Journey's Through Mentorship: Self-Awareness

Written by Mert Uraz, a new student in the PinballBURSARY program. She started her first semester at University of Ottawa studying Biomedical Science. 

 Accountability is not just about keeping promises; it is about being aware of how our choices go out into the world around us. At our recent meeting, we explored how self-awareness shapes accountability, reminding us that every action we take is influenced by our emotions, thought patterns, and current state of mind. 

Being self-aware means noticing when internal or external factors affect your focus or tone, and understanding how your actions are perceived, both in person and online. It’s about growth, not punishment. 

One takeaway that resonated with me was that self-awareness is like being both the chess player and the chess pieces. You can see the moves, but you’re also part of the game. It takes effort to pause, adapt, and sometimes forgive yourself before you can forgive others. That effort, however, leads to intentional actions that build trust and authenticity. 

As fellow student said, “Don’t let what you planned to say get in the way of what the person needs to hear in that moment.” Accountability means listening, adjusting, and making space for growth. Because, in the end, everything not growing is standing still.