2013 PEER ADVISORS

 

BUKKY ADEYOKUNNU
Year: Senior
Major: Information Systems & Operations Management
Hometown: Mitchville, MD by way of Lagos, Nigeria
Years as a Peer Advisor: 2
Why did you become a Peer Advisor? Expose the awesomeness of Mason to first year students so they can make the most of their experience.
What are you looking forward to this semester? Meeting my students and sharing my experiences.
Learn More: I enjoy photography and hanging with friends. Secretary of African Student Association.

CAROL AIJAN
Year: Senior
Major: Chemistry with concentration in Biochemistry
Hometown: Arlington, VA
Years as a Peer Advisor: 3
Why did you become a Peer Advisor? I wanted to be a mentor for students!}
What are you looking forward to this semester? The opportunity to meet new people.
Learn More: Director of Academics- Alpha Phi Fraternity; Resident Advisor; Lab Assistant for the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department.

LADESHA BATTEN
Year: Junior
Major: Psychology
Hometown:  Smithfield, VA
Years as a Peer Advisor: 2
Why did you become a Peer Advisor? So that I could play a significant role in the transition process for freshmen students. I wanted to serve as a positive role model and a resource for students.
What are you looking forward to this semester? I’m looking forward to enhancing my leadership skills, and building relationships with my new students.
Learn More: Peer Academic Advisor; CHSS Mentor; Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society. I love spending time with my family and friends!

GRACE BEYA
Year: Senior
Major: Criminology, Law and Society
Hometown: Democratic Republic of Congo
Years as a Peer Advisor: 2
Why did you become a Peer Advisor? I became a Peer Advisor because I wanted to connect with freshmen and help them transition successfully. 
What are you looking forward to this semester? I am looking forward tohaving new students, sharing my experiences and being a resource for them. 
Learn More: President of African Student Association; V.P of PACE for National Society of Collegiate Scholars; Resident Advisor

CAITLIN BITZER
Year: Sophomore
Major: Global Affairs
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Years as a Peer Advisor: 1
Why did you become a Peer Advisor? The freshman transition is a difficult one and the University 100 class helps easy new freshmen in. I want to help in anyways that I can.
What are you looking forward to this semester? I am looking forward to getting to know the incoming freshman and having a fun time in general.
Learn More: I love to run, watch the news, and explore Fairfax, because I am from Ohio!

 

MEGAN BLATCHFORD 
Year: Junior
Major:  Global Affairs and Spanish
Hometown: Sharoh, MA
Years as a Peer Advisor: 2
Why did you become a Peer Advisor? I became a PA because I want to help freshmen make a smooth transition.
What are you looking forward to this semester? I am looking forward to getting into the core courses of both my majors.
Learn More: I went on study abroad to Argentina. I am a lifeguard at the Aquatic & Fitness Center and interned in DC at the organization of American States Spring 2013.

LAUREN BRYAN
Year: Sophomore
Major: Nursing
Hometown: Warrenton, VA
Years as a Peer Advisor: 1
Why did you become a Peer Advisor? I became a PA to positively influence the “freshman experience” of new students here at George Mason.
What are you looking forward to this semester? I am looking forward to making good connections, not only with my students, but also the faculty while also learning about all the opportunities on campus.
Learn More: I am heavily involved with R.S.A (Resident Student Association).

JESSE BROOKS
Year: Sophomore
Major: Global Affairs, Minor in Arabic 
Hometown: Lancaster, PA
Years as a Peer Advisor: 1
Why did you become a Peer Advisor? I wanted to become a PA so I could have an impact on freshmen, but also learn from them.
What are you looking forward to this semester? I am looking forward to becoming better friends with other PAs, as well as continue participation in my other activities.
Learn More: Brother of Fraternity Tau Kappa Epsilon; Senator in Student Government; Officer in the Alexander Hamilton Society; Member of Patriot Pitches, a Capella group; Intern in Congress; Resident Advisor

CAITIE CARRINGTON 
Year: Junior
Major:  Community Health, Pre-health Concentration 
Hometown: Northbridge, MA
Years as a Peer Advisor: 2
Why did you become a Peer Advisor? I became a PA to do my part in helping new students transition to university life and find their nice within the GMU community. 
What are you looking forward to this semester? Contracting with the Army ROTC Program and being an active brother of Alpha Phi Omega, the national Co-ed service fraternity. 
Learn More: Alpha Phi Omega; Army ROTC; CSA at the Recreation and Athletic Community (RAC)

JESSICA CHANDLER
Year: Sophomore
Major: Nursing
Hometown: London, Ontario
Years as a Peer Advisor: 1
Why did you become a Peer Advisor? I became a PA to help new students transition to Mason and learn about all the great opportunities Mason has to offer.
What are you looking forward to this semester? I am looking forward to meeting my students and getting to know them 🙂
Learn More: Member of the Student Nurses Association; Lifeguard at the Aquatic Fitness Center; Volunteer at a hospital. In my spare time, I like to read and ride horses.

