Graduate student grateful for mentors

“True mentorship requires selflessness, and I am thankful for the many people that have gone above and beyond for me with nothing to gain for themselves. I don’t think I would be where I am without my mentors.”

Rashmin Hira is a master’s student in the Dept. of Cardiac Sciences at the Cumming School of Medicine. Her primary supervisor is Dr. Satish Raj, a professor in the Dept. of Cardiac Sciences and the Libin Cardiovascular Institute’s education director. 

Hira has had numerous mentors in her academic career, ranging from the high school teachers who took time out of their busy schedules to educate her on potential career paths, to the undergraduate professor who provided a letter to support her master’s scholarship application. She is thankful for every one of them.

As a master’s student, Hira is grateful for the mentorship she receives from her supervisor and postdoctoral fellow Dr. Jacquie Baker. She says it pushes her to be successful.

Her efforts have been fruitful. Hira has earned several awards, including an Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship, which recognizes academic excellence. She has also presented at several conferences and recently won a travel award.

“I wouldn’t have accomplished any of this without Dr. Raj pushing me and Dr. Baker helping me with applications and abstracts,” says Hira. “Both of them have helped me take advantage of numerous opportunities.”

Hira says finding a mentor who is interested in building a relationship and in open communication is key. She hopes to one day provide the same level of mentorship as Raj. 

“Dr. Raj looks out for all of us. He wants us to be the best we can be, and that’s really important. He is just so invested in everyone’s future” says Hira. “I hope someday to be able to provide the same kind of mentorship for others.”