Peer mentors are here to help first-year CHC students navigate the often unclear and confusing moments that arise during everyone's academic journey. More than that, they are here to help support you and offer their personal perspectives and experiences on a myriad of aspects of student life including the CHC curriculum and requirements, how to balance your schedule, how to get involved in campus, and how to find resources to help alleviate other concerns.
Through the Peer Mentoring Program, we aim for you to achieve:
- A sense of community and the opportunity to make multiple connections within the Clark Honors College.
- Comfort with navigating the University of Oregon campus, programs, and resources, as well as the surrounding Eugene area.
- A strong skill set to take action and the tools to self-advocate for your needs as a student.
- Confidence in your ability to achieve your professional, academic, and personal goals.
You will receive a welcome email from your Peer Mentor in the first week of Fall term. If you are uncertain who your Peer Mentor is, email Dr. Rovak (arovak@uoregon.edu).
Bella Albiani (she/her)
Hometown: Elk Grove, CA
Year at UO: Junior
Major: Multidisciplinary Science; Minors in Global Health, Chemistry, Biology and Global Service
Activities: Counseling Services Student Advisory Board, Wayne Morse Scholars, Association of Catholic Students, UO iGem, Intramural Sports, Gamma Phi Beta Sorority
In my free time, I: love to cook great food, read good books, and spend time in the ceramics studio.
I'm a fan of: all things gymnastics and volleyball (but don't ask me to do a cartwheel)
I'm a Peer Mentor because: I know how helpful it is to have someone in your corner. I love giving advice, helping others out, and making everyone feel welcome.
When I was a first year student, I wish I knew: that the transition to college can be difficult and it's important to give yourself grace. It's okay not to be okay, and the peer mentor team, honors college, and university communities are here to support you.
Eli Bernell (he/him/his)
Hometown: Corvallis
Year at UO: Senior
Major: Planning, Public Policy, and Management; minor in Music
In my free time, I: like to play golf, tennis, run, cook, read, and play music.
I’m a fan of: the Hunger Games series. I just got into it and can’t get enough of it.
I’m a Peer Mentor because: I really like getting to help first-year students transition to college and I think we have a really fun group.
When I was a first-year, I wish I knew: to not put so much pressure on everything to go right the first time -- be that school, meeting new people, or any new experience.
Abbi Biggs (she/her/hers)
Hometown: Portland
Year at UO: Senior
Major: Spanish; minors in Global Health and Science Communication
In my free time, I: Enjoy music, cooking, and outdoor activities – paddleboarding is my fav.
I'm a fan of: Iced oat lattes, Amy Winehouse, and orange cats (not necessarily in that order)
I’m a Peer Mentor because: I find guiding fellow students so rewarding.
When I was a first-year student, I wish I knew: That it’s OK to ask for support when you need it. I’m committed to providing that support to each of you.
Flora Booker (she/hers)
Hometown: Bellingham, WA
Year at UO: Junior
Major: Environmental Studies, minor in Biology
Activities: Co-president of Handkerchief Art Magazine, Campaign Coordinator at the Coalition Against Environmental Racism, member of Jewish Voice for Peace & UO Chavurah group
In my free time, I: Love to be outdoors, cook/bake for friends, and listen to music
I’m a fan of: Nerding out about plants, going to museums, and laughing a lot!
I’m a Peer Mentor because: I really enjoy being involved in the UO community, and want to help my peers feel similarly connected.
When I was a first-year student, I wish I knew: It takes time to feel comfortable in a new environment, but the adjustment process is a valuable learning experience.
Anthony Cano-Luna (he/him/his)
Hometown: McMinnville
Year at UO: Junior
Major: Computer Science
Activities: I am involved with the computer science LeetCode Club and I also love hosting a coffee house in my apartment with my friends.
In my free time, I: Practice my photography skills, go on hikes, and find new spots to eat or shop around Eugene.
I’m a fan of: Espresso, houseplants, photography, and classic cars.
I’m a Peer Mentor because: I know that the transition to college is jarring and full of uncertainties, and I want to help incoming students through said transition in whatever way I can.
When I was a first-year student, I wish I knew: That it was OK not to have all the answers and to realize that not everything needs to be so serious.
Solange Dzeketey (she/her/hers)
Hometown: San Diego
Year at UO: Sophomore
Major: Communication Disorders and Sciences; minor in Disability Studies
Activities: Best Buddies, NSSLHA, BSU
In my free time, I: love to crochet, listen to 2010s pop music, and bake
I’m a fan of: basketball! SCO DUCKS!
I’m a Peer Mentor because: I had an amazing freshman year with the CHC peer mentors, and I want to help the next round of ducks have the same experience!