RE’NECIA CODA
Year: Junior
Major: Government & International Politics
Hometown: Chesapeake, Virginia
Years as a Peer Advisor: 1
Why did you become a Peer Advisor? My freshman year, I had a really difficult time transitioning so I applied to ensure freshmen don’t feel the same way I did.
What are you looking forward to this semester? Teaching my first section!
Learn More: Office Assistant for VL Dean’s Office; Resident Advisor; Student Government; Provost & President Student Advisory Committee. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.

FATOU FAYE
Year: Sophomore
Major: Biology
Hometown: Dakar, Senegal
Years as a Peer Advisor: 1
Why did you become a Peer Advisor? :  I was part pf the ACCESS program my first year and I liked the job that PAs were doing. Then I love leadership positions and that was a great opportunity to develop that and be active on campus.
What are you looking forward to this semester? I would love to accomplish well my PA mission and be useful to students, create bonds with people and grow as a leader myself.
Learn More: Member of Lambda Sigma Sophomore Honor Society and Member of the African Dance Team. I love cooking, dancing and relaxing with my family.

BISMA FAZEEN
Year: Sophomore
Major: Global Affairs, Minor in Nonprofit Studies
Hometown: Chesapeake, Virginia
Years as a Peer Advisor: 1
Why did you become a Peer Advisor? I want to help freshmen adjust to George Mason to the best of my availability. Also, I hope to teach int eh future and am looking forward to create relationships with a close-knit group of students and faculty members.
What are you looking forward to this semester? Meeting a diverse group of people and working with a wonderful staff.
Learn More: University Connections Director for the Class of 2017; Resident Advisor; Member of Chase Dreams Not Boys and Circle K

CHRISSY FIGAN 
Year: Junior
Major: Environmental Science 
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Years as a Peer Advisor: 2
Why did you become a Peer Advisor? I wanted to help Freshmen get to know and love Mason like I do!
What are you looking forward to this semester? I cannot wait to meet my new students and have a wonderful time building relationships with them. 
Learn More: Vice-President of Junior Panhellenic Council, Chi Omega Fraternity, Honors College, CRU

RAQUEL FRIEDMANN
Year: Junior 
Major: Environmental Sustainability Studies
Hometown: Costa Mesa, CA
Years as a Peer Advisor: 2
Why did you become a Peer Advisor? I am excited to have the opportunity to mentor and guide incoming students! 
What are you looking forward to this semester? I am looking forward to further developing my teaching and facilitation skills and connecting with a new group of students. 
Learn More: Orientation Leadership Team; Resident Advisor; Cornerstones Envoy; Under-secretary for sustainability in Student Government; Member of Alpha Phi Omega, Christians on Campus, CRU, and Mason Ambassadors

BRITTANY GALLAGHER
Year: Sophomore
Major: Global Affairs
Hometown: Lansdale, PA
Years as a Peer Advisor: 1
Why did you become a Peer Advisor? I want to help transition new students smoothly by sharing my experiences and sharing all the amazing opportunities Mason offers.
What are you looking forward to this semester? I am looking forward to working with my fellow PA’s and exploring D.C..
Learn More: I live in the Global Crossing Living Learning Community. I love to cook, read and explore D.C.!

MARK GHALY
Year: Junior
Major: Business Management
Hometown: Richmond, Virginia
Years as a Peer Advisor: 1
Why did you become a Peer Advisor? To help freshman transition smoothly into Mason!
What are you looking forward to this semester? I am looking forward to co-teaching a course and providing freshman a mentor, friend, and resource!
Learn More: Patriot Leader; Resident Advisor 

MICHAEL HUDSON
Year: Sophomore
Major: Engineering
Hometown: Yorktown, Virginia
Years as a Peer Advisor: 1
Why did you become a Peer Advisor? To help student transition into college life and teach them some of the “tricks of the trade”.
What are you looking forward to this semester? Making new friends and meeting new people.

