Peer Mentors

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Peer Mentors

The Peer Mentor Program assists incoming Honors students to become comfortable within our learning community. Once our Mentors are selected, they go through training before working one on one with their assigned students.

Peer mentors are friendly guides to the Honors Program and assist the newbies in understanding the Honors point system and how to get involved in Honors activities quickly and easily. They assist freshmen in the transition from high school to UIW, showing them the ropes on what it takes to perform well academically. For both transfer and freshman students, peer mentors are a prime resource for how things work on campus and how to find out what's happening at UIW and around town--socially, culturally and intellectually.

2021-2022 Peer Mentors

Elizabeth Doan | Peer Mentor Coordinator Open

Hometown: Orange, TX

Expected Graduation Year: May 2023

Major(s): Biochemistry

Email: edoan@student.uiwtx.edu

Housing Status: Resident

About me:

My name is Elizabeth Doan, and I am a third-year biochemistry student living on-campus for the 2021-2022 school year! Aside from my interest in medicine and science, I am an avid shopper, a dog lover, and adventurous foodie. I also enjoy participating a clubs and organizations including:

Student Government Association (SGA)
Cardinal Chemistry Scholars
Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)
Student Ambassadors
UIW Mission and Ministry
Joint Admission Medical Program (JAMP)
Vietnamese Eucharistic Youth Movement (VEYM)
Asian and Pacific Islander American (APIA) Scholars

Why I chose to be an Honors leader:

I chose to be a student leader to become more involved in the Honors Program and learn more about what it means to be an Honors student.

Cristian Gonzalez | Peer Mentor Coordinator Open

Hometown: Brownsville, TX

Expected Graduation Year: 2022

Major(s): Biology, with a concentration in Neuroscience

Email: cggonza3@student.uiwtx.edu

Housing Status: Commuter

About me:

Hello! My name is Cristian Gonzalez and I am a Senior here at UIW. I am a Biology major with a concentration in neuroscience, and I will be going to medical school next year to pursue my dream of becoming a physician. I am one of this year's Peer Mentor Coordinators, and I look forward to working with all of you!

Why I chose to be an Honors leader:

I wanted to ensure that incoming students receive all the necessary information to complete their college career with honors. Community is important to me and I wanted to help create an inviting and fun community in the honors program.

I am also a tutor for biology and chemistry so if you encounter any struggles with those classes, I am more than happy to help. Despite being a commuter, I still get the chance to participate in activities and events that happen on campus. Overall, joining the Honors Program has been one of the best decisions I have made, and I know you’ll love it too!

Shivani Akula Open

Hometown: New Braunfels, TX

Expected Graduation Year: 2022

Major(s): Biochemistry

Minor: Psychology

Email: akula@student.uiwtx.edu

Housing Status: Commuter

About me:

Hey everyone! My name is Shivani and I am a senior majoring in biochemistry and minoring in psychology. I am currently part of the UIW School of Osteopathic Medicine Direct Admit Program, the Pre-Med Society, and the Psych Society. I am also doing breast cancer research with a professor on campus. I work at UIW tutoring center as one of the writing and science tutors.  On my down time, I like to go on social media, watch Netflix, listen to music, read, and volunteer at Methodist Stone Oak Hospital. Being a historian for honors allows me to enjoy all the wonderful events that honors has to offer and capture them by taking pictures. We always have so much fun in each and every event so being able to take pictures and making videos will allow me to relive these wonderful times.

Why I chose Honors:

I am passionate about the honors program and I want to help it thrive even after I graduate. I hope to help others the way members in honors have done for me.

Fatima Ali Open

Hometown: San Antonio, TX

Expected Year of Graduation: 2022

Major(s): Biology, with a concentration in Neuroscience

Housing Status: Commuter

Hometown: San Antonio, TX

About me:

Hi! My name is Fatima and I commute to school every day. This is my second year here at UIW studying biology, as well as my second year in the Honors Program. I’m really glad I joined this program because so many of my peers share the same dedication and drive as I do. It’s a great place to meet with like-minded people who only wish the best for you. It has also given the opportunity to do a lot of things that I normally would not have done on my own and which help you grow as a person.

