The world could be unkind sometimes; and as we approach Black History Month, we reflect on the historical resistance to behaviours that could be least classified as unkind. The guest in our episode today, however, approaches adversity with his faith that “there is power in kindness.”  

In this episode, our host Susu B. conversed with the Black identifying York University student, speaker of “kindness” tour and founder of “Brothers-4-Brothers" mentorship program and “Communities Care” non-profit organisation, Nebiyou Timotewos. Nebiyou’s story, although full of challenges as he navigates intense circumstances including war, deaths and unfairness, highlights our abilities to not only rise from the ashes but to also help others in doing the same, all through kindness.

The fight-or-flight response for survival, can indeed be replaced with the kindness response for success. 

Resources

More on Nebiyou and his organizations:

• Nebiyou's Website
• Linktree
• Brothers-4-Brothers
• Communities Care

Support for Students at YorkU:

• Black Excellence at YorkU
• Student Community and Leadership Development (SCLD)
• Student Financial Services (SFS)
• Centre for Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion (CHREI) 
• Student Counselling, Health and Well-being (SCHW)
• Office of Student Community Relations (OSCR)

Black Student Associations and Clubs at YorkU:

• York United Black Students (YUBSA)  
• African Students Association 
• Black Students in Psychology 
• Black Women Bridging Borders 
• Nigerian Students’ Association 
• Black Future Lawyers York University

Susu B.: This podcast episode contains discussions of sensitive and potentially triggering topics, including, but not limited to, death, war, suicide, mental health issues and other distressing subjects. Please prioritize your well-being. If at any point you feel uncomfortable, feel free to pause or step away from the episode. And if you are a student at your university, you can connect with the student counseling services at students.yorku.ca/counseling. Remember, you are not alone.

Hey YU. Welcome to your future favorite podcast, if it's not already well-being and YU with your host, Susu B.

Susu B.: As we approach February and we mark the beginning of Black History Month on our calendars, we want to highlight the binary of hardship and success and the role of well-being in connecting everything in between. My topic today is about how we rise from the ashes, and we use what we have to get to what we want despite the difficult circumstances and adversities. But then you may ask how there is power in kindness. This is the statement that my guest promotes and that I believe could fully transform your way of treating others and yourself if you truly understood it. Today, I have the pleasure of speaking with Nebiyou Timotewos. Nebiyou’s story is that of an Ethiopian immigrant who transformed from being a child in a shelter to the recipient of multiple community and leadership awards despite the challenges. He is the founder of Brothers for Brothers mentorship program, and the primary speaker of his tour titled Kindness. And last but not least, a student here at York University. In this interview, Nebiyou taught me that the fight or flight response for survival should be shifted to the kindness response for success. This shift could take time, but I really hope you can join us on this journey. A few mindful minutes can be your first step. So, let's dive into our conversation with Nebiyou.

Susu B.: Alright. Nebiyou, how are you doing today?

Nebiyou: Good. How are you doing?

Susu B.: I'm doing amazing. Very excited. I feel like having a student perspective is just something that we all need. Before we begin, can you tell me a little bit about your story and background? Who is Nebiyou and how did he transform to who he is right now.

Susu B.: You're doing good so far.

Susu B.: I feel like, like, yeah, that's s. That's the thing in Africa. M. I'm an Egyptian. Yeah, we love soccer.

Nebiyou: We used to love soccer. But we used to call it football though because of. Yeah, yeah. And then there's this soccer camp where we go to every Saturday. And then my mom said, don't go this Saturday because I'm not feeling well. I bought and I'm like, I want to go. She's like, oh, no, don't go. And they said, I can't go. And I was so pissed off about it. And then that day was when the whole camp was just bombed. And That's when my whole friend group died. And then our school was just. It was just terrible, terrible things. And then every embassy did they like shut down and like they left because there's a whole war going on. Right. And then my dad, as the Ethiopian embassy leader, like I said before, he's a very faith person, right. And he said that he can't morally close it down because if he closes it down, then all these innocent people will have no way out. Since this is the last embassy open, so the Ethiopian government was just sending jets planes saying, get out, get out, get out. And him and his coworkers are like, no. And he kept it open for around three to four months, I would say. And he evacuated over 6,000 people into safety.

Susu B.: That's wonderful.

Nebiyou: Yeah.

Susu B.: He as a hero.

Susu B.: Right.

Susu B.: It was finally quite a journey. I was like trying to keep track of all the countries went to before.

