Aidan Oakes – Senior Peer Advisor
Second Year PA
What is one thing all first year students should know?Don’t wish you would have done something, go for it and don’t regret it.
What else are you involved in? I am also a Patriot Leader with NSFP!
Alaina Johansson
Second Year PA
What is one thing all first year students should know? 🙂
What else are you involved in? ZTA
Alex Dzuricky – Peer Program Coordinator: Training
Third Year PA
What is one thing all first year students should know?Don’t sign up for classes on Mondays. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself for having 3-day weekends all semester
What else are you involved in? Model United Nations, the Intelligence Community Club, sometimes Student Media
Ana Teresa
Second Year PA
What is one thing all first year students should know? Take time for yourself and your well-being!
What else are you involved in?Gamma Phi Beta, Mason Ambassadors, and Patriot Leader
Anelva Corcos Beltran
Second Year PA
What is one thing all first year students should know?Something all first-year students should know is that everyone is feeling the same way they are. Don’t be scared, put yourself out there.
What else are you involved in? Besides being a Peer Advisor, I’ve done Patriot Leader, been a Mentor to First-year students, and currently am involved in Mason Dreamers and Hispanic Student Association.
Anna Dua – Senior Peer Advisor
Third Year PA
What is one thing all first year students should know?Become a part of something bigger than yourself!
What else are you involved in? President of Alpha Xi Delta and Marketing Intern for Admissions
Arturo Barrera
First Year PA
What is one thing all first year students should know? Network!
What else are you involved in? Águilas Mentoring Program and Christians on Campus
Ayanna Hairston – Peer Program Coordinator: Curriculum and Outreach
Second Year PA
What is one thing all first year students should know? Stay as true to yourself as possible and be patient, as good things are coming.
What else are you involved in? CRU
Bianca Kwan
Second Year PA
What is one thing all first year students should know? First-year students should all know that the Globe is the best dining hall on campus, and that’s the tea.
What else are you involved in? Two research assistantships- 1). Dr. Blake Silver in the Honors College, studying First Generation American (FGA) college seniors. 2). Work with the Social Work Integrative Research Lab (SWiRL), exploring health directives with older adults. I am also currently a member of the Filipino Cultural Association (FCA) on campus. Additionally, I work as a hostess off campus at Jackson’s in Reston Town Center.
Camden Powers – Peer Program Coordinator: Recruitment and Selection
Second Year PA
What is one thing all first year students should know? It’s okay to put yourself out there! Don’t be afraid to just be YOU.
What else are you involved in? Honors College Recruitment Team and Christians on Campus
Cami Slingerland
First Year PA
Why did you become a PA? My former PA recommended me!
What is one thing all first year students should know? Classes can get super hard so try your best to do well in them!
What else are you involved in? I’m also a Resident Assistant and in Zeta Tau Alpha sorority!
Carolyn Mason
First Year PA
What is one thing all first year students should know? All first-year students should know that there are people at this university who are here to help you, and making use of them is to your benefit, not a burden.
What else are you involved in? I am a member of Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity, I work in the psychology department, and I am going to join the new Anthropology club, as well a trip leader for Project Peak!
Chris Glock
Second Year PA
What is one thing all first year students should know? 🙂
What else are you involved in? Intervarsity, Outdoor Adventures, and Project Peak!
Claire Gugerty
First Year PA
Corwin Matthews
First Year PA
What is one thing all first year students should know? I’m studying as a double major in Conflict Analysis/Resolution and Global Affairs and also currently pursuing a dual accelerated masters in both programs. Yes, it is possible to double major and be involved!
What else are you involved in? I’m a Resident Assistant (RA) Involved in Students Demand Action
Dianna Virath
Second Year
What is one thing all first year students should know? College is a new chapter of your lives! It is the time to really find out what your interests are and who you are as an individual. Take advantage of all the amazing things Mason has to offer and grow!!
DJ Harrison– Senior Peer Advisor
Second Year PA
What is one thing all first year students should know? TextSelect at Fenwick has copies of every textbook over $50 that you can rent for 2 hours at a time!
What else are you involved in? I’m a copy editor for the Fourth Estate, and a member of the Chemistry Club and Patriots for Choice.
Dom Galarza
First Year PA
What is one thing all first year students should know? Go socialize and have fun!!!
What else are you involved in? Mason Ambassadors, Drone Research and Development
Elena McVadon
First Year PA
What is one thing all first year students should know? Mason is a lot bigger than it looks, there is opportunity everywhere!
What else are you involved in? I’m a member of the Alpha Omicron Pi sorority, I play club field hockey, and I have an off campus job, along with being a Peer Advisor here!
Evan Kreiensieck
First Year PA
What is one thing all first year students should know? The Globe is worth the walk
What else are you involved in? I am a Lead Mentor for the Honors College and will be training the new Peer Mentors for the HNRS 110 classes this fall! I’m also a part of the Honors College Recruitment Team, Honors College Curriculum Development Team, and will be volunteering with Girls on the Run this semester.
