Team Spotlight: Jessy Mugisha, 2026 Co-op Student & Summer Student

We're excited to introduce Jessy, who first joined Merrymount as a high school co-op student and returned this summer as a Summer Student in the Development Department. From day one, Jessy has brought a positive attitude, a caring approach, and a willingness to lend a hand wherever it's needed, making her a valued member of our team.

We sat down with Jessy to learn more about her journey, what inspired her to return to Merrymount, and what she's enjoyed most about being part of our team.

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Hi! My name is Jessy Joy Mugisha, and I'm a Grade 11 student in London, Ontario. I'm passionate about helping others, which is one of the reasons I'm interested in pursuing a career in social work and eventually family law. Outside of school, I love staying active by playing volleyball and basketball, trying new recipes in the kitchen, and spending time with family and friends. I enjoy opportunities that let me connect with people, learn new things, and have fun.

You first joined Merrymount as a co-op student and came back this summer as a Summer Student. Can you tell us about that, what inspired you to return?

My co-op placement gave me such a positive experience that coming back for the summer felt like an easy decision. From the very beginning, everyone at Merrymount was so welcoming and supportive, and I quickly felt like part of the team. I loved knowing that the work I was doing contributed to helping children and families in our community. I wanted the chance to continue learning, build on the experience I had gained, and take on new challenges while making a difference.

How has your experience as a Summer Student been different from your co-op placement?

As a Summer Student, I've been able to take on more responsibility and become more involved in projects and events. During my co-op placement, I was focused on learning how everything worked, but this summer I've had the opportunity to apply what I learned while also developing new skills. I've especially enjoyed helping with event planning, community outreach, and creating promotional materials. It's been exciting to see everything that goes into supporting families behind the scenes and organizing events that bring the community together.

What has been your favourite part of working at Merrymount? Is there a moment, experience, or memory that stands out to you?

My favourite part has been the people. Everyone at Merrymount is incredibly kind, encouraging, and passionate about what they do, which creates such a positive environment to work in. One of my favourite experiences has been being involved in planning the annual gala. Seeing all the work that goes into organizing such an important fundraiser has shown me how much teamwork, creativity, and dedication it takes to make an event successful. It's rewarding to know that every contribution helps support children and families in our community.

What have you learned during your time at Merrymount that you'll carry with you in the future?

One of the biggest things I've learned is that even small acts of kindness and support can have a huge impact on someone's life. I've also gained confidence in communicating with others, working as part of a team, and taking initiative. This experience has reinforced my passion for helping people and has given me valuable skills that I'll carry with me in school, future jobs, and my career.

What advice would you give to another student who is thinking about doing a co-op placement or summer job at Merrymount?

I would absolutely encourage them to go for it. Be open to learning, ask questions, and don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Merrymount is a place where you'll be supported, trusted, and given opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. It's an experience that not only helps you build valuable skills but also allows you to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.