Nebiyou: That was when part which I always leave out was our, our journey when we evacuated from Yemen to like Ethiopia. Yeah.

Susu B.: Wasn't straight line.

Nebiyou: No, was not. It was from there to Djibouti to Oman to Sudan and then to Ethiopia. So usually from Yemen to like a 4-hour plane ride, took over 30 hours.

Susu B.: Oh my God.

Susu B.: December 31st. I love that. That's like a new beginning. Like New year.

Susu B.: New beginning.

Susu B.: Yeah.

Nebiyou: And then they were just teasing going on or whatever. So, then I just stopped and then people would be like oh why aren't you guys wearing jackets? Whatever. And we'll just be like oh, we're not that cool. Like we're just that guy, you know.

Susu B.: Brutally so sad, like, having to lie about something like that just because, like, I don't think, like, jackets should even have a gender.

Nebiyou: Like 100%

Susu B.: It should just be like, jackets.

Susu B.: The actual new story this time.

Nebiyou: We thought so. So, there's like, a lot of plot twists, right? So, my sisters were also, you know, working jobs while they were in, like, high school to help pay my parents bills, put food on the table, and like, everything like that. So, things were terrible to say that at least, right. And then. But we pushed through until the pandemic came, and one thing, like, is that

Susu B.: Good start or a bad start?

Nebiyou: We thought so, but no, like, no.

Susu B.: I would expect that for the pandemic. The pandemic really, like, hit a lot of people, like, and not in a good way. So, like, I would be surprised if you. It's a good start.

Nebiyou: One thing is though, like, pandemic had a lot of bad, bad things, but, like, it taught us, all, like, a very valuable lesson, which is to be grateful and, like, to just appreciate the smallest things. So, when the whole pandemic happened, one thing to also mention is, like, this whole process, we were still refugees, right? We got our PR, I think, around, like, right before pandemic. And then the pandemic happens. My mom's mom and my dad's dad, that same day, five minutes apart, back home. So, we were all just chilling, whatever. And then my mom's phone is, like, blowing up, whatever. And then she's like, what the hell? And then when she, like, piss up, your mom just died. And we are all just here crying and like, everything. And then now, my dad's phone, like, like after five or four minutes afterwards just blowing up. My dad's not answering because, like, he just thinks, he's like, oh, they ‘also going to tell us that she passed away. We already know. They just keep on blowing and blowing and blowing it. And then he finally answers.

Susu B.: How old were you by then, if you can remember?

Nebiyou: I know by this time I was in grade 10.

Susu B.: That's very young to go through all of this. I

Nebiyou: Yeah, it is. It is terrible. And this is like a point where, like, I was just so pissed off about everything that to, like, a point I was just becoming numb.

Speaker C: So now it’s like it was getting to, like, a point where so many terrible things, so many deaths happened that I was just becoming unfazed by it. So then, yeah, my dad's was just blowing up and everything. And then he, like, finally answers. He's like, if you guys are going to tell us that her mom passed away, we already know. And then they're like, no, your dad just passed away. So, then it was double funeral. It. It was just terrible.

Susu B.: I'm really. I'm really waiting for the shift because I'm. When you tell me about all of these, like, you could expect a child who goes through all of this, really, you will not blame him if he just became numb or became like, things that are worse than that. I'm really, like, wondering, like, how did you become all of what you are?

Nebiyou: I was numb for the longest time because then after that, my mom's dad also passed away, whatever. And the worst part was, like, since we were still immigrants, we cannot go to their funeral.

Susu B.: To the funeral. Oh, my God.

Nebiyou: My parents. Yes. So then when my whole family got therapy and like, everything, I said, no. I'm like, I1 I am a guy. Why would I need therapy? You know? And then too, I'm like, I'm fine, I'm fine, I'm fine.

Susu B.: That's the stigma.

Nebiyou: I was not fine. Yes, not. And things were just you catching up everything. And then so now, by grade 12, when my whole family had an amazing dynamic, my relationship with my family was just terrible because they got help and, like, I didn't, which led to so many issues. And here's where the change comes. I got help and, like, everything. I reconnected with my My faith, God, family, and, like, everything. And I started to, like, see things from a different point of view, perspective. So then after that, I finished at high school with honors and, like, everything, and I got into university. So that's where all the change came. I said that I did not want to get help because I am a guy. But, like, the moment after I seen, after I got help, how much it has helped me, I'm like, okay, we got to create something to help other.

Susu B.: Guys who think 100% we cannot.