Gemma Carretta
First Year PA
What is one thing all first year students should know? Prioritize your mental health! Make sure that you’re taking some down time to relax, exercise, spend time with friends, and sleep. Having those breaks will make you a happier person and will actually improve your school work since you’ll be refreshed and have more energy to finish your assignments.
What else are you involved in? I am a Lead Mentor for the Honors College and will be training the new Peer Mentors for the HNRS 110 classes this fall! I’m also a part of the Honors College Recruitment Team, Honors College Curriculum Development Team, and will be volunteering with Girls on the Run this semester.
Georgia Metcalfe
First Year PA
What is one thing all first year students should know? How to get involved on campus! Go to Mason360.gmu.edu 🙂
What else are you involved in? I’m an Assistant Community Director for Housing and Residence Life and I’m a Peer Ambassador for the School of Integrative Studies.
GG Gizachew
First Year PA
What is one thing all first year students should know?Try to get involved as much as you can to make the most out of your college experience.
What else are you involved in? I am secretary of Volunteers around the world and plan to rush this fall!
Jackie Crowell
Second Year PA
What is one thing all first year students should know? That it’s okay to ask for help, in every aspect of your life.
What else are you involved in? 2 research projects focused on weather prediction, and hurricane forecasting.
Jordan Manley – Senior Peer Advisor
Third Year PA
What is one thing all first year students should know?I believe all first-year students should get to know their community. You all have picked Mason for a specific reason, but this is your time to explore and get involved with at least one aspect this campus has to offer.
What else are you involved in? Assistant Community Director, Resident Advisor, Mason Ambassador, Community Adjudication Board, Omega Phi Lambda
Kacie Zackin
First Year PA
What is one thing all first year students should know? That getting involved and making connections is the key to success!
What else are you involved in? Patriot leader, mason ambassadors, I’m an intern at the United States Department of Health and Human Services, PAC, currently rushing for a co-ed fraternity
Karely Carballo
First Year PA
What is one thing all first year students should know? Get involved on campus doing whatever you are passionate about and seek those opportunities and connections. Most importantly, have fun and don’t dwell or stress over the little things.
What else are you involved in? I’m the public relations chair of the HDFS student org, a member of the Mariposas club and Hispanic Student Organization.
Keren LeFranc
First Year PA
What is one thing all first year students should know? College is really a product of “what you put into life is what you get out.” When you study/work hard, your results will show through, and the same goes for procrastinating or being lazy.
What else are you involved in? Women of Color (WOC) Stem, Queen In You, and National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE).
Kerry Woolford
Second Year PA
What is one thing all first year students should know? Never be afraid to ask questions! There are resources abound here at Mason, you just have to inquire.
What else are you involved in? Housing Senior Staff at the Mason LIFE Program Peer Referral Leader at University Library
Liam Behan
Third Year PA
What is one thing all first year students should know? Never be ashamed to ask for help!
What else are you involved in? Study Abroad, worked in WGMU
Lindsay Crytzer
Third Year PA
What is one thing all first year students should know? Finding a core group of friends that are willing to step out of their comfort zones with you is key!
What else are you involved in? I am a member of the Women’s Ultimate Frisbee team and I run the employment component for the Mason LIFE program,
Madi Weirnusz
Third Year PA
What is one thing all first year students should know? College is what you make it, so you should make an effort to go to events and get involved with something outside of academics!
What else are you involved in? I work in the Student Involvement office, and I’m a Mason Ambassador.
Madison Eyer
Third Year PA
What is one thing all first year students should know? There will be times you won’t do well on a test, quiz, or paper. Don’t let that pull you down and define how you will do for the rest of the semester. It happens to everyone, brush it off, and continue to work hard.
What else are you involved in? Psychology research lab and Psi Chi honor society
Maqqie Yanchulis
Second Year PA
What is one thing all first year students should know? 🙂
What else are you involved in?
Marcel Kaid
First Year PA
What is one thing all first year students should know? Stay out of your dorm as much as possible and speak to different people on campus every day!
What else are you involved in? Collegiate Black Men, the LEAD Office, the Office of Sustainability, and the Black Student Alliance
Marina Li
First Year PA
What is one thing all first year students should know? College is SOOO MUCHHH more than just classes. If you do college right, it will change your life.
What else are you involved in? Patriot Activities Council (PAC), Her Campus, Student Government, Tedx, Campus Kitchen, Volition.
Meron Derseh
First Year PA
What is one thing all first year students should know? It’s awkward at the start.
What else are you involved in? I am a summer Peer Academic Advisor, I am a helper with the Mason life program, and I am a part of the ROTC program.
Natalie Ledesma
Second Year PA
What is one thing all first year students should know? All first year students should know that there are multiple resources on campus that can help them when they’re feeling overwhelmed/stressed and that knowing how to organize their study habits and prioritizing is are key ingredients to success.
