Nerissa Inniss-Boston
Nerissa is graduating from the child and youth care program.
Accolades and awards
- Undergraduate Black Student Award
- School of Child and Youth Care Award
- Child and Youth Care Award
- Emily Durst Award
- Nancy C Sprott Award
- Dennis Mock Student Leadership Award
It is such an honour to graduate from the program with distinction! The last two years have been tough but not in vain, as I walk across this stage and into my master’s program in the fall. This year I was honoured to be awarded with five awards as well as the overall Dennis Mock Student Leadership Award for the Child and Youth Care program. I can truly say I am humble and appreciative of being chosen for these awards and scholarships as it reflects the hard work I have done in my courses and in my community.
What does it mean to be a Black TMU grad?
With everything that has been going on with Black Lives Matter, being a Black Toronto Metropolitan University grad is everything. Being able to walk across that stage with my head held high is important to me. It has allowed me to know that if I put my mind to it I can do anything. I want to show the youth that I work with that they too can be a Black graduate. I want them to work hard and achieve new heights. I want to be the person to push them to get there and being a Black graduate is the perfect first step.
What advice do you have for other Black students at TMU?
Always advocate for yourself. It never hurts to ask a question or get clarification if you feel like something is not right. Your voice is important too! Don’t forget to give back to your communities. If you can volunteer and give, please do! Let’s mentor the younger generation and show them that one day too they can go to university and display their Black excellence!
