Year at MSU: Sophomore
Major: Elementary Education minor in Coaching, would love to teach 1st or 3rd grade.
Hometown: New Prague, MN
Family Background: My Mom is a dispatch manager for Welsh, Dad working in the lab for American Medical Company inventing tools for doctors. I have 1 sister who is 21 and goes to UW-Stout for graphic design. We all love to hunt, fish, and play sports.
Why I chose to be a peer mentor: I chose to become a peer mentor so I could help and guide a newcomer to get the best positive experience of college. I had a great mentor and wanted to help like they did for me.
Advice for first-year students: You will need to try and balance school, social life, and work so you will have fun but have a great academic year.
Why students should have a peer mentor: To help adjust to college life and help get that balance and find their way around Mankato.
What do you ´like´ about SSS: I love the outings and also the tutoring program.
Fun Fact: I love to hunt, play hockey and read. I have dyslexia.
Year at MSU: Sophomore
Major: Law Enforcement
Hometown: Twin Cities
Family Background: My mother is a cosmetologist, I have 2 siblings and we are originally from Chicago.
Why I chose to be a peer mentor: I know how important it is to have a peer mentor. I have about 3 mentors myself.
Advice for first-year students: Time management is key when in an academic environment. Try to be a part of the class, not just attendance.
Why students should have a peer mentor: So they can have someone to go to when they are having trouble in school or give general advice.
What do you ´like´ about SSS: I like the tutoring program of SSS.
Fun Fact: President of RSO Brothers with a Purpose.
Year at MSU: Senior
Major: Social Work
Hometown: Eagan, MN (Originally from Ethiopia)
Family Background: I have 15 brothers and sisters.
Why I chose to be a peer mentor: I like to make a difference in people's lives in any way I can.
Advice for first-year students: Start studying from the first day of the class. Have fun but focus on school.
Why students should have a peer mentor: Everyone needs a support system; someone who can relate to them.
What do you ´like´ about SSS: SSS is the second place I get support other than my family since my freshman year.
Fun Fact: I am super quiet if I don´t know you, but super loud after we become friends.
Year at MSU: Sophomore
Major: Nursing with a minor in sociology
Hometown: St. Paul, MN
Family Background: From Ethiopia, Ethnicity Oromo, Religion Muslim
Why I chose to be a peer mentor: I love working with and helping people.
Advice for first-year students: Choose friends wisely.
Why students should have a peer mentor: It is nice to know at least someone who cares in an unfamiliar place.
What do you ´like´ about SSS: They are very supportive and helpful in many ways.
Fun Fact: I know American Sign Language, I am the youngest of 7, I love to volunteer and meet new people.
Year at MSU: Junior
Major: Special Education with a minor in communication disorders
Hometown: Mankato, MN
Family Background: My mom is a security officer and my sister is a cashier at Mav Ave.
Why I chose to be a peer mentor: I wanted to help students like myself who need help getting through their first year of college.
Advice for first-year students: ASK FOR HELP!!! It is extremely important to ask for help if you need it or if you don´t know something. No one knows everything so don´t be afraid to ask!
Why students should have a peer mentor: Peer mentors are students just like you so we know what you are going through and want to be there to help on what you need.
What do you ´like´ about SSS: The staff is super friendly and helpful with everything. There are many resources available like free school supplies and rentals.
Fun Fact: N/A
Year at MSU: Senior
Major: Child development and Family Studies with a minor in Teaching English as a Second Language
Hometown: Forest Lake, MN
Family Background: 14 brothers and sisters, parents immigrated after Vietnam War.
Why I chose to be a peer mentor: I chose to be a peer mentor because I like to help students continue life through education and the importance of it in today´s world.
Advice for first-year students: There is always help. Don´t be afraid to ask questions.
Why students should have a peer mentor: Students should have a peer mentor because they are there to help guide, ask advice, encourage, and strive to be a positive role model to others.
What do you ´like´ about SSS: The environment is always helpful and welcoming with friendly faces and warm smiles. They know that you are not alone facing difficult situations.
Fun Fact: I dance as a hobby and have a Honda civic.
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University, Mankato
Mankato, MN 56001
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