Tanimori, a Concurrent Teacher Education graduate with a minor in Child and Youth Studies and Educational Studies, is a proud first-generation post-secondary student.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy parents immigrated to Canada in the ’80s and ’90s and could not attend university, and it wasn\u2019t in the picture for me either,” she said. “Every person I encountered at Brock helped me make it happen and supported me on this journey.\u201d<\/p>\n
Seizing every opportunity to get the full university experience, Tanimori wanted give back. So, she founded the Brock First Generation Students club in her final year to reduce barriers for other students.<\/p>\n
\u201cFrom paying tuition to registering for classes, I had to figure it all out on my own. The club supports students in their first year with their transition,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Tanimori also volunteered as a tutor with the Brock Learning Lab (BLL) helping young students in Niagara improve their math and literary skills while developing her innovative, personalized approach to instruction.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m thankful for the professional experience I gained at Brock; working with the BLL and interacting with young learners and their families was transformative,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Passionate about breaking down barriers, she aims to consider the lived experiences of students and their intersecting identities in her approach to teaching.<\/p>\n
Above all, Tanimori wants every student to know they deserve education.<\/p>\n
\u201cTake it one day at a time, take initiative and take every opportunity \u2014 there is a first for everything,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Much like Tanimori, PhD in Educational Studies graduate Zabin embodies a leadership philosophy grounded in integrity, passion and purpose. Her journey has been defined by a deep commitment to uplifting students in every role she has taken on.<\/p>\n
During her master\u2019s and doctoral studies at Brock University, Zabin emerged as a dynamic student leader. Her motivation was clear: help students thrive.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe knowledge we gain in the classroom is only the beginning. Growth comes from community involvement, volunteerism and the courage to make a difference,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
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Rakha Zabin (MEd ’19, PhD ’25) is one of the inaugural recipients of Brock University’s new GRADvantage Certificate.<\/p><\/div>\n
As a former international student, Zabin\u2019s research explores how university policies impact those coming to study in Canada from across the globe.<\/p>\n
\u201cTrue education begins when students realize they belong, they matter,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
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