Dentistry alum shares career, academic experience with mentee

A College of Dentistry alumni says the opportunity to share academic and career experience with a current USask student is a positive experience.  

Dr. Divya Balakrishnan (BSc’10, DMD’13), a dentist with University Heights Dental Studio and Sutherland Dentist Group, participated in USask Connects, a mentee-led program that provides an opportunity for students to gain insight and guidance from USask alumni mentors.

Balakrishnan mentored Anna Wolitski, a health studies student in the College of Arts & Science.

“Connecting with Anna over this last semester has been an absolute pleasure,” said Dr. Balakrishnan. “I wish I had this program back when I was in undergrad! I'm grateful to give back by sharing my education and career experience with a USask mentee.”

The program offers current students and recent graduates to connect with alumni mentors as a way to enrich their academic and career journeys. 

“Students, myself included, can feel disconnected between our classes and life afterward,” Wolitski said. “USask Connects was a perfect opportunity to understand why, what and who I am doing this for.”

This program is delivered in partnership between Alumni and External Relations and Career Services.

USask alumni can be involved either as a mentor (alumni with 5-plus years of employment experience) or as a mentee (new alumni who have graduated within the last five years). The program is recruiting alumni volunteers to mentor students during the Fall 2023 semester. The time commitment is six to eight hours between October and December.

For more information on USask Connects or to become involved, visit the USask Connects page.