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).
Sam Brooks (he/him)
Hometown: Grants Pass, Oregon
Year at UO: Senior
Majors: History & Political Science
Activities: DND, Academic Tutor with Oregon Athletics, Undergraduate Research, Improv
In my free time, I: Read, write, listen to music, watch movies, play DND, spend time with friends and explore nature!
I'm a fan of: Trader Joe’s! The Pacific Northwest, basketball, cats, any and all history documentaries, and looking at maps.
I'm a Peer Mentor because: The Honors College has been one of the best outlets in college for meeting people and making genuine connections. I love getting to know new faces, and I always want to be someone that students can come to for advice, conversation, or just a supportive presence.
When I was a first year student, I wish I knew: That prioritizing connections and making friends is not as daunting as it seems, and that it is one of the most valuable experiences alongside academics!
Solange Dzeketey (she/her)
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Year at UO: Junior
Major: Communication Disorders and Sciences, Disability Studies
Activities: Best Buddies, National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association
In my free time, I: bake, crochet, play basketball, read.
I'm a fan of: the WNBA, University of Oregon sports, sunlight.
I'm a Peer Mentor because: I really appreciated Peer Mentors in my freshman year, so I want to give back!
When I was a first year student, I wish I knew: It’s okay if plans change.
Bryanna Prado
Hometown: Independence, Oregon
Year at UO: Junior
Major: Neuroscience
Activities: MAPS, KUHL Lab research assistant, Dean's Student Advisory Council member, UO Neuroscience Club, uomuxeres.
In my free time, I: like to go for walks, swim, and read books.
I'm a fan of: My little dogs and warm beaches.
I'm a Peer Mentor because: I want to support students through their first year and bring them hope and encouragement to fulfill their goals at UO.
When I was a first year student, I wish I knew: Of all the different resources and help there is to succeed.
Ami Purdue (she/her)
Hometown: Bellingham, Washington
Year at UO: Sophomore
Major: Violin Performance, Environmental Design
Activities: Japanese Student Association, Symphony Orchestra
In my free time, I: love to watch movies, do art, thrift, be in the outdoors, and spend time with friends and family.
I'm a fan of: really good food, Nara Yoshitomo, Letterboxd, and Twin Peaks
I'm a Peer Mentor because: I want to connect with others and be a part of building an amazing community within the Honors College.
When I was a first year student, I wish I knew: That it’s okay to not rush to make decisions regarding your major/degree path. It’s a process that includes experimenting and some trial and error.
Bella Peralta (she/her)
Hometown: McMinnville, OR
Year at UO: Junior
Major: Psychology + Legal Studies
Activities: UO College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Advisory Board, Wayne Morse Scholars program, student assistant at OVPRI, psychology peer tutor.
In my free time, I: hike, cook, work out and spend time with my family and friends.
I'm a fan of: sunsets, The Office, dogs, and cheesecake!
I'm a Peer Mentor because: I joined the CHC at the end of my first year and would have loved the support of a Peer Mentor at that time, so I hope to be that outlet for incoming freshman!
When I was a first year student, I wish I knew: Growth comes from uncomfortable moments.
Ronan Santaniello (he/him)
Hometown: Orange, CA
Year at UO: Junior
Major: Anthropology
Activities: Research, student worker
In my free time, I: work out, read, cook.
I'm a fan of: cats, good music, good food.
I'm a Peer Mentor because: I believe building relationships is the key component of the college experience, so I want to provide that for first year students navigating a daunting new environment.
When I was a first year student, I wish I knew: That everything would work out just fine.
Harini Sachidhanand (she/her)
Hometown: Portland, Oregon
Year at UO: Senior
Major: Data Science
Activities: Students for Global Health (SGH), South Asian Cultural Alliance (SACA), Global Health Research Group.
In my free time, I: love to dance, travel, and spend time with friends and family.
I'm a fan of: Gilmore Girls, fall, brunch, watching sunsets.
I'm a Peer Mentor because: I really enjoy connecting with people and helping them feel more at home at UO — I want first-years to know they have support and someone to talk to.
Aarav Shah (he/him)
Hometown: Portland, OR
Year at UO: Junior
Major: Business Admin + Economics
Activities: Oregon Consulting Group, Mohr Career Services
In my free time, I: Play soccer, learn songs on my guitar, watch movies, and find new places to eat.
I'm a fan of: Taco Bell, new music, all sports, FC Barcelona.
I'm a Peer Mentor because: I was lucky enough to have an incredible older brother and I want to reciprocate that support and encouragement to others.
When I was a first year student, I wish I knew: How important it is to put yourself out there and see what life has to offer!