Besides the Honors Program, I am a member of UIW School of Medicine’s Direct Admit Program and the Biology Club, service coordinator for the Pre-SOMA Club, and secretary of the Muslim Student Association. I also recently joined Dr. Acosta’s neuro-regenerative research lab, and I volunteer at El Bari Community Health Center on the weekends. During my free time, I enjoy reading and learning about all kinds of different things!

Why I chose Honors:

I wanted to meet my people. I knew it would add an extra dimension to my college career that would enable meeting new people and having new experiences that I otherwise may not get.

Mayte Alvarado Open

Hometown: San Antonio, TX

Expected Graduation Year: 2024

Major(s): Psychology

Email: mjalvar1@student.uiwtx.edu

Housing Status: Commuter

About me:

My name is Mayte Alvarado. I am a first-generation college student, oldest of three daughters, and I am a second year studying Psychology. I love my family and I love to travel. Seeing new places with them is what gets me excited about life and my future. The Peer Mentor Program is always pushing me to stay consistent and to pursue the wildest of goals I may have. The opportunity to be around students that believe in me and what we all do is why I love the program and its members.

Why I chose Honors:

The Honors Program in general provided me with access to a community of individuals who were as driven and determined as I was. I wanted to at the heart of this community and really improve what was and is a strong group of students who can and will do more in UIW. I wanted to be a part of something that I care about and for people that I know care about me.

Nancy Coe Open

Hometown: San Antonio, TX

Expected Graduation Year: 2022

Major(s): Biology

Minor(s): Philosophy

Email: ncoe@student.uiwtx.edu

Housing Status: Commuter

About me:

My name is Nancy Coe! I am a senior this year, majoring in biology and minoring in philosophy. I am an adventure junkie so I love going outdoors and getting my adrenaline pumping through activities like motorsports, scuba diving, paddle boarding, hiking, etc. Serving as the Honor's Engagement Coordinator has pushed me to not only become more active within UIW and The Honors Program, but has allowed me to discover so many incredible events and opportunities in the San Antonio community that I hope to share with you throughout the year!

Leticia De Léon Open

Hometown: Austin, TX

Expected Graduation Year: 2023

Major(s): Cultural Studies and Spanish

Minor(s): Music

Email: lmdeleon@student.uiwtx.edu

Housing Status: On-Campus Resident

About me:

Hello! My name is Leticia De León and I am a third year junior here at UIW. I enjoy the fine arts and literature. I also love to watch movies and Japanese animation. I joined the Honors Program because both my parents encouraged me greatly to apply when I was looking at UIW as a high school senior. They believed that I could be a part of an organization like the Honors Program before I did myself. For that I am very grateful to them. Besides being a member of the Program I also play in the second violin section of the UIW Community Orchestra. Since I am from Austin, I have been living on campus since freshman year, my current building is the Hillside residence hall.

In my free time, I like to go on social media, watch Netflix, listen to music, and learn how to cook. As a peer mentor, I am here to help you in your transition through your first year of college. I welcome you to the Honors Program and cannot wait to see what the next year holds for us.

Why I chose Honors:

I was highly encouraged by my parents to join the Program so that I could have a community to be a part of while I was away from home that would challenge me and welcome me at school.

Victoria Doan Open

Hometown: Orange, TX

Expected Graduation Year: 2022

Major(s): Biochemistry

Email: vdoan@student.uiwtx.edu

Housing status: On-campus Resident

About me:

Welcome to the Honors Program! This program has given me so many opportunities for academic and personal growth. Immersing myself in honors through our Arts and Music Festival, culture café, and EDGE events has truly allow me to grow and I cannot wait to share these insightful experiences with you!

In my spare time, I enjoy petting dogs, taking ten minute naps, and falling off my longboard. In the future, I hope to make a meaningful impact on others as a physician.

Why I chose Honors:

The Honors Program has given me endless opportunities to grow as an individual. I hope to pay it forward through guiding and supporting one another in the program.

Gabriela Espinoza Open

Hometown: San Antonio, TX

Expected Graduation Year: 2023

Major(s): Finance

Housing Status: Commuter

About me:

I am Gabriela Espinoza, a commuter and current junior pursuing a double major in Finance and Statistics. Some of the things I love to do include sketching, reading, dancing, spending time with family and friends, and volunteering. One thing I love about the Honors Program is that I have learned a lot about a variety of different subjects that I had not thought about or explored in depth before. Besides the Honors Program, I am also a member of the UIW Business Club, and spend most of my free time working as a math tutor.