What else are you involved in? I am a Maker Assistant at the MIX and I am involved in multiple organizations on campus, such as, Mural Brigade, Mason Illustrators, Filipino Cultural Association, Students Helping Honduras, and GMU Catholic Campus Ministry.
Nathan Ridings
First Year PA
What is one thing all first year students should know? Sleep is the most valuable resource you have in college, and you can have as much of it as you want/plan for.
What else are you involved in? I’m a film student, an RA, a trip leader with Outdoor Adventures, a member of the GMU chapter of Camp Kesem, and the Print Traffic Coordinator with the DC International Film Festival. I also volunteer with some indie film festivals in DC, and in my free time I like to go to the University Mall Theatre.
Nina Asghari Kamrani
Third Year PA
What is one thing all first year students should know? Be proactive in all aspects of your college career – ie. when finding friends, joining orgs, reaching out to Professors or TA’s/GA’s, finding internships/jobs, etc. Take the initiative, be bold, ask questions, get out of your comfort zone and go get whatever it is that you want! That’s a bit more than one thing, but that is my advice.
What else are you involved in? Alpha Lambda Delta and Beta Gamma Sigma
Nivedita Anjaria
Second Year PA
What is one thing all first year students should know? Take advantage of all the opportunities being given to you from the beginning. Go to all the events Mason has to offer, go see free performances at the CFA, go to sporting events, challenge yourself with an academic program or internship. College is an experience like no other and these opportunities won’t come as easily once you’ve left college, so make the most of it starting now!
What else are you involved in? I am currently doing research with the MODILS criminology lab and Honors Psychology program. I am in clubs such as the Psychology Club and the Indian Student Association. I am an Early Identification Program mentor and tutor, where I work with first generation students. I also have an off campus job doing ABA therapy with children with autism.
Olivia Reed
First Year PA
What is one thing all first year students should know? I believe all first-year students should know that they are not alone in this crazy college journey. We all in this together and there are loads of people to help you throughout this process (including me), so take advantage of them.
What else are you involved in? I am an assistant event planner and writer for Her Campus. I am also involved with Outdoor Adventures and Project Peak.
Peggy Zheng
Second Year PA
What is one thing all first year students should know? Be open-minded 🙂
What else are you involved in? I’m in a sorority and I’m in the Student Nurses Association!
Pragya Dhungana
Second Year PA
What is one thing all first year students should know? College is not just about getting good grades or getting internships and jobs to the best companies. In fact, college is about making new experiences, trying new adventures, taking advantage of several opportunities, exploring different cultures, expanding your resume and doing everything that you love.
What else are you involved in? I am also a member of NSA.
Raja Richmond-Sargent
First Year PA
What is one thing all first year students should know? 🙂
What else are you involved in?
Ruth Delgado
First Year PA
What is one thing all first year students should know? Have the best time of your lives at UNIV 100 because it is the only class that would be as fun as loose as it van get in college.
What else are you involved in? Kappa Delta, Peer Mentors
Ruth Mususa
Second Year PA
What is one thing all first year students should know? It’s ok not to have everything planned out yet. Never be afraid to ask for help no matter the situation.
What else are you involved in? CRU Campus Ministries
Sarah Crossen – Senior Peer Advisor
Second Year PA
What is one thing all first year students should know? College is a new opportunity to be the best, most authentic version of you or to figure out what that is. Make the most of the ideas and the spaces that foster that exploration.
What else are you involved in? LLC RA for Upper Level LGBTQ and Gender and Social Justice Lead Center Mentor for the Women and Gender Studies Center
Sarah Kurian
First Year PA
What is one thing all first year students should know? If it’s meant to be, it will be (apply to academics, job applications, clubs, friendships, etc.)
What else are you involved in? Patriot Leader, Mason Korea, MasonforSurvivors
Skylar Roberts
Third Year PA
What is one thing all first year students should know? Become involved at Mason!
What else are you involved in? The Omicron Rho Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Alpha Lambda Honor Society, My Natural, Mason Cable Network
Sohana Odari
First Year PA
What is one thing all first year students should know? One thing that all first-year students should know is college life is not just studying to get a degree. They need to go to events, participate and get involved with clubs and gain experience because these things will help people find more about themselves.
What else are you involved in? I am a member of NSA!
Sophie Karas
Second Year PA
What else are you involved in? Women’s Soccer
Tori Burns
Third Year PA
What is one thing all first year students should know?I had a great PA my freshmen year who inspired me to become a PA myself!
What else are you involved in? Women’s Track & Frield
Valerie Practor
Second Year PA
Why did you become a PA? It looked like a great opportunity to be more involved at school and a good way to make money during school.
What are you looking forward to with your UNIV class? The connection I will make with my class and how much I can teach them and learn from my students.
What else are you involved in? AOII, mason cable news and broadcasting, Study Abroad
Vivian Yu
Second Year PA
What is one thing all first year students should know There is so much different ways to get involved on campus – find your passion!
What else are you involved in? F1rst Gen Mason, Student Health Advisory Board, Peer Mentor