embracing different perspectives and experiences has enriched my understanding and prepared me well for my mentoring roles.”

Recently, Rashidi was offered the opportunity to become a Lead Mentor, alongside Pretty Philip, a role he has happily accepted. “Pretty is truly an amazing person and I’ve learned so much from working with her over the past two years,” Rashidi says. “This position will be challenging, but I thrive when challenged. Smooth seas don’t make good sailors!”

Peer Mentors, like Rashidi, are current and active upper-year CBU students whose role is to assist new undergraduate students in accessing information and connecting to services at CBU. Mentors also help students get acquainted with the many resources offered at CBU to help them begin their academic journey with confidence.

With Week of Welcome for the 2025 Winter semester fast approaching, Rashidi encourages new students to take advantage of the opportunities available on campus and to ask for help as the University has a wide variety of resources specifically designed to help all students, regardless of program, abilities or background.