Mentor a Student Intern Program – Tahothoratie Cross

February 8, 2023

With the winter school semester in full swing students and employers can begin to look forward to accessing the Tewatohnhi’saktha’s Mentor a Student Intern Program (MASI). The program, also known as MASI has been a core program at Tewatohnhi’saktha for a number of years seeing countless students benefiting from the program. One of those students, Tahothoratie Cross, currently studying at Bishop’s University, described his experience as a great opportunity to not only grow as a professional but to also experience various working environments which he says have helped him ever since. “My experience with the mentor-student intern program has served as a springboard for many opportunities that have come my way. The ease of application and ability to create a working experience for students like me is very valuable,” said Cross.

It is clear when speaking with Tahothoratie that he has a special appreciation for the Mentor a Student Intern Program, “The program has helped me carve out a position that I am passionate about and allows me to give back to my community. Working as an Indigenous student support worker I have had the privilege to meet many students and help them transition into the post-secondary environment. I have also been able to continue working on reconciliation and decolonization initiatives within Champlain College St Lambert. The student intern program has allowed me to work in these various capacities and hopefully make a positive impact on Indigenous students,” said Cross. With the hard work and dedication that he has put in, and with the help of the Mentor a Student Intern Program, it is clear that Tahothoratie has carved out a bright future for himself filled with plenty of opportunities.

“I would absolutely recommend the program to anybody who is interested. The program helps foster personal growth which is unique and important. Over the years Tewatohnhi’saktha has helped me in various ways. Their support and the opportunities offered to help me find work as a student has been integral to my success and as part of the working community, “said Cross.

If you are a high-school or post-secondary student currently attending CEGEP or University, you are eligible to apply for Tewatohnhi’saktha’s Mentor a Student Intern Program. The 15-week program provides students with meaningful part-time work experiences within their field of study. These subsidized work measures allow the students to build networks and earn wages throughout the academic year. Students are also able to participate in the same employment measure with the same employer for a maximum of up to four semesters. The program not only benefits students but it is also beneficial to the participating businesses and organizations, with their recruitment needs, succession planning, and the opportunity to mentor individuals for future employment.