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 AOL Instant Messenger and e-mail.

Incoming freshmen meet their mentors as an Academic Planning Seminar class during Welcome Weekend. Led by their mentor, first year students embark on a campus-wide scavenger hunt inspired by our Freshman Summer Reading Book. First year students have several opportunities to get together throughout the first semester with their mentor.

Interested in being a mentor for first year students next fall? Download an application today!

For experienced mentors: Returning Peer Mentor Application

Resources for Peer Mentors:

Peer Mentor Handbook and Training Manual

Weekly Suggestions

Meet our 2009 Peer Mentors!

	Name: Abby Cordes Hometown: Cazenovia, NY Major: International Business Year: Junior Survival Tip: "Nothing makes you appear more standoffish than a closed door. So remember to always keep your dorm room open when you're around... especially during the first few weeks!"
	Name: Alex Kuhl Hometown: Broadalbin, NY Major: Physics & Water Resources Year: Sophomore!! Survival Tip: “ Don't be afraid of your professors! If you aren't sure about something - whether it is a whole topic or just a homework problem - ASK! Don't wait until after the first quiz to understand. Your professors will be more than willing to help you so you can get it right the first time.”
	Name: Angeline Kasinski Hometown: Pavilion NY Major: Business Administration, concentration in management Minor: Communications Year: Senior Survival Tip: “Be open to everything! Get out of your comfort zone and meet people and get involved at college. You'll regret it if you don’t. And if you do, you'll realize what a great idea it was!!”
	Name: Ashley Randall Hometown: Watertown, NY Major: Psychology and Health Science Year: Junior Survival Tip: “ The best advice I could give an incoming freshman is to do these two things: 1) Keep your door open and 2) Get as involved with the campus as you possibly can! I did both of these things my freshman year and it really helped me get to know others living in my building and those who had similar interests as I did.”
	Name: Beth Sarzyniak Hometown: North Tonawanda, NY Major: Political Science Minor: History Year: Sophomore Survival Tip: “If you are living on campus, make sure to really personalize and decorate your dorm. It makes it feel more homey. After all, you are going to be living there so, making it a home away from home really does help the process!”
	Name: Brittany Flanders Hometown: Williamson, NY Major: Recreation and Leisure Year: Junior Survival Tip: “ The transition to college isn't as easy as it sounds. Probably the hardest thing for me was breaking out of my shell and meeting new people. One tip I want to share is don't be afraid to take risks. If there is an opportunity to meet and mingle with new people, take it! Introduce yourself to people in your hall, and people in your classes. It will break an awkward silence, and will help you make new friends!”
	Name: Carissa Williams Hometown: Machias New YorkMajor: Chemistry Year: Sophomore Survival Tip: “The advice that I'd give to incoming freshman is to check over their schedules for their major. For instance my freshman year, I wasn't placed in Calc and I needed it to be on track for my major. Also, I was put into English that didn't fill the general education requirement. I would tell them, the best way to meet new people is to get involved in clubs and activities. Also, I felt like the class work was over a lot but if you study enough and go to classes you will be fine with it.”
	Name: Christina Valentin Hometown: Rochester Major: History Class: Sophomore Survival Tip: “Always ask for help from your professors. Don't think that because you are in such a big class that your professor does not care what you think. Go to office hours and really pay attention to what he/she is saying because it might mean passing or failing. Other than that it is important to pay attention to the people you hang out with. Make sure that you feel safe and you’re not doing something you don't want to do. Have a great time.”
	Name: Christopher Fernández Hometown: Graduated from Albion HS, currently live in Ogden (Spencerport) Major: Studio Art - Painting & Photography Minor: Minor in Art History Year: Senior (super) Survival Tip: “ Try and get all of your gen. ed. classes completed within the first couple of semesters. By doing this you will be given the rest of your college career to focus on your major. This is when you will have the most fun. I'm so grateful I finished all of mine by the Fall of my sophomore year, because now all my classes consist of painting and doing artistic things.”