Nebiyou: But as a first year, like, I. I had no idea even what I, like, wanted to do. So, I'm like, what that, like, let me just go to class and mind my own business, right? That. That was not fulfilling me. Because now, like, I felt like after everything that has happened in my Life if I didn't do something about it, then that would be waste of everything. That was like everything happened for no reason, which I did not want that to be my legacy and everything. So, first year I was involved in over like 15 organizations. I was just in so many clubs here, the Ethiopian association, csy, so many clubs here, school laps and like everything. And then that was first year. And then after first year ended, I volunteered in so many places, whatever. But for some reason I'm still not satisfied. Summer of first year, I'm like, okay, I just have to do something about, you know, something like this is not for fulfilling me, whatever. And then that's when the mentorship program Brothers for Brothers came along. Well, one thing, I dream big, and I go without no plan. Like, I'm just, okay, we're just going to get started because that’s the hardest part.

Susu B.: That’s how it’s starting, I think.

Nebiyou: Yeah, starting is the always hardest part. So, I just had an idea. We got funding from the federal governments.

Susu B.: I didn't know the Government could, could fund like organizations like that. I'm glad you're telling me.

Nebiyou.: Yeah, it was just, it was like unbelievable moment. Like I'm just like me, like, like an idea. Like why.

Susu B.: Yeah, you're very humble. You're like me. Like no, you're very like, I'm telling you, like this story could just go either way. Could like, you know, like villain versus hero.

Susu B.: You made your choice.

Susu B.: Yeah, you made really a really nice choice.

Susu B.: And that mentorship is under the Brothers Were Brothers organization, correct?

Nebiyou: Yeah okay. So, we started off just as an eight-week program. So now we, we are trying to expand to you know, campaigns, initiative. But like, what more can we do to break this stigma? But then again, this whole thing, I was just in the mindset of I'm like, okay, like I was just this hurt kid. I'm like, I have to bring about change. So, I had no team. Everything I did is just alone. So, I was director, the marketed the content vs the finance. Yeah, good school too, right.

Susu B.: You could do it. But like why do you need to do this? Like all of this.

Susu B.: Like you don't need to prove to anyone that you could do all of this.

Nebiyou: Yeah. So, I was just so hurt. I'm like, okay, like we just need to have a change everything. Right? So, after the first program ended, whatever. There's one kid told me right. That he was suicidal coming into this, this whole program, whatever, and this thing saved his life. So that was what I'm like, okay, this is a needed thing. So how can I take it from just like an idea of like an eight-week program to expanding it. So now that's where we're at right now. But for some reason, again, I was still not satisfied. Right.

Susu B.: Like to be honest, like if you got satisfied, you would stop looking for more. And like I'm glad that you never got satisfied because I know like for example, you have your tour kindness. Tell me more about it.

Nebiyou: Yeah. Every work I do is on kindness.

Susu B.: Right.

Nebiyou: Right. So, my whole brand or the movement is there is a power in kindness. And that is why I'm trying to embody so just to like tour with Community Care, which is this other organization we help kids do care packages, Kindness kits and everything. So, after those two organizations, Community Care and the mentorship program was established for some reason, again, I was still not satisfied. What like I do with with my kindness to is actually which a lot of people don't know as the earnings, or anything comes from it goes into funding projects In Africa.

Susu B.: That's wonderful. Oh, in Africa too. That's wonderful.

Nebiyou: Yeah. That's where the whole thinking came from. Why like got the attention that like it did is like one, I think it's Genuity. And then two is also personal experience. And then three is that kindness is such a simple thing, but it's so forgotten. Right. We are also caught up in this rat race running for personal gains. This and that, this and that. And am might also because of age. Like who is this kid trying to talk about kindness?

Susu B.: Right.

Nebiyou: And it's God.

Susu B.: Your story highlights a lot of virtues. Like there is strength, resilience and more. Like why kindness? What do you see in kindness as a trait that makes it different or more powerful than other virtues?

Nebiyou: Kindness is tied to so many things. In my story in life, one is again, like I said, faith. And then also two, my dad. My dad is the embodiment of like kindness. From resigning his mayor position for people, he has never even met to keeping the embassy open and like letting out 6,000 people out, which a lot of people don't, don't see there ‘like. Those 6,000 people have family, children. They are dad's, moms, brother, kid, sons. So just his every run been kindness. And I was just this hurt kid. I'm like, we need kindness, need, we need love. I see everybody's so separated. There is no unity. Again, kindness seems very, very small, but it is such this powerful thing that we all should tap into it.

