Peer Mentoring Program: The College at Brockport

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Home/ First Year / Peer Mentoring Program The Peer Mentoring program at The College at Brockport matches entering freshmen with experienced and trained student mentors. Beginning in the summer prior to a freshman's first semester, mentors share college experiences and answer basic questions via e-mail and ANGEL (our campus course management system).

Incoming freshmen meet their mentors at an Academic Planning Seminar class during Welcome Week. Led by their mentor, first year students participate in a class activity inspired by our Freshman Summer Reading Book. First year students have several opportunities to get together throughout the first semester with their mentor.

Meet your 2012 Peer Mentors!

	Name: Jamal Anderson Major: Nursing Intent Hometown: Bronx, NY / Far Rockaway, NY Year: Sophomore Favorite thing about Brockport: The smaller environment. It's definitely a great change compared to New York City. Survival tip for first year students: Don't procrastinate and don't take sleep for granted. Both things will come back to haunt you.
	Name: David Babb Major: Recreation and Leisure Hometown: Kingston Jamaica / Brooklyn, NY Year: Junior Favorite thing about Brockport: The opportunities Brockport offers. Survival tip for first year students: Get involved, be proactive and simply enjoy your first year.
	Name: Christine Benincasa Major: Dance and Exercise Physiology Hometown: Holland Patent, NY Year: Senior Favorite thing about Brockport: The Hometown Atmosphere! Survival tip for first year students: Keep an open mind, relax, and learn how to be patient. All of your hard work may not pay off at first, but in the long run, it will. Also, become patient with new people with different ways of doing things.
	Name: Sarah Burke Major: Criminal Justice Minor: Psychology Hometown: Hamburg, NY Year: Senior Favorite thing about Brockport: Friendship Created and Canal Adventures! Survival tip for first year students: Be yourself? There are always people who will accept you for who you truly are. Get out there and don't be afraid to meet people because the other students are in the same boat as you!
	Name: Eboni Carman Major: English Creative Writing / Communications Hometown: NYC Year: Junior Favorite thing about Brockport: My favorite thing about Brockport is the friendly environment. Survival tip for first year students: Take as many different classes as you can freshman year to get a better feel of what you want to be. Don't wait until the last minute to explore!
	Name: Julie Clark Major: Nursing Intent Hometown: Sherburne, NY Year: Sophomore Favorite thing about Brockport: The welcoming atmosphere! Survival tip for first year students: Do not be afraid to try new things and talk to other students. Exploring and creating new friendships is a great part of college. Academic wise, make sure you stay organized and if you have a question, Ask!
	Name: Mary Clark Major: Criminal Justice Hometown: Bronx, NY Year: Sophomore Favorite thing about Brockport: My favorite thing about Brockport is the size of the college and the way the staff members are here to help you get settled into college and assist you with things that will help you do better. Survival tip for first year students: My freshman year survival tip is to get involved with on campus clubs and organizations. Try to participate in activities in your residence hall and in other residence halls. This will allow you to be more social and make friends.
	Name: Carissa Cromwell Major: Physical Education with an Adapted PE Concentration Hometowns: Schenectady, NY and Brooklyn, NY Year: Junior Favorite thing about Brockport: My teachers! Survival tip for first year students: Try everything once, you will never be board. Be well balanced. Get your work done and still have fun.
	Name: Emily Derrenbacher Major: Psychology Hometowns: Syracuse, NY Year: Sophomore Favorite thing about Brockport: The friendly campus atmosphere and knowing your friends are right around the corner. Survival tip for first year students: Try new things and be confident in yourself. Freshman year is a year of firsts, so be open to everything. Learning new things, meeting new people, and being open to new experiences.
	Name: Allie Donovan Major: Psychology Hometown: Clinton, NY Year: Senior Favorite thing about Brockport: The Food Services and Intramurals Survival tip for first year students: Time management! Be able to budget your time and get all of your work completed and get enough sleep.
	Name: Tashauna Dyer Major: Nursing Hometown: Kingston Jamaica / Elmont, NY Year: Senior Favorite thing about Brockport: All the opportunities Brockport has to offer. Survival tip for first year students: Don't be afraid to ask for help. Most likely others will have the same questions. Make sure you get involved. That is the easiest way to enjoy your college years.
	Name: Erin English Major: Psychology and Health Hometown: Clinton, NY Year: Senior Favorite thing about Brockport: There are a ton of opportunities for campus involvement. Survival tip for first year students: Bring Rain Boots! You will definitely need them. Also, don't be shy about asking for help, plenty of people are here and happy to assist you!
	Name: Genna Farrell Major: Creative Writing with Inclusive Education Hometown: Greene, NY Year: Junior Favorite thing about Brockport: The people. Survival tip for first year students: Get involved on campus right away! It's the best way to make friends and feel connected to the college. Your college experience is what you make it.