	Name: Courtney Miller Hometown: Walton, NY Major: Criminal Justice Year: Senior Survival Tip: “I wasn’t a freshman when I started here last year. I am a transfer student, but at the first school I went to I was not involved in many activities so I always wanted to go home. At Brockport I am more involved in activities and now I go home once every two or three months. I would recommend getting involved in activities that interest you. It’s a way of meeting new friends which will make you less likely to get homesick quickly.”
	Name: Edita Salkic Hometown: graduated high school in Penfield, NY but grew up in Germany and was born in a small town in Bosnia Major: Business Administration Year: Junior Survival Tip: “Get as involved as you can in as many different areas as possible. You’ll never know where you’ll end up! Make connections and create positive relationships with professors and staff. It could lead you right to your career. Open your mind to new ideas and new opinions. Be ready to change in many ways and hopefully better ones. Be ready for the best time of your life!”
	Name: Elizabeth Stephenson Hometown: Rochester NY Major: Psychology with a health science concentration in drug and alcohol abuse Year: Sophomore Survival Tip: “My advice for incoming freshman is to try and get as involved as much as possible in college. I would tell them to attend as many events as they can that are put on by the college and to try and get involved with a club. I would advise them to go out and try and meet as many new friends as possible, do not just confine yourself to one group of friends.”
	Name: Elisabeth Conger Hometown: Hopkinton, NY (close to Potsdam) Major: Accounting Year: Junior Survival Tip: "Be yourself. This is your time to find out who you are and what you really like. If you like yourself, others are bound to like you. Talk to the people that live in your hall; you are all in the same, awkward boat of trying to meet new people. Don't sweat it though if you don't make instant friends the first day, or even the first week. Real friendships take time to form. Also, have fun! Take any class you are interested in, join clubs, be active! There are countless opportunities on campus; take the time to find one that fits you. Now is also a great time to get a planner. Prioritize and write down what you have going on so your mind is free to think about other things. Remember that you are here first and foremost to get an education, so pass your classes first and then have fun. There's no reason why you can't do both and have an amazing college experience. Don't hesitate to ask me anything. I knew the moment I set foot on campus that people care here. I will do everything I can to make your transition to college life easier."
	Name: Jackie Scala Hometown: Shirley, a town on Eastern Long Island Major: History with Adolescence Education Certification Year: Senior Survival Tip: “Give yourself some time to find your place here at Brockport. It may be really intimidating to be so far away from home and everything you know and are comfortable with. However, there are so many opportunities to get involved on campus. Do not be discouraged if you feel homesick or nervous your first semester. Before you know it, college will become a home away from home!”
	Name: Jay Barnes Hometown: Hornell, New York Major: Criminal Justice Minor: Recreation and Leisure Studies Year: Senior Survival Tip: “The main survival tip is to make sure you attend all of your classes. A main problem with freshman in their college experience is having the freedom of the choice to attend or not attend class. Not attending class will formulate low grades and destroy possible friendships. Therefore, attending class will allow you to develop relationships with your peers in your classes, creating study groups for the future. Also, attending every class will provide you with all updates in class and class notes. Conclusion: attend all classes to make sure you receive a noble GPA and forming friendships with your classmates.”
	Name: Jenny Nichols Hometown: Potsdam, NY Major: Psychology Year: Senior Survival Tip: “It is important to be open to new things and to take advantage of the opportunities that the college offers you. The college offers study abroad programs, leadership conferences, concerts, clubs, and many other programs in which you can have fun and network as well. Also, there is no such thing as a stupid question, so do not be afraid to ask your professor, your peer mentor, friends, or other faculty any questions you might have. The last tip I have for incoming freshmen would be to have fun throughout your college years but remember college is an investment into your future and you should not take it for granted.”