Why I chose Honors:

I chose the Honors Program because it offers many opportunities and benefits for their students, which provides a better college experience. I also joined because I knew this organization was going to challenge me and prepare me for life after college. I was also motivated to become a member because I knew that I would find other peers like myself, that are dedicated to their studies and strive to achieve their goals.

Journie Gaeta Open

Hometown: San Antonio, TX

Expected Graduation Year: 2023

Major(s): Biology

Minor(s): Cultural studies with a concentration in Asian Studies

Email: jgaeta@student.uiwtx.edu

Housing Status: Commuter

About Me:

My name is Journie and this is my third year in the Honors Program. I joined the Honors Program with the hope to become more involved in my community and find more opportunities at UIW to make the best of my time here. Throughout my time in the program my hopes have definitely been fulfilled.

Besides Honors, I am also a part of UIW’s Direct Admit Program for UIWSOM and an officer in Pre-SOMA and SACNAS. I also conduct research in the lab with Dr. Veronica Acosta. My goal is to become a physician and help provide care to underserved communities. In my free time I usually paint, read, listen to music, dance or support different artists I love.

Why I chose Honors:

I choose the honors program because I was looking for more opportunities to get involved in my community as well as UIW. I also hope to have more chances to network and meet new people.

Alejandra Gonzalez Open

Hometown: Eagle Pass, TX

Expected Graduation Year: 2022

Major: Nursing

Housing Status: On-Campus | Honors LLC Resident Assistant

About me:

Hello, my name is Alejandra but I usually go by Ale. I am currently in Level 3 of the nursing program and enjoy reading books and studying languages. I love the honors program because it is a great way to meet new people and because of the many opportunities that it offers. Besides being in the Honor's program, I am also a student ambassador and a resident on campus.

Why I chose Honors:

I choose the Honors program because of the great resources and opportunities it offers and to meet new people.

Adriana Guerra Open

Hometown: Dallas, TX

Expected Graduation Year: 2022

Major: Rehabilitative Science

Minor: Psychology

Email: adguerr1@student.uiwtx.edu

Housing status: On-Campus Resident

About me:

My name is Adriana, and I'm a senior at UIW. I am majoring in Rehab Science with a concentration in Pre-Physical Therapy and a minor in Psychology. I chose physical therapy as my career because I really value what physical therapists offer to communities, and I love learning about different treatments for injuries. In my free time, I enjoy growing my relationship with Jesus, reading, exercising, and cooking. I joined the Honors Program because I wanted to be challenged in my academics. I really enjoy learning, and the Honors Program ensures we are provided with wonderful and enthusiastic professors that go out of their way to provide us the ultimate learning experience. Outside of the Honors program, I do a lot with the Special Olympics College Club where I am the VP. I also enjoy spending time with the Sustainability Club and working at the clothing store Aerie.

Why I chose Honors:

I wanted to be challenged in my academics, create professional relationships/connections, and be encouraged to help others by like-minded people.

David Hefner Open

Hometown: San Antonio, TX

Expected Graduation Year: 2023

Major(s): English

Minor(s): Education

Email: dhefner@student.uiwtx.edu

Housing Status: Commuter

About me:

My name is David Hefner, and I was born and raised here in San Antonio. I’m a junior majoring in English, and I commute to school. I love photography and traveling – I’ve been to almost a dozen national parks! I’m quite active on campus; I was involved in two math clubs/organizations before I switched my major, and now I’m a member of INK (the university’s English club). I’d say my favorite thing about the Honors Program is the welcoming and supportive community it fosters.

Why I chose Honors:

I chose the Honors Program because I have always enjoyed challenge and pushing myself above and beyond requirements, and I wanted to join a community with a similar mindset.

Daniel Lovasz Open

Hometown: San Antonio, TX

Expected Graduation Year: 2022

Major(s): Biology

Housing Experience: On-Campus Resident

About me:

My name is Daniel Lovasz, I am a track and Field athlete, Science Tutor and EMT. I am majoring in Biology and am on a Pre-med track. I enjoy running, working out, playing the piano, and spending time with friends and family.

Why I chose Honors:

I joined the honors program to explore my own interests and grow in my personal development. I like the honors program because it is full of great interesting people. The honors program gives me the opportunity to help others and share my knowledge.

