Newcomer eager to help out the community in a time of need
Hemnath Mouli is an international student from India who arrived in Canada in Spring 2021. Since arriving, he has immersed himself into the Peterborough community by volunteering and exploring what the city has to offer.
Hemnath has not had a typical post-secondary experience. Since fall 2020, he has been studying Wireless Information Networking at Fleming College. But, due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, his classes were all online. It was not until March 2021 that he could finally travel to Canada and see his school for the first time.
In the summer of 2021, Hemnath had spare time on his hands and wanted to give back to the community. He learned that Peterborough Public Health was recruiting volunteers to work in vaccine clinics across the city. Despite the potential risk to his own health, Hemnath stepped up and volunteered at a vaccine clinic all summer. He screened people coming to get vaccinated and helped guide everyone through the whole process.
Hemnath has continued to find new ways to participate in the Peterborough community. During the fall, he took part in the second round of the New Canadian Centre’s Newcomer Leadership Group which helps newcomers develop their confidence and ability to engage in their community. Hemnath enjoyed the team building and the opportunity to connect with local leaders and entrepreneurs who shared their insights with the group.
Looking forward, Hemnath hopes to start his own startup one day and wants to find a job in the tech industry, hopefully in Peterborough. For now, he is happy continuing his studies at Fleming and exploring Peterborough, notably Del Crary Park and the Liftlock.