	Name: Jillian Coady Major: Earth Science Adolescence Inclusive Education Year: Senior Survival Tip: “College can be an overwhelming experience. You’re meeting new people, living with new people, and dealing with a number of professors, all of whom have different expectations of you. It will always feel like there is too much to do and not enough time to do it. To avoid going crazy, you'll need to set priorities and decide what is most important to you. Don't be afraid to cut back on some of your activities or your classes if the load is too much to handle. Even though it may seem silly, I recommend using a notebook or planner and writing down all the things you have to do; that way you will always remember what to do, and it helps you prioritize what needs to be done.”
	Name: Kelli Aylor Hometown: Belfast, NY Major: History major with Recreation and Leisure Minor Year: Senior Survival Tip: “ Don't be afraid as a freshman; everyone is in the same boat looking for friends and starting classes. If you know that everyone else is just as nervous as you, it takes a lot of the stress off of coming to school.”
	Name: Kyle Dunlap Hometown: Skaneateles, New York Major: English Year: Senior Survival Tip: “Freshmen year may seem intimidating. You're asked to live with people you don't know, share a bathroom with random people, and decide what you want to do with the rest of your life. It's not that bad though. Don't rush into a major...it's not a bad thing to stay undecided for a year to test the waters. Take the general education classes-maybe you'll like something you never expected or thought about. Of course you'll want to have fun, and make sure you do. Make new friends and memories, but be sure to work on time management and keep on top of your grades from the start. Along with new friendships, create some professional relationships with your professors--it will be a great help in the long run. Overall, go to classes, make new friends, join a club, and have a good time; the next four years are going to fly by!”
	Name: Lauren Wilkins Hometown: Bloomfield, NY Major: Psychology Year: Junior Survival Tip: “ Get involved as much as possible! Getting involved can include anything from joining clubs to simply attending the events your residence hall puts on. Getting involved can help you meet new people and try new experiences.”
	Name: Leigh Robinson Hometown: Fabius, New York Major: History & Education Minor: Recreation & Leisure Studies Year: Junior Survival Tip: “ The advice I would give incoming freshmen is don't bring a lot of stuff (only what you need), be careful of Trax (the fast food place on campus), and when you get here make friends immediately (those friends are going to be your support network)!!! And above all...HAVE FUN WHEN YOU GET HERE!!! :-)”
	Name: Liz Ewell Hometown: Warsaw, New York Major: Psychology Minor: Math Year: Senior! :) Survival Tip: “Write every due date for every class in your planner; it keeps you so much more organized. Also, don’t worry if you don’t have a major picked. I didn’t pick until the end of my sophomore year, and I’m still graduating on time.”
	Name: Matt Clements Hometown: Livonia, NY Major: Earth Science Major Minor: Year: Senior Survival Tip: “Get out there! Don’t sit in your bubble of a suite or your corridor room. Hang out in lounges, walk around and introduce yourself to people with their doors open, leave YOUR door open, and go to programs. The best part of college for me is the people I’ve met and friends I’ve made. I have always regretted that I never left my suite when I was a freshman because I was most comfortable there. Step out of your comfort zone, meet new people, and you’ll be surprised at how many people become an essential part of your college life. And then there’s the whole do your homework thing. That’s important too.”
	Name: Megan Datoo Hometown: Hamburg, New York Major: Communication and Sociology Year: Sophomore Survival Tip: “ Take advantage of every opportunity you are given here at Brockport. Many of the residence halls hold activities very often, as well as clubs and other organizations around campus. Many of the activities are good "breaks" from school work and the four walls that you are confined to (your dorm). Even when it comes to making new friends, if someone is willing to talk to you then talk to them. I have found that my friends that I made my freshman year will be people who will be in my life for a long time. Some of the memories I have with them are some of the best ones I have made here while being at Brockport.”
