From Participant to Leader: Mashhood’s 9-Year Journey

Can you share a bit about yourself? 

My family immigrated to Canada from South Asia when I was 8 years old for a better life. I have three younger siblings who look up to me as a role model. When I first arrived, I remember feeling out of place. It was difficult to adjust to my surroundings and form meaningful relationships with people. Try to imagine a first generation child trying to fit into a new and unfamiliar reality as his parents go through the same experience. It’s really hard when you’re in a different country. 

Can you speak about your journey with Go Green Youth Centre? 

Looking back, I realize that I’ve been involved with GGYC for over nine years now. I started as a participant, became a Leader in Training (LIT), and then transitioned into a staff role, where I had the privilege of coaching other participants and taking on a leadership role in the LIT program. I started serving as the lead supervisor for the LIT program during March Break Camp in 2024. 

I began my journey with GGYC in the summer of 2015, right after graduating from Grade 8 at Valley Park Middle School and preparing to start high school at Marc Garneau CI. I was 13 years old at the time. 

I first learned about GGYC when Abeir, a GGYC multisport coach at that time, approached my father at the Thorncliffe Park PS schoolyard about free sports programs at Valley Park Middle School operated by GGYC. I remember having no idea what to expect. 

Although I started in the cricket program, I soon realized that my true passion was soccer and basketball. That’s when I met Michael and Crystal, who were also multisport coaches at that time. Together with my two younger siblings, I took part in the summer camp and year-round programs. We participated in a variety of activities such as field trips, drills, workshops, tournaments and more.

As I grew older, GGYC became my first volunteer opportunity. In the March Break of 2016, I started volunteering full-time, and then part-time throughout the year, completing over 650 volunteer hours. This experience allowed me to develop leadership skills and contribute. 

In March 2017, during the March Break Camp, I was hired by GGYC as a grade 10 student. From that point on, I worked full-time during the summer and March break, and part-time throughout the year.

How did GGYC support you in overcoming challenges or pursuing your dreams?

GGYC provided me with a strong sense of community and belonging, and it broadened my horizons as I met role models who inspired me. Over the years, I developed my confidence, leadership, teamwork and independence. I came from a traditional south asian environment where children and youth are usually not encouraged to think for themselves and who they aspire to be. This can take away from achieving their full potential. At GGYC, I was empowered to think for myself and become the leader I wanted to be. 

Having the opportunity to hold a paid job at GGYC during high school and university made a huge difference. It allowed me to ease financial stress for my parents, while also giving me the support of a community that believed in me. I’ve become a better son, brother, friend and colleague. 

What kinds of challenges do you see your participants and mentees facing today?

A major challenge I've seen among our GGYC participants and some of my direct mentees is the delayed development of social skills in the aftermath of the pandemic. The disruption of in-person interactions has made it harder for many to regain the confidence and practice needed to navigate social situations effectively to form genuine, healthy and trusting connections. I am often reminded of the feeling of “not belonging’” I felt myself. For some participants, this sense of isolation can manifest in other ways, such as aggression, which I have noticed in some of the youth.

How do you approach your role as a Coach/Mentor at GGYC? 

My goal as a coach and mentor is to inspire young people to believe in their potential and help them shift their mindset for the better. Just like my own journey, I want them to understand that they have the power to create their own path and are not defined by their circumstances.

Based on your journey with GGYC, what would you say to a parent considering whether to enroll their child?

Every parent wants their child to surpass them in life. By enrolling your child in GGYC, you're investing in their future in ways traditional schooling can't, and providing opportunities you never had a chance to experience. You’re removing a glass ceiling for them. Unlike the pressure of regular classes, a camp environment allows children to explore passions, build confidence, and unlock talents that you never knew existed, and that they may not have discovered otherwise.

What steps have you taken toward your educational and career goals? 

I’m currently finishing my final year at York University, where I’m pursuing an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree with a specialization in accounting and finance. Recently, I completed an internship as a sales technology representative. I’m still exploring different pathways that would allow me to realize my full potential.