What is Kickstart UBC ECED?
Kickstart UBC ECED is a new student-led initiative designed to create a peer network for incoming IBPOC students within the ECED and HDLC programs. Through creating an engaged student community, Kickstart combats barriers such as a lack of knowledge and experience of institutional systems, academic expectations and living in a new environment. Join our engaged community of students through a peer mentoring program, workshops and webinars, and social events. Kickstart is supported by the Strategic Equity and Anti-Racism (StEAR) Enhancement Fund.
Hear from the Kickstart Founders
We believe that our strength comes from connections.
“By building a network of support through one-on-one buddy match-ups, webinars, workshops, and social events, we hope to create a strong, inclusive community where IBPOC students feel a sense of belonging. The inspiration for Kickstart UBC ECED stemmed from our own experiences as first-year graduate IBPOC students. Many of us were new not only to the program but also to the city or even the country. During that initial year, we encountered various challenges in finding and accessing the resources we needed. Transitioning into graduate studies is an exciting yet stressful time, and the support of a peer network is critical for managing new challenges. ”
Kickstart Founders Ji, Karen, Negar, Chatsy, and Shirina
Get Involved
Find out how you can get involved with Kickstart as a student or faculty member.
As the coordinator of the Kickstart program, I have been so excited to see members enjoying the activities and using this as a wonderful platform to connect with one another, as well as with the broader ECED community. I’ve heard many incoming students share that they initially felt lost and disconnected, and I understand well the feeling of being away from home while living, studying, and finding your way in a new environment.
Therefore, it has been truly meaningful for me to witness so many of our buddies finding comfort, connection, and joy in one another’s companionship. Being able to contribute to the ECED community in this way has been incredibly special to me.
I have genuinely enjoyed supporting and helping run the program, and it has been deeply rewarding to walk alongside everyone as they begin their graduate journeys. I sincerely hope the program has helped make their first year feel a little more supported, connected, and easier to navigate.
— Yilin Song, Kickstart Coordinator (2025–2026)
Students
Join the Buddy Program
Junior Buddies
Kickstart aims to build strong peer connections through a buddy matching and mentorship program. Recognizing that first-year students may lack the support networks they had previously, we pair incoming students (Junior Buddies) with more experienced graduate students (Senior Buddies). Buddies will be matched based on survey responses and preferred communication methods to ensure compatibility. Senior Buddies will help new students settle into graduate student life and navigate their first year. Once paired, buddies connect to discuss their goals and share experiences through regular meetings.
I am a junior buddy in the Kickstarts program. This program has been incredibly meaningful and supportive for me. My senior buddy has shared her experiences and advice whenever I have had concerns related to both academic and personal aspects of my life. Through this program, I truly feel a strong sense of belonging, warmth, and welcome. After meeting with my senior buddy, I feel more confident and relaxed.
One of the best parts of this program was our winter hangout. We went for coffee and talked for hours, and we also had dinner together. My senior buddy listened to me with great empathy, which meant a lot to me. We regularly meet either on Zoom or in person. I would highly recommend setting up meeting schedules in advance to stay connected even when things get busy!
— Top, Kickstart Junior Buddy (2025–2026)
Senior Buddies
Experienced graduate students can volunteer to become Senior Buddies, providing guidance and support to incoming first-year students. No previous mentorship experience or expertise in the graduate program is required. Training will be provided and a certificate will be issued to recognize Senior Buddies’ commitment and dedication to the program. Find your community and join the buddy program today!
My most memorable experience from Kickstart was transitioning from junior buddy to senior buddy. During my first year, my senior buddy’s guidance helped me navigate the challenges of adjusting to UBC as an international student. In my second year, being able to offer that same support to my junior buddy was incredibly meaningful. Answering questions I once had myself and watching them grow more comfortable reminded me of my own journey.
This experience gave me a profound sense of belonging – showing me that I wasn’t just someone who had been helped, but someone who could now meaningfully contribute to the community. It made me realize how Kickstart creates lasting connections where support naturally flows forward.
—Summer, Kickstart Senior Buddy (2025–2026)
I’ve really enjoyed building a connection with my buddy—getting to know them, learning about their passions, and hearing their life stories. We even went out for dinner at a restaurant they recommended, which was a wonderful experience and a great way to connect outside of our usual setting.
Through this relationship, I’ve been learning what mentorship and buddy relationships can look like and how they can be meaningful in different ways for both people involved. I hope to become a reliable and safe space for my buddy to connect and lean on. One key takeaway for me has been the importance of meeting regularly; setting up consistent check-ins helps build trust and sustain the relationship over time.
—Ji, Kickstart Senior Buddy (2025–2026)
My favorite memory from being a buddy was the moments of genuine connection with my two junior buddies—whether we were sharing our experiences in the program or simply chatting about our daily lives. I really enjoyed seeing how our conversations evolved from mentoring to friendship.
One of the biggest things I learned from the experience is that mentorship works both ways. Even as a senior buddy, I realized how much I could learn from my buddies—their perspectives, challenges, and even their strategies for balancing studies and personal life taught me a lot.
The buddy relationship made me feel grateful and more connected to the community. It reminded me that shared experiences can build strong, supportive networks.
My tip for future buddies would be: try not to think of it just as a senior-junior relationship. Instead, approach it as an opportunity to create meaningful, mutually beneficial relationships. You’ll be surprised how much you can learn from each other.
—Karen, Kickstart Senior Buddy (2025–2026)
I remember the first time I was part of Kickstart—I immediately felt included and welcomed. As a junior buddy, I really loved both helping others and being helped by my buddy at the same time. Building connections and talking about our experiences as master’s students made me realize that I wasn’t alone at all.
One important thing I learned was to be willing to listen and accept differences. What surprised me most was how united and supportive the program feels. We have a strong, communicative group and regular meetings, which really helps students feel less alone and more connected with others in the department. It feels like an extra learning space that is truly based on students’ needs. It made me feel motivated to do things together—not just for myself, but for others and for the community as a whole.
My advice for future buddies would be to open yourself up, be willing to connect, and communicate honestly with each other.
—Michelle, Kickstart Senior Buddy (2025–2026)
My favorite memory from being a buddy was spending time getting to know my buddy through simple conversations and shared activities. It was really meaningful to see our relationship grow from feeling a bit unfamiliar at first to becoming more comfortable and trusting over time.
Through this experience, I learned the importance of patience, active listening, and being present rather than trying to “fix” or control situations. One thing that surprised me was how much I also benefited from the program emotionally—I expected to support someone else, but I found myself growing in confidence and empathy as well. Our buddy relationship made me feel connected and valued, and I noticed positive changes in both of us, especially in communication and self-confidence.
My tip for future buddies would be to stay open-minded, be consistent, and remember that small moments of connection can make a big difference.
— Ivy, Kickstart Senior Buddy (2025–2026)
Do you have feedback on your experiences as a Junior or Senior buddy? Share your thoughts with us!
Join Social Events
Kickstart events are open to all members of the Faculty of Education. Join our group social events, workshops, and webinars to get to know your community.
Faculty Members
Share Kickstart with Students
Foster a successful and engaged learning community and share our events and buddy program with your students. Help us reach all ECED IBPOC graduate students by sharing information about the program within your department.
Share your Ideas
If you have ideas for workshops or webinars that would benefit first-year graduate students, please reach out to us. We are open to faculty members leading workshops and webinar sessions and we welcome your ideas and feedback to help us add more value to the program.
Join Social Events
Help us expand our community and join our group social events to get to know the new graduate students and let them get to know you. Joining our social events is one of the best ways for us to connect with our community.