The Jordyn Weddell Spotlight Bursary 2023 Recipient

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My name is Betina Agas, and I am a recipient of the Jordyn Weddell Spotlight Bursary 2022 - 2023. I want to personally thank you for the award. I did not expect to be nominated for it at all! I am beyond happy to discover that my efforts in the University of New Brunswick’s Positive Mental Health Team were appreciated. 

I am an undergraduate student entering my fourth year at the University of New Brunswick Fredericton, with a major in Psychology. Last summer, I was in the Faculty of Arts Internship program. I interned at UNB Counselling Services’ Positive Mental Health Team (PMHT) under the supervision of UNB’s Mental Health Strategist, Matthew Maclean. As the team’s coordinator, I assisted my supervisor in researching effective interventions and mental health activities for UNB students. As my final project for the internship, I successfully developed a comprehensive and evidence-based framework for UNB’s positive mental health strategy. The plan is now taking place this school year. For each semester, there are monthly themes with their corresponding main events and a few fun activities (e.g., October’s main theme is mindfulness; the main event Yoga session). Aside from that, I also created eye-catching and informative promotional materials to be used for PMHT’s social media. I may no longer be their coordinator since my internship ended, but I continue to volunteer in the team to assist with the new coordinator in executing the UNB’s positive mental health plan! The internship experience helped me grow and discover what I am capable of. As a student who struggled with mental health, the experience also fueled my passion for helping students who were once like me. 

I want to contribute as much as I can to the UNB community before I graduate. Currently, I am in the Work-Study program, working under the Faculty of Arts’ Student Engagement and Communications Officer as an assistant and as the Arts Matters Conference organizer. I assist with handling the faculty’s social media and planning for Arts Matters – an undergraduate academic conference showcasing students' research and creative work. Additionally, I am also UNB Connect The Thoughts’ Graphic & Marketing Chair, which involves creating promotional media and strategy for UNB’s CTT health case competition. I value these work experiences since they contribute so much to my growth and skills.  

After graduation, I plan to pursue counselling since I want to help and listen to more students who struggle with their mental health. I am also considering pursuing law in the future. Lastly, since I have a strong passion for digital arts, I also plan to do freelance art on the side.  

I am forever grateful to my family and friends who supported me. Again, thank you! 

This award is solid proof that I can still go further in life.  

Sincerely, 

Betina Agas 

Congratulations to Betina and to all the other applicants!

Amond McKenna is an Autistic Disability advocate who has returned to UNB to finish a Psychology degree. His areas of academic interest are stress and trauma, neuroscience, human rights, and communications. He is currently a Policy intern at the New Brunswick Association for Community Living (NBACL) where he is developing a suicide prevention strategy for Autistic adults and youth. Currently, the Autistic community is experiencing a suicide crisis, with a suicide rate 7x greater than the non autistic population. The suicide risk factors captured in research, lack of access to tangible supports and camouflaging of Autistic traits, point to very practical community-based solutions. His internship focus includes mental healthcare equity, Autism acceptance, and building capacity within the community to provide Autistic and trauma informed care. Amond is also a proud father to two exceptional children, his eldest is Autistic, and his youngest is part of the Down syndrome community. Amond continually strives to remove barriers and shift narratives to better support and empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

Congratulations to Amond and to all the other applicants!

Jordyn Weddell founded the Unlock Your Mind: Mental Health Conference from the ground up. She assembled a team that worked together to create an event focused on educating the community about prevalent issues related to mental health. Now, the Jordyn Weddell Spotlight Bursary aims to recognize other students who have a passion for mental health advocacy.

The Jordyn Weddell Spotlight Bursary is available to students enrolled in an undergraduate degree program at the University of New Brunswick Fredericton campus. Applicants must show a passion for mental health advocacy and initiatives, have financial need, and demonstrate successful academic performance.

“I never signed up for a life full of mental health battles. After my diagnosis, I left Canada for a year and a half on a quest to recreate the way that I saw the world and myself. I really dove into the educational side of mental health by attending workshops and conferences around the globe. Since my return, I have dedicated much of my time to creating empowering and inclusive environments, what I felt was lacking at home. Being a survivor doesn’t mean my battle is over, it just means that my battle is worth fighting.” 

- Jordyn Weddell