Susu B.: I'm glad that you mentioned like the 6,000, because I know, like, when you talk about a singular person, it's a person. But when you talk about a huge number, it becomes a statistic.

Nebiyou: 100%.

Susu B.: So, people could think, oh, 6,000 people were saved, hooray. But really like, each one of these persons had a family and had a life. And like, that's when you realize the impact of this. And I know like you mentioned that you grew up like in a shelter in Canada. Your family was trying so hard to bake bread and like, your sisters are trying to work. the reason I'm asking you this actually because for like the listeners who want to leave an impact or get involved just like you, but the problem is like, when it comes to prioritizing time for volunteering versus using this time for an actual job, they think, oh, it's much easier to get a job. So, what advice would you give those students who believe they cannot afford volunteering?

Nebiyou: So, um, there's this thinking and like you society, that when you help others, you're not helping yourself. How can I help them if I don't help myself first? This is this thinking that is in like society. I don't understand it at all, nor do I even want to understand it, to be completely honest. Right. Because what people don't understand is right when we help others, the biggest person we are helping is ourselves. So, volunteerism, in anything that like you do is all going to come back to you. So, every energy that you put out is always going to come back to you. And that's also where you get true fulfillment. Money chase, you achieve thousand bucks. Now you're not going to be satisfied. You are going to want more and more and more and more. And being stuck in this consistent rat race is what, what put our society where it is now. Like this individual type of system and has to change because there is this power and unity, kindness. So, what I would give like an advice is generally like, when you help others, the biggest person you are going help is yourself because, when you network like an opportunity is going to come up and every guess that you ever put out is going to come back to you.

Susu B.: It really could be like a balance.

Nebiyou: And that is also like one thing that I want to add because when I talk about kindness helping, others every single time people think, I mean okay, like quit your every job, quit everything and just work, volunteer.

Susu B.: No, right.

Nebiyou: But what I'm trying to say is like you could incorporate kindness in every single thing that like you do. So if you have business, if you're a student, if you're an office worker, if you're whatever, you could incorporate kindness in every single thing that you do.

Susu B.: That's actually one of the questions I wanted to ask you. The different ways you can incorporate kindness in your day-to-day life. Especially for example, this is more of a counter argument but how we do navigate unkind behaviors which we witness every day. Like for example you mentioned in your story like some people were, I would call it bullying for the fact that like you're wearing a jacket that was designed for a female. So how would you navigate like you today, how would you navigate situations like that?

Nebiyou: I have always seen this, this verse where Jesus talks about when one person slaps your cheek, turn your other cheek, I'm like it makes no sense, right? If somebody's being unkind to me, why would I be kind?

Susu B.: Right?

Nebiyou: Right. But that's also when I learned the biggest lesson. So, forgiveness, kindness and everything you are, you are being kind not for them, but for yourself. Because you are being kind, forgiving this, you are relieving weight from your own shoulder. And how you can incorporate all this to your day-to-day life is like there is a spot to incorporate kindness in every single thing that you do. We're just so full of ego as a human that we just ignore it. Right. So, what I usually try to do is example if I go out to work 6am I would try to buy coffee or a muffin to somebody on the streets.

Susu B.: So random acts of kindness, like we've seen that like on, on social media. But like I'm glad I have like a person who's like genuinely like doing it. Cause I know a lot of people are like criticizing it like thinking like oh this person is doing it for the views. But knowing you and knowing that you actually like have a whole story like starting from a person who maybe needed that random act of kindness just more genuine.

Nebiyou: Also, a random of kindness does not even have to be about money or like buying coffee and whatever, like check up on your loved ones, you know? Just be empathetic in your every single interaction. Right. And you can incorporate kindness in every single thing that you do. A lot of people see as this type of weakness, but it is not a weakness. Like it is a strength. For example, I know this restaurant for example, right. They do something and they are successful business people and what they basically do is that people can prepay for a meal and homeless people can like come and get it for free.

Susu B.: That's wonderful.

Nebiyou: Right. So, they are doing great in their work business and everything. Uh, but they're incorporating kindness in it. Work hard to serve others. Every time when I speak, you know, I always contradict society ‘thinking so people might not agree with this but which is being a leader actually means you are the biggest servant in inside. Being a leader means you are serving in your community.

Susu B.: That's amazing. That's an amazing statement.