	Name: Nick Flesch Major: Mathematics Minor: Psychology Hometown: Ontario (Funtario), NY Year: Senior Favorite thing about Brockport: The faculty to student relationships and infinite opportunities. Survival tip for first year students: Come with an optimistic attitude and an open mind. Immerse yourself in many new experiences and take advantage of the amazing opportunities. With this mindset, you will no only survive, but flourish!
	Name: Bryan Fox Major: Sport Management Minor: Military Science Hometown: Rochester, NY Year: Junior Favorite thing about Brockport: Everything is in such close proximity. Survival tip for first year students: Keep your head up and stay engaged.
	Name: Ryane Gagen Major: English Literature with Adolescent Education Hometown: East Syracuse, NY Year: Junior Favorite thing about Brockport: The wide range of clubs, activities, and programs that are offered to us. Survival tip for first year students: Learning how to manage your time right from the start is really important. There are a lot of activities that you are going to want to partake in on top of having all of your homework, so it can become really overwhelming. However, if you learn how to set aside certain hours everyday to do your work without any distractions, you will be able to get it done successfully and still have time to participate in all the different clubs and activities.
	Name: Sarah Gelfand Major: Communication Minor: Sociology Hometown: Cicero, NY Year: Sophomore Favorite thing about Brockport: The tight knit community! Survival tip for first year students: Don't be afraid to do something you typically wouldn't do. Break out of your comfort zone!
	Name: Kristen Harper Major: Health Education Minor: Women and Gender Studies Hometown: Elmira, NY Year: Junior Favorite thing about Brockport: My favorite thing about Brockport is the small town atmosphere. Survival tip for first year students: Get involved! There are a variety of clubs here and it makes it a lot easier to make friends you have something in common with.
	Name: Julia Hilgenberg Major: Nursing Intent Hometown: Chittenango Year: Sophomore Favorite thing about Brockport: Campus Events Survival tip for first year students: Check your ANGEL and Email everyday. These are important lifelines that help you stay in contact with your professors and fellow classmates at all times.
	Name: Alexis Hills Major: Exercise Physiology and Dance Hometown: Carthage, NY Year: Sophomore Favorite thing about Brockport: I can be involved in a lot of different things so I can be a well-rounded student and individual. Survival tip for first year students: Everyone is in the same boat, so put your best foot forward and get involved.
	Name: Jordan Hogan Major: Communication Minor: Coaching Hometown: Lockport Year: Senior Favorite thing about Brockport: How the town is centered around the campus. Survival tip for first year students: Don't wait till the last minute to do things. Establish relationships with professors now rather than later.
	Name: Michael Ippolito Major: French and Spanish with Adolescence Education Minor: International Studies Hometown: Fredonia, NY Year: Junior Favorite thing about Brockport: The large amount of squirrels! Survival tip for first year students: Try something that you wouldn't normally do. You may end up enjoying it and even if you don't you will be glad you stepped outside your comfort zone.
	Name: Audrey Jackson Major: Criminal Justice Minor: Forensic Science & Anthropology Hometown: Oswego, NY Year: Senior Favorite thing about Brockport: The friendly atmosphere. Survival tip for first year students: Step out of your comfort zone to get involved. You'll meet new people and find great opportunities doing so.
	Name: Cody Kelly Major: Exercise Physiology, Physical Therapy Intent Hometown: Syracuse, NY Year: Senior Favorite thing about Brockport: I've made some awesome friends here. Survival tip for first year students: You need to manage your time wisely and be disciplined enough to put schoolwork first when the time calls for it.
	Name: Shanai Major Major: Health Science with Health Care Administration Concentration Minor: Business Administration Hometown: Scottsville, NY Year: Senior Favorite Thing about Brockport: Wonderful professors and staff members Survival tip for first year students: Try not to spend all of your dining dollars or easy money all at once. Trax and the Union Grille are very tempting, but please watch what you spend.
	Name: Carolyn McMenemon Major: Journalism Minor: Psychology Hometown: Pine Bush, NY Year: Senior Favorite thing about Brockport: All the clubs you can join. Survival tip for first year students: Get involved! The best way to meet people and make new friends is to join one of the clubs Brockport has.
	Name: Alyssa Miller Major: Health Care Administration and Psychology Hometown: Syracuse, NY Year: Junior Favorite thing about Brockport: The setting and the people. It is a great school that has great people all around. Survival tip for first year students: Ask as many questions as possible. If you are lost on campus or in class make sure to ask for help.
	Name: Emily Neuffer Major: English with Elementary Education Hometown: Albany, NY Year: Sophomore Favorite thing about Brockport: My favorite thing would be the food. Survival tip for first year students: My survival tip is to not be intimidated! College is a big change but it's really what you make it. Put yourself out there and just have fun!
	Name: Jessica Nolan Major: Business Administration Major Hometown: Stanley, NY Year: Senior Favorite thing about Brockport: My favorite thing about Brockport is the people you meet and how much the faculty really cares about your success. Also, I love the size of the campus. It's not too big or too small! Survival tip for first year students: Do not be afraid to ask for help or ask questions if you have them! Also, get involved on campus as much as you can, it will help you meet new people and look great on your resume later on!
