What is a Peer Mentor?
Peer Mentors are 快播视频 student leaders who support, challenge, and inspire! They recognize the needs of their peers and can offer support, provide information about on-campus resources, and keep you up to date with engagement opportunities across campus. They are also passionate about building community and helping their peers succeed. Peer Mentors host workshops and events all semester long!
Follow us on Instagram at @occstudentequity to stay up-to-date on all of our events!
Mentors can:
- Support you in navigating your first year in college
- Answer questions and direct you to on-campus resources
- Build connections and community among peers
- Provide insight on what it looks like to a successful student at 快播视频 Coast College!
Isa Quitugua (They/Them/Theirs)
Major: Natural Sciences
Why did you decide to become a peer mentor?
I was met with a welcoming and friendly community my first year through Student Equity, and was presented with the opportunity to help make that atmosphere for incoming students through Peer Mentoring. It seemed like a great way to get involved on campus while also helping incoming students navigate their transition to the college experience.
Hobbies & interests:
My hobbies include art, sewing, Dungeons & Dragons, and jewelry making. I'm interested in cooking, learning about the human body, and art history! I also love live music and going to concerts.
Favorite Movie: The Birdcage
Favorite Dessert: Ice Cream
Helena Tran (She/Her/Hers)
Major: Studio Arts & Architecture
Why did you decide to become a peer mentor?
I decided to become a Peer Mentor because when I was an incoming student here at 快播视频, I was completely lost with the entire college system in general. However I met with a counselor before the semester started which gave me such a great understanding of the whole process. This helped encourage my journey here and I would like to be a guiding figure and aid those nervous/uninformed about 快播视频.
Hobbies & interests:
My interests include playing video games with my friends, listening to music, as well as designing.
Favorite TV Show: Adventure Time
Favorite Dessert: Brownies
Styx Serrano (He/Him/They/Them)
Major: Culinary & Baking
Why did you decide to become a peer mentor?
I decided to become a peer mentor to learn about other students experiences and share my own. I know I struggled a bit my first two semesters, but if I could help someone else struggle a little less I would be happy. I'm also a very out queer person and I want other LGBTQ+ students to have someone to talk to whether it be academic or life wise.
Something you do for self-care!
I love to take naps to mentally recharge. I've got a talent of being able to sleep anywhere. Whenever I can I also bury my face in my cats belly and just breathe. It's a great way to just reset.
Favorite Movie: Howl's Moving Castle
Favorite Famous Figure: Pedro Pascal
Leif Speck (they/them/theirs)
Major: Elementary Education
Why did you decide to become a peer mentor?
I want to have a hand in building and maintaining a safe community at 快播视频 and possibly make someone else's time here easier, especially for people who feel they are 'too nuanced' to have a space to feel welcome.
Something you do for self-care!
I make sure to set boundaries around having enough time to take care of myself, I watch my comfort content, I hang out with my dog, and watch things with my mom.
Favorite dessert or treat: Dr. Pepper float
Hobbies & Interests: Dungeons and Dragons, sewing, making digital art, playing webkinz
Ari Gutierrez (she/her/hers)
Major(s):
Psychology & Biology
Why did you decide to become a peer mentor?
I would love to create a safe space/environment for incoming college students to express themselves and ask for help/ resources they may require. I have been wanting to become more involved on campus and this was the perfect opportunity while spreading positivity and diversity!!
Hobbies & Interests: I am what most people would call an old soul, I love to read and cuddle up with my cats. I recently picked up knitting so I often spend my time at home or the beach working on knitting projects 🧶!!!
Something you do for self-care!
I love to put on a comfort movie, snuggle up with my cat and enjoy my comfort foods!!
Walter Yuen (he/him/his)
Major:
Meteorology
Why did you decide to become a peer mentor?
Being someone who consistently received help when I was a newbie at school and in this country, I would definitely hope to give my help to this school and society. Student Equity could provide encouragement and immense support to others in the same situation as me.
Hobbies & Interests: Playing video games is my main hobby. I like swimming sometimes and playing badminton too. I might also fly planes sometimes.
Something you do for self-care!