Nebiyou: Yeah. So being a leader does not mean you are in this suit you know. Like being a leader means you're the biggest servant in your space, community and work. So, you are the one that's going to be running around and just, you know, you are the biggest servant. Right. And then you see this like showcase in every world. For example, let's hear the top companies here out like Canada tell us for example, like I work very, you know, closely with them. They're one of the most successful companies but they're number one in every single the most giving company in the world. Volunteerism, Every single thing.

Susu B.: That's the balance I'm talking about like you don't need to only take, take or only give.

Nebiyou: Doing good and your work, life and career and doing good and your community goes hand to hand. So that's also why I always say, which is my goal is also to build sustainable future through acts of giving and through kindness.

Susu B.: Actually, we have been talking about volunteering for a minute and in high school, yes, we always like have this idea of volunteering like community service hours and you go with your little sheet of paper and then you fill it up. I'm wondering how you as a person who's really involved, track your hours. I feel it could be something that is really beneficial for people who are like I'm not sure how to start. It's really like tiny and naive; I think. But it could really be something that prevents someone from actually doing it because they think oh, if I want to apply for an award for example, I know you're an award winner legally. How can I track my hours?

Nebiyou: So, what I'm going to say about that is Genuity over stat. So sometimes like I get to a point where like I generally forget I can track down so many things.

Susu B.: Right.

Nebiyou: But it's also like taking pit pictures taking for example in everything that you like apply work, job, whatever, there's description in it, right. So, it is much more impactful if like you put a I did this and that then to be I volunteered for 40 hours done. So, what I'm going to say is take pictures, take everything. But also, my main focus is do not make taking pictures and putting it on your resume your purpose because then you lose the whole point.

Susu B.: I think that's what makes it like different from the high school perspective that you need to do community service like now you're doing it for your own wellness.

Nebiyou: Wellness and well-being. 100%.

Susu B.: If you were able to give one advice to our listeners who want to get involved with kindness that don't need to only be huge commitments such as getting involved in the community, but could also be smaller ones such as random acts of kindness what would be the first step you want them to take in their path to kindness? In other words, where do I start?

Nebiyou: My biggest advice is generally like there's a power in kindness. I might sound corny, boring or whatever Gen Z slang there is. Right. But the more you help people, the biggest person you're helping is yourself. Like this is something that I'm going to continuously say because it is something that I have seen evident in my life. So, in everything that you basically want to do, business, politics, law, anything. It is make sure it is to serve people.

And it is going to take you far. I know it is going to sound so ideal to be like why would I help? Trust me, the more you help people, the biggest person you're actually going help with yourself. Right. And just to not focus so many things on material things. Right. We are stuck in this rat race, always chasing the next big thing and like everything. But true fulfillment actually comes from helping others. And when you're helping others, success also follows. And in terms of where do I start? I think it is a very simple answer. Which is the moment when this podcast ends. Give your mom, family, brother, friends a call, check up on them. Right? Look around your room right now. I promise you there's at least 10 things that you can incorporate kindness in. Go outside, be more involved, be more present by coffee, muffin to someone in need. Write kind notes compliment somebody. The more you look around. Go outside and take a look and there's going to be thousands of things to incorporate kindness in. But the biggest call to action that I'm going to do is the moment when this podcast and give your loved ones a call or like text and check up on them.

Susu B.: Yeah, I think that's beautiful. And I really like how you mentioned that when you do something for someone, you're doing it to yourself. Even when you said empathy, you were talking about how growing up you thought that like, your identity as a male is not something that allows you to be empathetic to yourself. But now what I'm seeing is that your empathy for everyone else allowed you to like, actually embody this kindness. You were just talking about embodying kindness to yourself as well. Speaking of identity, I really want to shift our, focus a little bit to our black audience in particular. So, being black, did it add another layer of struggles for you due to racism and discrimination, or did it help you navigate your purpose instead? Or maybe a mix of both, you tell me.

Nebiyou: That is an amazing question. So yes, yes and yes, it does add more obstacles. For example, being more in the business world, going on, you know, talks, stages and everything as my identity look, my hair, for example, is like, you know, something that a lot of people might not like. So, they might be like, oh, this is not professional. This is not this. And then this is this. So, there is a lot of obstacles, but that just adds to one of my other life goals where I am gonna break it. So, it does add more to that obstacle, but it also shows that, the job is not done yet.

Susu B.: So, yeah, you're not satisfied. So, do you have something that you could say to black identifying students in particular?