	Name: Kat Oaks Major: Physical Education with Adapted PE Hometown: Year: Favorite thing about Brockport: Survival tip for first year students:
	Name: Corey Rattray Major: Accounting Minor: Dance & Economics Hometown: Syracuse, NY Year: Sophomore Favorite thing about Brockport: There are many opportunities to get involved. Survival tip for first year students: Get out and get involved!
	Name: Brad Riedel Major: Meteorology and Water Resources Hometown: Akron, Ohio Year: Sophomore Favorite thing about Brockport: My major and all the support I get when needed. Survival tip for first year students: Make sure to be prompt on all assignments. If you have free time use it to get ahead. Reading the class syllabus is a MUST it will tell you everything you need to know for the upcoming semester including most due dates for big projects also Test and quiz dates. Be sure to have some time to yourself. Make sure you enjoy your time here, go to events and get your mind of classes, finishing the semester will depend on you having a refreshed mind
	Name: Jessica Rockafellow Major: Psychology Hometown: Grand Blanc, MI Class: Junior Favorite Thing About Brockport: The new athletic building Freshmen Survival Tip: Prioritize and DO NOT procrastinate
	Name: Ravi Ross Major: Criminal Justice Hometown: Peru, NY Year: Senior Favorite thing about Brockport: My friends and the college environment Survival tip for first year students: This is a chance to start over. Get out there. Try new things. Make new friends. College is exactly what you make it
	Name: Ariana Rosario Major: Spanish with Childhood Education Hometown: Baldwinsville, NY Year: Junior Favorite thing about Brockport: How easy it is to get involved Survival tip for first year students: Do not be afraid to try new things!
	Name: Lauren Rubadeau Major: Marketing Hometown: Brewerton, NY Year: Sophomore Favorite thing about Brockport: The dance performances and theatre productions. Survival tip for first year students: Consider using a planner to keep track of when exams and presentations are and when projects are due.
	Name: Ted Ryan Major: Biology/BioChemistry Hometown: Hyde Park, NY Year: Junior Favorite thing about Brockport: My favorite thing about Brockport is how nice everyone is and how they are always willing to help. Survival tip for first year students: My best survival tip is to meet as many people as possible. You’ll meet dozens of new friends and professors. This will help you network which will be key in your success in the remaining years here at Brockport.
	Name: Stefanie Scheib Major: Political Science and Finance Hometown: Niskayuna Year: Sophomore Favorite thing about Brockport: I love that Brockport offers so many different opportunities. There are many different groups and clubs that you can join in order to make friends and to learn new skills. Survival tip for first year students: Do not be afraid to ask for help if you are confused. Also, try as many new things as possible like joining clubs because it helps you make tons of new friends.
	Name: Jessica Sidou Major: Biology and Psychology Hometown: Churchville, NY Year: Senior Favorite thing about Brockport: The people. Everyone is so nice and approachable. Survival tip for first year students: Make sure you and your roommate are on the same page. Be respectful, they are in the same boat as you.
	Name: Kaitlyn Spike Major: Psychology and Sociology Minor: Criminal Justice Hometown: Seneca Falls, NY Year: Senior Favorite thing about Brockport: The sense of community and Rec Services! Survival tip for first year students: RELAX! Everyone is in the same boat. You're not the only one. Be open and willing to meet new people.
	Name: Keisha Terry Major: Nursing Hometown: Bronx, NY Year: Junior Favorite thing about Brockport: All the leadership opportunities they offer. Survival tip for first year students: Always stay true to who you are and never give up on your dreams.
	Name: Alyssa Torlish Major: Criminal Justice Minor: Military Science Hometown: Farmington, NY Year: Sophomore Favorite thing about Brockport: Nothing is too far, facilities are convenient. Survival tip for first year students: Ask a million questions! You are not expected to know how to do everything, anyone here would be happy to help!
	Name: Ariana Veltri Major: Psychology Hometown: Buffalo, NY Year: Senior Favorite thing about Brockport: Small campus close knit atmosphere of the campus. Survival tip for first year students: Be organized! Don't be afraid to ask questions to RAs, Peer Mentors, and professors. There is no such thing as a dumb question. They aren't scary people and are there to help you. We don't expect you to know everything, so speak up and ask!
	Name: Hope Watson Major: Criminal Justice Hometown: Montgomery, NY Year: Junior Favorite thing about Brockport: Campus Diversity Survival tip for first year students: Branch out and try new things! College is full of new experiences!
	Name: Angela Wesley Major: Recreation and Leisure Minor: Communication Hometown: Jamesville, NY Year: Sophomore Favorite thing about Brockport: Everyone is friendly Survival tip for first year students: Stay organized and plan ahead. Being involved on campus is very important, so participate and make friends!
	Name: Amie Zwecker Major: Communications & English Minor: Film and Military Science Hometown: Canandaigua, NY Year: Sophomore Favorite thing about Brockport: Dorm Life and Brockway Survival tip for first year students: Get involved! Meet new people. Try new things. If you need help, ask someone.