TIMYA JACKSON
Year: Senior
Major: Sports Management
Hometown: Centreville, Virginia
Years as a Peer Advisor: 1
Why did you become a Peer Advisor? I became a PA because I want to guide people in making their George Mason experience as rewarding and exciting as possible.
What are you looking forward to this semester? Connecting with students, utilizing campus resources, and having fun.
Learn More: Desk Assistant for the Rappahanock Desk; George Mason Women’s Basketball Team Manager

SAGE  JANULIS
Year: Senior 
Major: Government and International Politics and Conflict Analysis and Resolution
Hometown: Richmond, Virginia
Years as a Peer Advisor: 3
Why did you become a Peer Advisor? I wanted to teach freshman and help them feel connected to the people and resources George Mason University offers because it makes all the different in a students college experience. 
What are you looking forward to this semester? Learning inside and outside the classroom by my peers. 
Learn More: Resident Advisor; Alpha Phi Omega; Hillel

BRANDON JUAREZ-LOPEZ
Year: Sophomore
Major: Languages Studies
Hometown: Quetzaltenago, Guatemala
Years as a Peer Advisor: 1
Why did you become a Peer Advisor? I wanted to be like my PAs and help otehr studies in their transition process. I also wanted to be that person others would come to for help.
What are you looking forward to this semester? To be paired with my faculty, and to meet my students.
Learn More: Resident Advisor; EIP Mentor; Aguilas mentoring program intern

PETER KLEINE
Year: Junior 
Major: History, Minor in Sports Management 
Hometown: Lancaster,PA
Why did you become a Peer Advisor? I became a PA because I wanted to make an impact on campus, as well as helping out Freshmen get acclimated to campus easier. 
What are you looking forward to this semester? Another great year as a PA, as well as at Mason in general! 
Learn More: We Are Mason Student Coordinator; Brother of Sigma Alpha Epsilon; Mason Student Government

LAQUIASIA LEGRAND
Year: Sophomore
Major: Accounting
Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
Years as a Peer Advisor: 1
Why did you become a Peer Advisor? I became a PA because my PA had a significant impact on me and i will like to serve as a mentor to incoming freshmen in order to ease their transition into college.
What are you looking forward to this semester? I look forward to not only serve as a mentor to the incoming freshmen but to also have an enjoyable semester
Learn More: Resident Advisor; Vice President for National Association for Black Accountants; Chase Dreams Not Boys

AMANDA MALONE 
Year: Junior 
Major: Integrative Studies-Elementary Education
Hometown: Chatham, MA
Years as a Peer Advisor: 2
Why did you become a Peer Advisor? I became a PA to help freshmen in their transition to life at GMU. I want to help create a sense of community and belonging for students at such a large and great University. I want them to take advantage of all of the awesome opportunities at GMU. 
What are you looking forward to this semester? Meeting a variety of the new freshmen.
Learn More: Dance Works GMU; CHSS Peer Mentor; Lambda Sigma Service Chair; TFA Campus Ambassador

ALEJANDRA MARTINEZ
Year: Junior 
Major: Civil & Infrastructure Engineering
Hometown: Vienna, VA
Years as a Peer Advisor: 2
Why did you become a Peer Advisor? Having been a transfer student to Mason, I know I would have wanted to have someone to go to for any questions that I may have had about campus. I wanted to be that reliable resource to incoming freshmen. 
What are you looking forward to this semester? Positively influence a new group of freshmen. Building community in my new UNIV 100 class and iwth my fellow Peer Advisors.
Learn More: Work for Office of Student Involvement; GMU Azucar Salsa Club; Secretary of Society of American Military Engineers; Marketing chair for Society of Women Engineers

DANA MENKING
Year: Senior 
Major: Information Systems & Operations Management
Hometown: Yorktown, VA
Years as a Peer Advisor: 2
Why did you become a Peer Advisor? To mentor freshman and help them successfully transition to college.
What are you looking forward to this semester? LLC cup and planning programs for LLC students.
Learn More: Peer Academic Advisor

SABRINA MICHEL
Year: Sophomore
Major: Criminology
Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
Years as a Peer Advisor: 1
Why did you become a Peer Advisor? I became a PA because I want to help new students transition into college and serve as a mentor and role model. I want to be a student leader and develop a comfortable environment for freshmen students to attain success throughout their college careers.
What are you looking forward to this semester? I am looking forward to network with faculty and my new students. I’m excited to teach them and develop a wonderful relationship.
Learn More: Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society; National Society for Collegiate Scholars; Chase Dreams Not Boys Organization. I love listening to music and writing short stories!