When I was a first-year student, I wish I knew: how to ask for help and advocate for myself when I needed to.
Kam Hall (they/them)
Hometown: Portland, OR
Year at UO: Junior
Major: Human Physiology, double minor in Chemistry and Political Science
In my free time, I: play with my dog, collage, and listen to podcasts
I’m a fan of: COMICS! Anything to do with them. I even work at one of our local comic shops.
I’m a Peer Mentor because: I want to be the helpful ear that my mentees feel like they can always turn to since the move to college can feel very isolating
When I was a first-year, I wish I knew: comparing yourself to peers in college is so counterproductive because our peers can be great resources and it's super helpful to have friends with different skills and backgrounds.
Stephanie Jersey (she/her/hers)
Hometown: Berkeley, California
Year at UO: Sophomore
Major: Journalism and Political Science
Activities: Campus Planning Committee, Intramural Soccer, CHC Knitting Circle.
In my free time, I: Love being active! Eugene lives up to the name Tracktown USA. There are so many opportunities to explore the outdoors and find a community of individuals who share your interests.
I’m a fan of: Cooking and eating really good food.
I’m a Peer Mentor because: The peer mentors were a great resource for me throughout my Freshman year! Plus, I just love hanging out in New Res.
When I was a first-year student, I wish I knew: How to map out my classes and assignments in a more effective way.
Harper McLain (she/her/hers)
Hometown: St. Helena, California
Year at UO: Senior
Major: Human Physiology
Activities: Track and field and cross-country teams at UO
In my free time, I: Listen to music and watch movies.
I’m a fan of: Nike, Marvel, and the Oscars.
I’m a Peer Mentor because: In my freshman year, I felt like I couldn’t find a peer mentor who fit the pre-med/D1 student-athlete/CHC student mold. I am now that peer mentor and I want to provide guidance to students who feel overwhelmed.
When I was a first-year student, I wish I knew: How many people at the U of O are available to help. All it takes is to find the right people and write up the questions you want answered.
Danny Nguyen (he/him/his)
Hometown: Portland
Year at UO: Senior
Major: Human Physiology; minor in Global Health
Activities: I participate in clubs and groups where I get to meet people with similar identities as me, such as being a first-gen student or as a Vietnamese American.
In my free time, I: Enjoy lots of activities such as surfing, volleyball, biking, and hammocking with some good music or a book.
I’m a Peer Mentor because: I am always happy to answer any questions related to STEM as it can confusing and difficult at times, and just general college questions as I know it can be quite a confusing thing, especially as a first-year student.
Bryanna Prado (she/her/hers)
Hometown: Independence, Oregon
Year at UO: Sophomore
Major: Neuroscience; minor in Dance.
Activities: Kuhl Lab research assistant, UO Global Health Group research assistant, and VIM.
In my free time: I like to spend time with my family, workout, dance, and do crafts.
I'm a fan of: God, my mom, latin music, and my little dogs
I'm a peer mentor because: I want to be a resource for incoming freshman in their college journey.
When I was a freshman, I wish I knew: about the many events, clubs, and research opportunities that begin early on in the year.
Anna Park (she/her/hers)
Hometown: Madras
Year at UO: Junior
Major: Political Science
Activities: I enjoy being involved in cultural clubs, such as Asian and Pacific Student Union and Korean Student Association, and attending lectures by guest speakers.
In my free time, I: like to play tennis, take pictures, and cook for my friends.
I’m a fan of: Cats.
I’m a Peer Mentor because: I want to build and maintain meaningful relationships with my peers to best support one another.
When I was a first-year student, I wish I knew: No one has all their future planned out and if any time is the time to make mistakes, it’s now in college.
Ronan Santaniello (he/him)
Hometown: Orange, CA
Year at UO: Sophomore
Major: Anthropology, minor in Classic Civilizations
Activities: Intramural soccer, club Cross Country, Anthropology Club
In my free time, I: run, enjoy the outdoors, eat yummy food, listen to music, and hang out with my friends
I’m a Peer Mentor because: helping, teaching, and mentoring peers is quite fulfilling to me. I am also excited to participate more in the CHC community and pour back into the support systems that were so helpful to me my freshman year.
Sam Schroeder (he/him/his)
Hometown: Eugene
Year at UO: Senior
Major: Economics; minor in Creative Writing
Activities: Skiing; Climbing; Ultimate Frisbee
In my free time, I: enjoy exploring the mountains in Oregon and playing guitar.
I’m a fan of: Settlers of Catan
I’m a Peer Mentor because: the Honors College rocks and it's great to work with.
When I was a first-year student, I wish I knew: more about the thesis process. It's not as scary as it sounds.