Student Testimonial - Mansi
Name: Mansi
Program: Systems Navigator
Year of graduation: 2023
Why did you choose Humber College? and/or this program?
I always dreamt about studying in a reputed college like Humber College. I did some research on programs offered by Humber and found that it’s the best college in Ontario and would learn so much if accepted. I decided on taking the Systems Navigator program as its all about how to communicate with patients/ people in need and navigating the path to the right healthcare services, resources, and community services. Its all about getting the knowledge and learning skills to help people appropriately. While growing up, I have always thought about helping people in some way and that feeling led me to the Systems Navigator program.
How did the faculty help you on your road to reaching your goals?
The faculty at Humber are incredibly talented and always so helpful. The program coordinator was consistently supportive throughout the program. I learned to focus on how to communicate with people and build a connection having a high emotional intelligence which led to create a bond with people in need and at the same the build necessary boundaries. Throughout the program, slowly and gradually I levelled up my emotional intelligence and learnt choosing the right words to communicate with people in need.
What was your experience like at Humber College? Within your program? The faculty? Student life?
Whenever I attended classes in person at Humber, I felt so delighted to be there. On campus I often observed something encouraging and progressive going on, in terms of support to students, and support from students too. It’s a very helping environment. Newcomers getting supports from seniors and seniors encouraging and helping the newcomers. I had a small class which was a bonus for me to connect with classmates in a meaningful manner. We were all comfortable and understanding with each other despite all coming from different cultures.
Did you have a Work-Integrated Learning experience? (otherwise known as a field placement, an internship, a practicum). What was your biggest take-away from that?
The field placement was the best learning experience for me. I was supported by faculty and the placement office in getting an internship at the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) in Vancouver, which was my goal. My time there was the best learning experience. I learnt about different kinds of community services in the city -- information that every navigator needs to know. I accompanied many navigators assisting people with mental health concerns and finding the best fit for healthcare/ community service for them. I learnt how gently you need to communicate with people while maintaining some boundaries at the same time. Independently I also connected with people and talked to them about their problems, navigated services for them and provided emotional/ mental support too. I also participated in outreach conducted by CMHA. This place helped me recognize people’s concerns and how to help with it. It also helped me see the barriers that comes in the way while navigating services for patients/ clients.
How did the program set you on your path to where you are now?
The Systems Navigator program helped me build my professional career and has also helped me level up my personal character. I listened to people share their mental health concerns and their struggles which really helped me acknowledge my surrounding and helped me be a grateful and generous person. I started volunteering at CMHA and offered ideas which became helpful to clients at the organization. I have realized that navigating for people is a challenge too because it always comes with some system barriers, so its always navigating services, overcoming challenges, and every time it’s a different need and a different barrier with it.
What advice would you share with someone considering this field?
My advice to future students is to keep in mind that navigation services are about what a person may need and to navigate accordingly, and not about what you think is right for that person. Moreover, be more open to your own emotions so you can connect and understand when you interact with clients. In that way, you will be able to create a bond where the client/ patient will be able to rely on you.
