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Meet Your School of Communication Peer Mentors!

Antonia Angueira Rincon 

My name is Antonia Angueira. I am a fourth year undergraduate student pursuing a major in Communications and a minor in Sociology. I am originally from Latin America, but have spent the past 6 years living and studying in Vancouver.

I just finished an eight-month placement with SFU’s Student Recruitment and Admissions department, where I worked quite a bit on social media and online recruitment. 

When I’m not in class, I love to spend time communing with nature, reading and doing arts and crafts. My latest pursuit in the world of crafts has been stained glass art. I love displaying pieces around my space.

Now for a little bit more about my SFU journey… My favourite Communications course has been CMNS 120, taught by Dr Jenessia Pedri. She is great at connecting coursework to our society, and making sure that you have strong writing skills to succeed in your degree. 

Moira Aquino

Hey y’all, welcome to SFU! I’m Moira, a 5th-year Communication and Criminology student, and I’m excited to be your Peer Mentor this semester! As an SFU student, I  worked as the Outreach & Engagement Coordinator for the School of Communication, and participated in the Study Abroad program in 2023 (highly recommend). 

Outside of my studies, I like to spend my time coming up with something delicious in the kitchen, crocheting a new bag, or reading psychological thrillers. 

My favourite CMNS class is CMNS 316: Advertising and Promotional Culture. I learned that advertising is essentially the art of persuasion, and I had the opportunity to work with motivated, creative students to create a cool (but fake) space tourism brand for our final project!

May Chee

Hey everyone! My name is May and I’ll be going into my third year as a Communication major and Business minor at SFU Burnaby, where I’ll also be living and working in Residence as a Community Advisor (say hi if you see me around!). You can also find me involved with Peak Frequency, SFU Polyglots, and the FCAT Dean’s Student Advisory Council. Throughout my time at SFU so far, I've had the opportunity to really get involved with the school, meet some great people, and study what I’m passionate about! My favourite course has been CMNS 315: Technologies of Gender & Sexuality with Dr. Zhang, where you get to really delve into the intersection of critical feminist theory, gender theory, and media studies. When I'm not busy with schoolwork and extracurriculars, I like to spend my time creatively—whether that be writing, poetry, photography, or art! Other than that, my favourite way to pass time is reading, rewatching Studio Ghibli films, or sitting at a café with an overpriced matcha latte. 

Chi Dinh

Hello! My name is Chi and I’m a 4th year Communications major with a Business Administration minor. I’ve just finished my Co-op semester as a Communications and Event Projects Assistant at the Charles Chang Institute for Entrepreneurship. Returning as a student, I’m currently a part of the External executive team AƬ×ÊÔ´°É Esports Association.

My favorite CMNS course that I’ve taken so far has to be CMNS 221: Media and Popular Cultures. It’s an insightful course especially for those interested in the social and cultural implications of digital media. Outside of school, I’m usually found flipping thrift clothes or playing games on my Switch. My current play is Kirby and the Forgotten Land, but would love any game suggestions. 

If you’re interested, feel free to connect with me on !

Katarina Kotkas

Hey! I’m Katarina Kotkas, a second-year Communication student with a Business minor, and one of your CMNS Peer Leaders this year. I’m originally from Calgary Alberta, and no I do not listen to the country. I came to SFU after 12 years as a competitive gymnast (yes, I’ve probably done a backflip more recently than you’ve checked your email).

One of my favourite CMNS courses has been CMNS 221 — it blended creativity and media production, which I’m super passionate about. Outside of class, you’ll usually find me drawing, reading, lifting something heavy at the gym, or experimenting with makeup and clothing. 

Ask me about how to face discomfort (and why that’s actually the key to success), finding community, or the life-changing power of a good mantra. Come find me at the next Course Planning Session, I’m excited to meet you!

Teagan Leong

My name is Teagan and I’m a 3rd-year Communications major with an intended minor in Education (Human Counselling & Development) at SFU. Since September 2024, I’ve been working as a tutor with SFU’s Friends of Simon Program, where I support newcomer elementary and high school students with their homework, plan literacy activities to strengthen their English skills, and lead games to build connection and creativity. In my free time, I love hanging out with friends and family, doing Pilates, going on walks, listening to music, making playlists, shopping, watching Netflix, and scrolling through Pinterest. My favourite CMNS course so far has been CMNS 120W: Creativity & Communication Across Media. I loved how the course emphasized creativity in both writing and content creation in the world of communication studies. Every assignment encouraged different forms of creativity which made the course both interesting and more engaging.

Liam McKay-Argyriou

My name is Liam, and I am a second-year communication major. I came to SFU from my hometown of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, to pursue my passion for storytelling and its power to build community. Courses like CMNS 226, Digital Media Communication Techniques, are my favourites, as they combine the theory behind telling a strong narrative and hands-on creative experience. I serve as the Board Chair of The Peak (SFU’s Student Newspaper), create content with the SFU Recreation promotions team and sing my heart out with SFU Vocal Jazz. I am currently completing a marketing internship with MediaSmarts, a national digital media literacy non-profit. In my free time, I can be found on a hiking trail, in a museum or at a vegan bakery.

Janak Sandhu

Hey everyone! My name is Janak Sandhu, and I am a 4th year B. A. student majoring in Communications and minoring in Interactive Arts & technology.  I am an international student from India, and I love connecting with people of diverse cultures from different countries. I love to be in nature camping, hiking, mountain biking and making fireplaces while I am obsessed with martial arts or MMA as I am big of UFC. One of my favorite ways to get to know more amazing people is through our student clubs as I am executive member at the SFU Grappling club while I love being a member in the ALAS (Association of Latin American Students) and the BRASA (Brazilian Students Association).  

The course that I loved the most was CMNS 316 with Darren Fleet, Topics on public and popular cultures. The course was so interesting because we learned from real life examples of advertisement and marketing with a focus on social, political, and cultural dynamics. We quickly learn as communication students to try to identify the way we are being advertised but this course really opened my eyes to the scope or effect that marketing has on society.  

 

Varinder Singh

I’m thrilled to be part of the CMNS Peer Mentor team this year! As a first-year Economics major with a Communication minor, I’m passionate about building connections and making the most of the SFU experience. 

Outside of academics, I’m an active member of the SFU Sikh Student Society, which helps me stay connected to my heritage and meet fellow Sikh students. My goal as a Peer Mentor is to create a badminton group where students can stay active while forming friendships.

One of my favorite CMNS courses was CMNS 120W with Dr. Janessia Pedri—the group activities made it so much fun! In my free time, I love heading to English Bay, exploring new neighborhoods, and café hopping around Vancouver. 

Excited to meet and support SFU’s newest students!

Katie Tai

Hi everyone! My name is Katie, and I am so thrilled to be your peer mentor this fall. I am going into my second-year student majoring in communication and minor in business. I am currently involved in UCM (University Christians Ministries) and Hong Kong Society working as a marketing executive. I highly recommend you all to join clubs especially as a first year because that is the biggest way in meeting new people. I love to get matcha, exploring the city, hiking, and playing badminton during my free time! My favourite course is CMNS 120 because you get to be creative like making your own social media content and working with others. I am looking forward to get to know all of you, and making your first year experience as amazing as you expected!