My introduction to Sana Imran, beyond a 2021 virtual Innis College Orientation greet, took place earlier this academic year at a Wellness Advising appointment. Yet as the school term comes to an end, that interaction remains one of my most significant first-year experiences. As a new student in the fall, I investigated the support that the university and, by extension, the college supplies due to the fact that I prioritized community, wellness, and community wellness. However, I only became aware that the three priorities were concerns of mine when my research brought me to meet Sana—Innis’ assistant dean — community wellness (ADCW). Prioritizing a sense of community, a state of wellness, as well as community wellness in general, are neither rare for me alone, nor is it specific to only first-years. Community wellness inevitably defines every student, faculty member, and person. 

I interviewed Sana to highlight her position at Innis College as an official ADCW, and although Sana joined the Health & Wellness Supports recently as of March 22nd last year, she has had immense involvement within the Office of Student Life (OSL). If you require support and have no clue where to start, meet Sana, and meet satisfaction! 

On account of friendliness and openness at the college, Sana favours ever-present energy. Faculty engagement with students is accessible and shapes community wellness for the better inside Innis. Outside Innis, Sana practices community wellness through the creation of spaces where people feel safe enough to talk, but she emphasizes that a space cannot be 100% safe—comfort at a perfect level is unrealistic. Upon this principle, Sana notices that many people think they are alone, whereas in reality, people fail to be open about struggles, and thus fail to support each other. 

“People rarely hesitate to say, ‘I have a doctor’s appointment,’ but hesitate to say, ‘I have a therapy appointment’” 

Attempts by Sana to unapologetically speak about wellness, or lack thereof, allow students to feel safe and included, as if there is a place to go absent of stigma and shame. Despite its success and importance, this support is new to Innis. Nonetheless, the better-late-than-never role involves student one-on-ones to explore types of support. From a session about the Multi-Faith Centre on campus, to research about therapy off-campus, Sana helps students navigate the healthcare system in both U of T and Ontario. 

You may have already met Sana someplace other than an appointment, and if so, you likely saw her around the college, or she likely participated in the development of an event you attended. At the core of her role, Sana implements programs for students to “learn more about wellness needs and gain skills to follow through.” 

Overall, the ADCW role focuses on the college’s mission to build a sense of community wellness through services, needs assessments, and tools that students can use. Upon reflection of the OSL’s achievements, Sana believes her greatest achievement is one she continues to work on: personal growth. 

“For me, personal growth means to be mindful and reflective about who I am or what I need then engage in activities that nourish me.” 

A glimpse ahead, Sana has endless plans for community wellness next year, and despite her focus on Innis, she is open to collaborating with other colleges in a post-pandemic world. The Student Wellness Advisory Group (SWAG), an initiative by Sana and the Work-Study team, discusses a Community Wellness Crew, for example. Sana intends for this project to be student spaces full of connections around topics of wellness via various streams, which range from “pathways to allyship” to “wellness for success.” Another look into the future is the return of SWAG. After its launch this year, Sana considers SWAG a valuable group that she goes to with ideas and receives insightful feedback from. 

Sana’s indubitable passion stems from the importance of mental health in her life  from when she grew up in Pakistan, immigrated to Canada as a teenager, attended university and first accessed a counsellor, and when she started work in the mental health field. Sana holds a role that she is proud of and, in her own words, is “something I always felt I wanted to do, and I feel lucky to be here able to do this now.” 

To go forward, Sana has two wellness recommendations for the community. Firstly, talk about mental health. Secondly, channel personal energy; “whether it is a journal, physical activity, or photography,” Sana suggests, “find something that soothes you.” It is important to recognize that the university life stage is one of unique growth, development, and independence, alongside challenges. 

“Nobody can do it alone, and at no point should someone feel they have to do it alone”. 

If you wish to contribute to community wellness, keep an eye out for roles at Innis College, as there is an effort to create many student possibilities. Sana invites anyone who wishes to speak about community and mental health to meet with her or to seek out her recommended opportunities: Work-Study, the Community Wellness Crew, SWAG, mentorship or certificate programs, and community events. The most notable act Sana mentions is to figure out how to grow a support system. 

Where do we as a community go from here with wellness in mind? Well, for starters, we must acknowledge the importance of community wellness. A healthier environment for all and for future generations will occur if we talk openly about how we feel, as well as if we work together to avoid isolation. Community wellness begins and ends in self-wellness.

“You choose what your wellness looks like or how you practice wellness; it comes from within. To talk to somebody can help be a space to unpack what works or what does not work so well”.