Nebiyou: Keep going. Embrace your identity, right. So do not let anybody to tell you something that you're not. For example, I know for the longest time, people call me Neb, right? And I was, I was fine with it. Now what I'm thinking about is like trying to shift to more into a be. Like, my name is Nebiyou right. And it has a very powerful meaning to it. So that is something that I'm thinking about shifting more. I also just to embrace your, your identity, showcase it, with no shame or like anything with just full confidence and use your identity as an advantage and see it more of like an up, uplifting thing rather Than this disadvantage that society paint to that.

Susu B.: Yeah, and I really like this answer because when you said like yes and yes, like it is an obstacle, but your attitude towards your identity could also allow it to not be.

Nebiyou: And it also adds more, especially personally taking into what I want to go into. For example, I want to go into politics and also want to go into social tech innovation which is two areas where there's not like as much black presence as needed. Right. So, trying to go into those spaces where we're often seen neglected, it is going to be very, very hard. But I do believe just prepping your identity and representation is a very important thing. So, we got this.

Susu B.: I'm really, I'm really wondering because you said this a lot, that you're not satisfied. Could Nebiyou ever be satisfied as a black student?

Nebiyou: Honest answer. Probably not. And I like it because me not being satisfied feels you for like more things. Right? So, there's two, there's a big difference in that though. So, there's one thing of being not fulfilled and grateful.

Susu B.: Right.

Nebiyou: And then there's this other thing of not being satisfied. I am very grateful for everything God gave me and for everything happening. But I want to take it to a higher level because my life thinking is okay, so many things happen. I can either sit down, whine about it and like get pissed off, at this world or I could go on to like changes of other youth. Don't have to go through what we went through. So, I don't think I will ever be satisfied. And that is one thing that I basically love about my mindset.

Susu B.: So, I think yeah, it's really like a fine line between like gratitude and thinking that it's not enough. Like I could do more.

Nebiyou: That also ties into my delusions.

Susu B.: Anyway, don't call it that. I, I think it's beautiful. I think i it's dreams, not delusions.

Nebiyou: So, what I mean by delusions is like I think big. And which is also like a message to my other black students and also just listeners is think big. We're young. This world has so much to offer, so do not limit yourself from what your parents, society and like things is telling you. You set your own standards, right. Shoot high, shoot as high as possible. And the biggest challenge is not navigating through it. How am I going to do this? How the most biggest challenge is starting. So just do it. Like I'm not partnered up with Nike or Anything, but just do it. Like, that is all I'm gonna say. Just do it.

Susu B.: That's wonderful. Thank you so much, Nebiyou. It's been a pleasure having you here today. You were wonderful. Is there anything else you would like to say?

Nebiyou: Just there's a power in kindness. And the other message that I want to leave is that whatever you guys want to do, start and everything, it might feel like you guys don't have support to send out. Whatever. Right. Which is also a mindset that I went through for the longest time, which is like trying to build something and you have no support. Friends, family might not be believing in you. And like, so many things. Right.

Susu B.: And yourself too, maybe you weren't believing in yourself.

Nebiyou: So, I'm just here to tell you that I believe in you. Proud of you,

Susu B.: I am. I'm very proud.

Nebiyou: Yeah. And we are going to be cheering for you guys as you go on and, you know, achieve your dreams. But, also, when you achieve your dreams and you accomplish everything that you guys want to accomplish, do not forget kindness and always make sure that you run this race legacy of like, kindness. Because at the end of the day, nobody is going to remember how many cars building or like whatever we had, but how we made people feel. And that's what you call a legacy. So, we should all run to have a legacy of kindness, your unity and also compassion, humility as well.

Susu B.: Thank you so much. Nebiyou.

Susu B.: I really want to thank our special guest today, Nebiyou Timotewos, the founder and director of the brothers for Brothers mentorship program and Community Care non-profit organization. I really enjoyed our enlightening conversation. Thank you Nebiyou, for being such a valuable resource. If you are a black student at York University, you can connect with Black Excellence at York by visiting students.yorku.ca/BU on the website Black Excellence at York University provides black students with the support they need to transition into university and maximize their student experience on their path to graduation and beyond. BU offers the following mentorship, professional development workshops, professional opportunities, financial literacy workshops, social events and scholarships.

You can also find links to all the services Nebiyou you mentioned in the show notes for this episode along with more information, tips and resources. Visit our website at students.yorku.ca/counseling/well-beingpodcast. Click on the episode link and look for the episode Kindness- A Black History Month Special. This episode was co-produced by the well-being and YU podcast team. Our episode coordinator is Prabhleen Luthra. Our technical editor is Ethan Muir, and I'm your host, Susu B. And I'll end it off with the code of the day. There is power and kindness. Thank you for listening.