Abby Miller Open

Hometown: San Antonio, TX

Expected Graduation Year: 2024

Major(s): Rehabilitative Sciences

Email: aemille2@student.uiwtx.edu

Housing Status: On-Campus Resident Assistant

About me:

My name is Abby Miller, and I am a resident assistant in Sky View as well as a diver on the UIW Swimming and Diving Team! I have a Pre-Med track with the hopes of one day being a Plastic surgeon. I'm from San Antonio and have grown up here since I was 4, and I have a passion for baking and Hell's Kitchen!

Why I chose Honors:

I wanted to be a part of an organization that celebrates differences, and helps students professionally.

Isabel Morales Open

Hometown: San Antonio, TX

Expected Graduation Year: 2024

Major(s): Graphic Design

Minor(s): Marketing

Email: icmorale@student.uiwtx.edu

Housing Status: Commuter

About me:

My name is Isabel Morales and I am a peer mentor for the 2021-2022 school year. I'm a Graphic Design Major with a Marketing Minor currently. I have a job working at a cake place on the weekends and am currently a commuter, but am excited to try new on campus events this year. I enjoy drawing and writing, but also play a few video games from time to time, and my favorite flavor of water is cold.

Why I chose Honors:

I joined mainly because I was interested in finding a group of people who are also interested in pursuing a deeper understanding of their field of study but also in using college as a chance to become more balanced people.

Jaclyn Moreno Open

Hometown: San Antonio, TX

Expected Graduation Year: 2023

Major(s): Business Administration, Pre-Pharmacy track

Concentration/Minor: Management, Biology

Housing Experience: Commuter

About me:

Welcome to UIW and the Honors Program! My name is Jaclyn Moreno and I am a Junior pursuing my degree in Business Administration with a Concentration in Management and Pre-Pharmacy with a Minor in Biology. My current aspirations are to attend pharmacy school and eventually become a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in Critical Care. I chose to join the Honors Program because I was interested in surrounding myself with diverse minds who share a passion for developing as future leaders in our community. Though I am a commuter, I am actively involved on-campus as a Peer Mentor in the Honors Program, President of the Pre-Pharmacy Association, a Student Ambassador, and a member of the Business Club. When I am not on campus, you can most likely find me doing research at the Feik School of Pharmacy! We are currently studying the biotransformation of the plant growth regulator, Forchlorfenuron, by fungi and are in the process of finalizing a publication surrounding this research. I look forward to welcoming you to UIW and the Honors community next semester!

Why I chose Honors:

I chose to join the Honors Program because I was interested in surrounding myself with diverse minds who share a passion for developing as future leaders in our community.

Justin Nguyen Open

Hometown: San Antonio, TX

Expected Graduation Year: 2023

Major(s)/Minor(s): Biology

Email: jtnguye2@student.uiwtx.edu

Housing status: Commuter

About me:

I am a 2nd year Biology student and I wish to pursue a career somewhere within the healthcare/science field although currently I'm not sure exactly as what yet. I joined the Honors Program to have a great environment in college to grow with others and discover new paths for me. With my interests, I'm in a series of related clubs such as UIW Pre-med society, UIW Pre-Soma, and UIW Biology Club and I commute to campus.

Why I chose Honors:

I chose the Honors Program because it was a great way for me to be involved in a close community similar to how it was in previous years for high school. Being involved in a community creates a great environment for me to feel comfortable and secure as I move along in my undergraduate career and what I can give back from the opportunities that Honors provides. These help push me to develop as an individual overall and see what endeavors I am able to take part in and what I gain from them.

Rozlynn Olivas Open

Hometown: San Antonio, TX

Expected Graduation Year: 2024

Major(s): Graphic Design

Minor(s): Computer Information Systems

Email: rmolivas@student.uiwtx.edu

Housing status: Commuter

About me:

Hello, everyone! My name is Rozlynn Olivas and I am a Graphic Design student with a minor in Computer Information Systems. I am currently a sophomore, but upon graduating, I hope to pursue a career in web and application design.

Outside of class, I have a work-study position in the Dean's Office for the School of Media and Design. I am also involved in UIW's chapter of AIGA, a student-based organization of graphic designers. During my free time, I enjoy watching movies, doing yoga, playing with my dogs, and spending time with my family.