	Name: Megan Rooney Hometown: Goshen, NY Major: Business Administration major, a concentration in Pre-Law Minor: Economics Year: Sophomore Survival Tip: “ Communicate with people on campus. Don't let your questions go unanswered. The faculty and staff are always willing to help you. Talk to as many people as possible early on, especially those living in your dorm building or those you will be seeing a lot your first semester. Never be afraid to talk someone or ask questions. The more willing you are to talk to people, the better chance you have of enjoying your first semester.”
	Name: Rich LaFountain Hometown: Spencerport, New York Major: Biology Year: Sophomore Survival Tip: “Take advantage of your time and opportunities; college is a great experience. I am very biased, but I whole-heartedly believe that Brockport offers its students opportunities unlike anywhere else. Getting involved and creating a positive support network is extremely helpful during the transition to college. So study hard and do your best! But, never underestimate the benefit of taking a break here and there from course work to have some fun, meet some new people, and participate in some of the on-campus activities available in the friendly community that is the College at Brockport."
	Name: Rochelle Cramer Hometown: Fayetteville, which is near Syracuse Major: Nursing major Year: Junior Survival Tip: “My survival tip is to make sure you get organized as soon as possible; it will help you in the long run and you will stay ahead in your classes.”
	Name: Sabrina Howland Hometown: Sandy Creek, NY Major: Social Work Year: Sophomore Survival Tip: “ Try and get involved as much as possible and take advantage of all that Brockport offers. Check out the different opportunities, including intramural sports, theater productions, and things like weekend getaways. Most importantly, be open-minded and try and step out of your comfort zone once in a while- you'll be interested to see what you can find out about yourself!”
	Name: Sabrina Kerfoot Hometown: Niagara Falls Major: Psychology Year: Sophomore Survival Tip: “BELIEVE in yourself. Starting out in college is much different than starting out in high school. There are going to be times when you just feel overwhelmed and you’re going to want to give up- but don't. It will all pay off in the end. It is so much easier to just quit then it is to stick to the fight. Another piece of advice that I would give is to get involved! It is the quickest and easiest way to make new friends, not to mention it looks great on résumés!”
	Name: Sapphira Ballah-Harewood Hometown: Brooklyn, NY Major: Undeclared Year: Sophomore Survival Tip: “College is really fun!! However, it is really different from high school, so be excited to meet new and diverse people from all over world in a few months. There will be times when you may what to throw in the towel but stay with it. There are a lot of people who are eager to see you succeed besides your parents. Do not be afraid to ask ALOT of questions because I did ,and I'll be your mentor this fall!!!"
	Name: Soha Salamah Hometown: Niskayuna, NY (A little town near Albany) Major: Anthropology and Spanish Minor: French Year: Junior Survival Tip: “Be outgoing! Make friends with people in your hallway and in your major. It is great to know people in your classes!”
	Name: Stephen Gregory Hometown: Owego, New York Major: History Year: Junior Survival Tip: “ Be organized! A large part of college life is dealing with different deadlines for all of the different classes. Using a calendar or personal organizer is a great way to keep track of important dates.”
	Name: Tarra Ognissanti Hometown: Greece, NY Major: Business Management Year: Senior Survival Tip: “My best advice is to get involved. Besides just classes, college is about getting to know yourself as well as others. College goes by so fast- enjoy it. Also know there are so many resources available to you. Take advantage of them.”
	Name: Tayler Brown Hometown: Small town called Homer, NY, which is right down the road from Cortland State. Major: International Business and Economics and International Studies. Year: Sophomore
	Name: Tiffany Bradley. Major: Criminal Justice Minor: Sociology Year: Junior
	Name: Tyler Lenga Hometown: Binghamton, NY Major: C ommunications and Political Science Year: Junior Survival Tip: “ If I was to give one piece of advice to incoming freshman, it would be to get INVOLVED as much as possible! Join clubs, participate in a sport, visit your professors during their office hours, do whatever it takes to familiarize yourself with the campus community. Doing this enables you to meet new people, learn new things about yourself, and it’s the best way to adjust to being away from home for the first time.”