Helping Students Feel Certain In Uncertain Times: Meet Neelima Singh

Neelima Singh is a familiar face to many international students, and now as a full-time employee at CBU’s Nancy Dingwall Health and Counselling Centre, she is helping international students feel certain in this uncertain time. As the Quarantine Coordinator, Neelima is often the first point of contact for students needing support. From physical and mental health resources, to helping deliver food, medicine, personal hygiene products, treats and other goodies, Neelima aims to provide the support students need to come out of quarantine safely. 

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, CBU has assisted more than 600 international students with travel and quarantining in Nova Scotia. Part of Neelima’s role as Quarantine Coordinator is ensuring students travelling to CBU are aware of the provincial, federal and institutional quarantine regulations. 

“At the core of CBU’s values is its dedication to the community,” says Neelima. “Since the beginning of the pandemic, CBU’s focus has not only been to keep its students safe but the community too. The process to oversee travel and quarantine has been complex, time-consuming and expensive, but it has helped CBU to prevent and control the spread of COVID-19 in Cape Breton.”

As an international student herself, Neelima knows the feeling of being confused and scared in a different country, but having to do it during a global pandemic has only added an extra layer of confusion. Neelima wants international students to know she is there to help and guide them with information when needed. 

“I’m a people person and I love to be able to interact and help. It gives me immense satisfaction when I’m able to understand the issue and help the student to the best of my capacity,” Neelima shares. “When a student calls or emails to thank you for your help, it makes every hour of trying to help that student worthwhile.”

Neelima graduated in December 2020 with a Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Business Management at CBU. Now, Neelima feels very fortunate to have the opportunity to work at her alma mater. “The first time I saw the CBU campus from the transit bus on the first day of my academic journey, I knew I would like to work there one day,” says Neelima. “I never gave up that thought and kept seeking opportunities. I completed my internship at CBU, started part-time work, and now I finally have the opportunity to work there full-time. I feel as if I am living my dream.” 

The Nancy Dingwall Health and Counselling Centre is a collaborative health care centre with nurses (including a mental health nurse), physicians and counsellors on site. The Nancy Dingwall Health and Counselling Centre is open Monday-Friday, from 8:30am-4:30pm. 

To book an appointment or make an inquiry about resources and support services, please call 902-563-1359 or email healthservices@cbu.ca. 

If you have an emergency, please call the Nova Scotia Mental Health Crisis Line at 1-888-429-8167 or dial 911.