This year will be my second year in the Honors Program and my first year as a Peer Mentor. While I was nervous to join the Honors Program, I quickly realized how supportive, welcoming, and easy-going all my fellow Honors students were. I loved being able to make friends quickly and having a familiar face in all my classes to make my transition to UIW much smoother. I am looking forward to my second year in the Honors Program and meeting more of you!

Why I chose Honors:

I was interested in joining the Honors Program because I knew the program was deeply concerned with pushing its students to be the best version of themselves that they can be. Now, I am continuously inspired by the amazing students and faculty that I encounter in the Honors Program and always strive to do more and be more.

Haylee Peterson Open

Hometown: San Antonio, TX

Expected Graduation Year: 2022

Major(s): Nursing

Housing Experience: Commuter

Email: hrpeters@student.uiwtx.edu

About me:

Hello! My name is Haylee Peterson. I love reading and taking care of my house plants in my spare time. I joined the honors program to get the most out of my time in college. I commute to campus and I am the secretary on the student nursing board and I am a member of Trio.

Why I chose Honors:

I chose the honors program so that I could be a part of something bigger that would set me apart as a student.

Madison Stevenson Open

Hometown: Flagstaff, AZ

Expected Graduation Year: 2024

Major: Vision Science

Email: mastevenson@student.uiwtx.edu

Housing Experience: On-Campus Resident

About me:

Hi there! So far, being a part of the Honors Program has given me a beautiful community of hardworking and friendly peers that I can only grow with. Along with this, I have been able to grow my horizons of public speaking and taking the first steps to make a lasting impact on UIW's and the surrounding community. When I have the time, I like to run and workout to balance the busy school, work and social life balance. Currently, I am residing in Skyview and have had the great gift of being a part of the African Society Organization and the National Society of Leadership and Success Chapter at UIW. I am beyond excited to be able to continue the rest of this year, and only develop and grow alongside some of UIW"s finest.

Why I chose Honors:

I chose the Honors Program to be a part of something bigger than myself and work to create an approachable and helpful environment of the community around us!

Arianna Villarreal Open

Arianna Villarreal Hometown: San Antonio, TX

Expected Graduation: 2022

Major(s): Psychology and Criminal Justice

Email: arvilla6@student.uiwtx.edu

Housing Experience: Commuter

About me:

My name is Arianna or Ari. I enjoy drawing/painting, going to coffee shops, boba runs, picnics, and spending time with friends/family. I joined Honors because it offers a lot of opportunities and pushes me to do things I normally wouldn't’t do on a daily basis. I am a member of Psi-Chi as well as Secretary of Psych Society. I am a commuter.

Why I chose Honors:

I wanted to seek out more opportunities and overcome challenges while also meeting new people who share similar ambitions.

Alison Wissa Open

Hometown: San Antonio, TX

Expected Graduation Year: 2022

Major(s): Biology

Email: awissa@student.uiwtx.edu

Housing Experience: Commuter

About Me:

My name is Alison Wissa, and I am a junior biology major on the pre-med track. I am a commuter. I joined the Honors program to challenge myself and to be in a community with like-minded peers. The organizations I am involved in on campus are the Direct Admit Program for the School of Osteopathic Medicine, Pre-SOMA, Biology Club, and Student Ambassadors.

Why I chose Honors:

I chose to be part of the Honors Program because of the community it provides as well as the great opportunities it enables me to be involved in. It allows me to challenge myself and explore different things that are out of my comfort zone.

Andrea Wissa Open

Hometown: San Antonio, TX

Expected Graduation Year: 2022

Major(s): Biology

Housing Experience: Commuter

Email: wissa@student.uiwtx.edu

About me:

My name is Andrea Wissa and I am a third year Biology major but am classified as a senior. I am a commuter. I am in the Direct Admit program for the School of Osteopathic Medicine and am also a member of the Student Ambassadors organization as well as Biology Club and Pre-SOMA. I chose the Honors Program because I wanted to challenge myself. I didn't’t want to just do the minimum. I wanted to gain unique experiences and attain access to resources I wouldn't’t have been able to get otherwise all while meeting new people with the same mindset and goals.

Why I chose Honors:

I chose the Honors Program because I wanted to challenge myself. I didn't want to just do the minimum. I wanted to gain unique experiences and attain access to resources I wouldn't’t have been able to get otherwise all while meeting new people with the same mindset and goals.