MELANIE MILES
Year: Junior 
Major: English
Hometown: Richmond, VA
Years as a Peer Advisor: 1
Why did you become a Peer Advisor? I love my University 100 class and love helping students. My aspiration is to be a teacher! 
What are you looking forward to this semester? Getting to know other PAs and my students. That’s the best part! 
Learn More: Patriot Leader; Stage hand at the Patriot Center. I love to play video games and read classic literature.

GISSELLE MONTOYA
Year: Sophomore 
Major: Undeclared 
Hometown: Burke, VA
Years as a Peer Advisor: 1
Why did you become a Peer Advisor? I became a PA because I wanted to help the incoming freshman transition into Mason. 
What are you looking forward to this semester? I look forward to creating a fun environment for my students where they feel comfortable with each other.

JESSE MUZZY
Year: Sophomore 
Major: Government and International Politics 
Hometown: Ottsville, PA
Years as a Peer Advisor: 1
Why did you become a Peer Advisor? I want a chance to help new freshman get adjusted to university life and feel like they have an upperclassman to rely or come to for help. 
What are you looking forward to this semester? Forming a solid bond with my students and improving my leadership and teaching skills. 
Learn More: Secretary for two organizations. I enjoy working out, camping, and laying in the sun.

GABRIELLE NELSON
Year: Sophomore
Major: English, Poetry Concentration 
Hometown: Hanover, VA
Years as a Peer Advisor: 1
Why did you become a Peer Advisor? I want to be able to help freshman adjust to problems. I want to learn more about resources at Mason. 
What are you looking forward to this semester? I’m working forward to getting to meet new students and doing lots of crafty projects. 
Learn More: I love photography, journalism, and play on Mason Women’s Rugby Club team.

EMMA ROJAS
Year: Senior
Major:  Spanish, Pre-Med, Minor in Geography
Hometown: North Hollywood, CA
Years as a Peer Advisor: 3
Why did you become a Peer Advisor? My former PA inspired me. She was like my role model and I wanted to make an impact on others like she did to me.
What are you looking forward to this semester? Help guide my freshmen on the right path towards their academic success.
Learn More: Office Assistant at Department of Geography and Geo information  Science; Resident Advisor. I love swimming and learning about countries flags.

 

TAMRA SEALS
Year: Senior
Major:  Finance
Hometown: Hampton, VA
Years as a Peer Advisor: 2
Why did you become a Peer Advisor? I became a PA to gain leadership experience and to be as cool of a PA as mine was.
What are you looking forward to this semester? I’m looking forward to using what I learned this past year and making my new class fun and spicy. 
Learn More: AVU; Call Center; and looking for any internship or experience with finance and sales.

TOM SHAW
Year: Junior
Major: Public Relations; Minor in American Government and Economics
Hometown: Blackwood, New Jersey
Years as a Peer Advisor: 1
Why did you become a Peer Advisor? The opportunity to mentor is extremely fulfilling: I want to help incoming students enjoy George Mason as much as I do.
What are you looking forward to this semester? Being able to create my own curriculum and co-teaching with a faculty members seems awesome.
Learn More: Patriot Leader; WGMU Radio; Alpha Phi Omega

JALEN SHERALD
Year: Senior 
Major: Conflict Analysis and Resolution
Hometown: Fredericksburg, VA
Years as a Peer Advisor: 3
Why did you become a Peer Advisor? To impact the freshman and help them truly transition.
What are you looking forward to this semester? Teaching a new and interesting section! 
Learn More: ODIME; G.E.N.T.men

 

ALLY SKALECKY
Year: Senior 
Major: Integrative Studies, Concentration in Elementary Education
Hometown: Burke, VA
Years as a Peer Advisor: 1
Why did you become a Peer Advisor? To help freshmen transition into college and take advantage of all that Mason has to offer. 
What are you looking forward to this semester? I’m looking forward to my second semester as a peer advisor and entering my senior year of Elementary Education coursework! 
Learn More: CRU; Mason Ambassador. I am a huge sports fan, and my teams are the NY Jets, Mets, and Rangers!

