General Information

Name	Allyson Jeunne
Last Name	Borines
Nickname	Ally

Background

Organization	Mohawk College
Professional Title	N/A
Bio and Background	My name is Allyson Jeunne Borines, but you can call me Ally. I’m originally from the Philippines, where I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of the Philippines. After graduating, I worked for several years in the gaming industry as a 2D and asset artist, which gave me valuable creative and technical experience. I later moved to Canada as an international student, where I first studied Supply Chain Management. Wanting to bring together my background in creativity, problem-solving, and systems thinking, I am now pursuing studies in Digital Health with the goal of transitioning into the health care field. I hope to apply what I’ve learned over the years to contribute to innovation and accessibility in the digital health community. Outside of academics and work, I enjoy true crime stories, playing online games, and working out, which I’ve recently started to focus on more.
Why I am a Force for Health Member	I joined as part of a capstone project requirement in the Digital Health program, where I have the opportunity to help gamify learning modules—something I am especially interested in given my background working in the gaming industry. Through this project, I hope to learn more about the organization, build meaningful connections, and contribute skills and insights I’ve developed from both my university education and my professional experience.
How I use the Force for Health Network Tools	I use the Force for Health Network Tools as a way to learn and engage with health information in an interactive format, which makes it easier to absorb and apply. The gamified modules help me stay motivated and consistent, while the resources and connections in the network give me opportunities to learn from others.
My inspiration	I do not have a specific person in mind, but in general, I am inspired by people who dedicate their skills and creativity to making a positive impact on others. In particular, I look up to professionals who successfully bridge different fields such as art, technology, and health care, because they show how diverse experiences can come together to solve important problems. Their ability to adapt, innovate, and stay committed to helping communities motivates me to pursue my own path in digital health and to use what I’ve learned in meaningful ways.
Location	I am currently based in Ontario, Canada. I consider Mohawk College as my community.
What would you like people to know about your community?	My community is supportive, diverse, and full of opportunities to learn and grow. At school, I am surrounded by people from different backgrounds who bring unique perspectives, and this creates a collaborative environment where we can share ideas and help one another succeed. I believe this diversity and sense of connection are what make my community strong and inspiring.

My Citizenship Health Factors

Some of the factors that have been challenging for me have been...	Some of the factors that have been challenging for me have been adjusting to life as an international student, such as navigating a new health care system, building social connections far from home, and balancing academic responsibilities with work and personal well-being. I’ve also had to adapt to changes in lifestyle, environment, and access to familiar support networks, which at times has impacted both my physical and mental health.
It's important for me to be part of my community's health because...	It’s important for me to be part of my community’s health because I believe being involved in the health of my Mohawk College community means supporting the well-being of my peers and creating a safe, inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. A healthy community helps students succeed academically, socially, and personally, and by taking part I can contribute to building stronger connections, raising awareness about wellness, and encouraging healthier choices that benefit us all.
Some of the strength of my community health factors are:	The Mohawk College community does an excellent job of supporting student health through a wide range of services. There are strong academic, mental health, and financial support systems that help students manage stress and stay well. The college also promotes healthy living with access to fitness facilities, wellness programs, and counseling services. In addition, the many student subcommunities and clubs allow people with similar interests to connect, support each other, and build a sense of belonging, which is essential for overall well-being. I am also proud that Mohawk encourages inclusivity and diversity, creating a safe environment where students can find both personal and collective support for their health.
Some of the challenges in my community regarding certain health factors are:	One of the biggest challenges is the heavy academic workload, which can increase stress, reduce sleep, and make it harder for students to maintain a healthy balance in their lives. Many students also struggle with juggling school, work, and personal responsibilities, which can lead to burnout and less time for proper rest, exercise, or healthy eating. On top of this, financial pressures and the high cost of living can add to stress and affect overall well-being. For international students, cultural and social adjustments can also pose added challenges that impact both mental and physical health.
I believe I can help improve my community's health by...	I believe I can help improve my community’s health by promoting balance and wellness among students, such as encouraging healthy study habits, time management, and self-care. I can do my due diligence as a group mate, making sure I contribute fairly so that others don’t feel stressed or burdened with all the work. I also aim to volunteer in activities that advocate health and well-being, helping to raise awareness of the supports available at Mohawk College. By staying engaged and supportive, I can contribute to creating a more inclusive, connected, and healthier campus community.
Does your Community have what it takes to be a best in class model for collaborative, healthy communities? Why or why not?	Yes, I believe Mohawk College has what it takes to be a best-in-class model for collaborative, healthy communities because it already offers strong academic, mental health, and financial support systems that prioritize student well-being. The college also fosters inclusivity through diverse student subcommunities where peers can connect, share interests, and support one another. While challenges such as heavy academic workloads and stress remain, the foundation of resources, programs, and a culture of collaboration shows that Mohawk is well-positioned to continue strengthening its role as a leader in promoting health and wellness.

Advancing the DREAM

Advancing the DREAM - What it means to me

To me, advancing the DREAM means working toward a health system where care is fair, accessible, and inclusive for everyone, no matter their background. Dr. King’s words about injustice in healthcare still ring true today, as many communities continue to face barriers that limit their access to quality services. As a student in digital health, I see the importance of using technology and innovation to close these gaps by making care more accessible, affordable, and equitable. I believe I can help advance the DREAM by contributing my skills, raising awareness of disparities, and supporting initiatives that ensure health is a right, not a privilege, in the spirit of Dr. King’s legacy.

My Action Pledge to Advance the DREAM?

I pledge to focus on promoting equity in access to digital health tools and resources so that students and community members of all backgrounds can benefit equally from new innovations in care. I will do this by raising awareness, sharing knowledge, and applying what I learn in the digital health field to support fairness and inclusion. My goal is to help ensure that advancements in health are not just for some, but for everyone, in the spirit of Dr. King’s vision of equality.

Ally