Treating me to something better! Go somewhere nice, buy something new, hang out with friends to wind down the spirit, and make you motivated for the next challenge.
Anastasia Levenets Fedortsova (she/her/hers)
Major(s):
Political Science
Why did you decide to become a peer mentor?
I decided to become a peer mentor because I truly enjoyed the events and program activities put on by peer mentors the year prior; these small drop in hours were a great way for me to stay informed about opportunities on campus, and also get to know my fellow peers in the student equity program!
Hobbies & Interests: In my free time I enjoy making press on nails, and doing my own acrylic sets!
Something you do for self-care!
For self care I often head to the gym to destress. I also thrift to spoil myself (frugally) and read thrilling books.
Isabelle Le (she/her/hers)
Major(s): Business Administration
Why did you decide to become a peer mentor?
I decided to become a peer mentor to assist fellow students navigating college. I remember how lost I was and my challenges and difficulties being a first-generation incoming college student. I was inspired to aid others because I want people to feel welcomed and comfortable during their experience at 快播视频 too!
Hobbies & Interests:
My hobbies and interests include playing RPG video games, digital art, K-pop, and reading manga.
Something you do for self-care!
I enjoy visiting cafes to grab lattes and pastries (I love getting myself a sweet treat) or having afternoon tea and picnics with friends.
Juan Gonzalez (he/him/his)
Major(s): Mathematics
Why did you decide to become a peer mentor?
I decided to become a peer mentor because I am passionate about supporting others in their academic journey. I aim to offer encouragement and guidance, especially during difficult times. My goal is to contribute positively to our community and help others navigate their challenges and opportunities.
Hobbies & Interests:
During the summer, I attempt to learn hobbies & interests for stress relief. I enjoy crocheting plushies to give to my friends and create Pokémon figures with perler beads.
Something you do for self-care!
I enjoy listening to music from artists like Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, and Melanie Martinez, as their tunes always help me maintain a positive attitude. I also love taking nap (1 hr - 3 hr).
Makayla Vincent (she/her/hers)
Major(s): Business Administration
Why did you decide to become a peer mentor?
As a first-generation student, and after moving to Costa Mesa by myself in my freshman year, I entered 快播视频 feeling anxious and nervous about what lay ahead. However, I soon discovered the abundant support available to me. I hope that by being a peer mentor, I can provide the same support that I received when I was an incoming student.
Hobbies & Interests:
I love going to cafes to try new drinks with my friends! I also enjoy watching K-dramas and discovering new cuisines in my free time.
Something you do for self-care!
As part of my self-care, I always find playing the piano therapeutic! I also love baking a sweet treat, hanging out with friends, walking in nature, and cuddling up with my favorite shows.
Richard Vu (he/him/his)
Major(s):
Computer Science
Why did you decide to become a peer mentor?
During Summer Orientation, Student Equity helped me feel welcome, make new friends, and realize that maybe life wouldn't be so bad after all at 快播视频. I decided to become a peer mentor after that so that I can help other students feel welcome and be able to look back on their time here fondly. And also because the free food too 😎
Hobbies & Interests: Playing video games, obsessing over fantasy books and D&D, or hanging out with friends! The dream in the future is to one day make my own game :)
Something you do for self-care!
Self-care usually depends on my mood, but journaling or drawing while listening to music is really cathartic for me! Taking evening / night walks also help to relax me and get my thoughts in order ❤️
Are you interested in becoming a peer mentor?
Peer Mentor Responsibilities
- Serve as a resource for new 快播视频 students
- Serve as a positive role model
- Refer students to appropriate campus and/or community resources
- Attend meetings, trainings, and workshops to increase knowledge, awareness, and skills regarding equity and inclusion at 快播视频 Coast College
- Work with program staff to develop workshops around topics pertinent to student success for 快播视频 students
- Assist with data collection and file maintenance
- Participate in weekly staff meetings
- Meet regularly with staff advisor
- Clerical office support, such as answering phones, filing, sorting mail.
- Other duties as assigned
Recruitment
Recruitment will begin in April so be sure to come back and apply if you are interested in becoming a peer mentor!
Questions?
Contact us at studentequity.cccd.edu or call (714) 432-6847