KAREEMA SMITH
Year: Senior 
Major: Psychology, Minor in Childhood Studies 
Hometown:Richmond, VA
Years as a Peer Advisor: 2
Why did you become a Peer Advisor? I really wanted to become a resource to freshman students so that I could assist as they made the transition from high school to GMU! 
What are you looking forward to this semester? Since this will be my second year as a PA, I am super excited on applying everything that I have learned my first year in my new class. I am so excited to meet new freshmen students! 
Learn More: Teacher Assistant at the Child Development Center; Peer Academic Advisor; Research Assistant in the Psych Department; Webmaster of Psi Chi; Member in National Society of Collegiate Scholars

ALEXIS THORTON
Year: Junior
Major: Psychology 
Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA
Years as a Peer Advisor: 2
Why did you become a Peer Advisor? To connect with freshmen and help them transition successfully. My Peer Advisor and University 100 helped me tremendously to transition into college. It was my spark of inspiration to be a Peer Advisor as well and have a helpful part in a freshman’s college experience. 
What are you looking forward to this semester? Studying more within my major and taking on my responsibilities as a senior Peer Advisor. Also, meeting new students and forming new relationships. 
Learn More: Mason Ambassador; L-Team; Chase Dreams Not Boys. My hobbies includes spending time in ODIME, exercising, and spending time with family and friends!

MELISA TRESHNJETA
Year: Junior
Major: Dual Degree in Government and International Politics & Chinese, Minor in Nonprofit Studies 
Hometown: Tirana, Albania
Years as a Peer Advisor: 1
Why did you become a Peer Advisor? My Peer Advisor and University 100 helped me tremendously to transition into college. It was my spark of inspiration to be a Peer Advisor as well and have a helpful part in a freshman’s college experience. 
What are you looking forward to this semester? I am looking forward to bonding with the other Peer Advisors and faculty, and most importantly have a successful year with my first University 100 class! 
Learn More: Vice President of Programming for Junior Panhellenic; Virginia State Chair for Young Americans for Liberty; President of GMU YAL; Member of Chi Omega Fraternity; Member of NSCS. I enjoy yoga and hiking!

NATALIE VENTURINO 
Year: Senior 
Major: Psychology 
Hometown: East Moriches, New York 
Years as a Peer Advisor: 1
Why did you become a Peer Advisor? To help incoming students transition to college and help them have the best college experience to the best of my ability. 
What are you looking forward to this semester? Getting to know all of my students. 
Learn More: I am on the Masonettes. I love to explore new things, spend time with my friends and family, dance and meet new people.

COLLEEN WALSH
Year: Sophomore
Major: Pre-Nursing
Hometown: Amherst, NH
Years as a Peer Advisor: 2
Why did you become a Peer Advisor? In order to become more involved on campus while aiding Freshman students to do the same.
What are you looking forward to this semester? Applying to Nursing School and becoming more involved in the PA position.
Learn More: Club Lacrosse and Field Hockey.

ISAIAH WEST
Year: Sophomore
Major: Bio-Engineering 
Hometown: Piscatawah, NJ 
Years as a Peer Advisor: 1
Why did you become a Peer Advisor? I wanted to help freshman transition into college. I want to help develop the new leaders of the Mason Community. 
What are you looking forward to this semester? Developing relationships with my students. 
Learn More: NSBE; L-Team

CHRIS WILLIAMS 
Year: Senior 
Major: Communication
Hometown: King William, VA
Years as a Peer Advisor: 2
Why did you become a Peer Advisor? My PA really inspired me, and I thought it would be a great experience because I want to be a school counselor. 
What are you looking forward to this semester? Getting to know my students and improving my teaching strategies from the previous year. 
Learn More: Peer Program Coordinator for Faculty Initiatives; Resident Advisor

SHERWIN ZAHIRIEH
Year: Junior 
Major: Civil and Infrastructure Engineering 
Hometown: Great Falls, VA
Years as a Peer Advisor: 2
Why did you become a Peer Advisor? To help incoming students to make the most of their time at college. 
What are you looking forward to this semester? Getting to know and assist my students during their first semester. 
Learn More: Violinist in Green Machine; Brother of Kappa Kappa Psi, Music Fraternity; Member of American Society of Civil Engineers.