Your Department, CSU, Chico

Meet the Peer Mentors

The Peer Mentor Program is designed to increase student success by placing older, experienced, successful students in UNIV 101 classes with first-year students.  Peer Mentors are available to any first-year student who would like to talk with an experience student—to have questions answered, to express concerns, and to find out about resources.  If you are a first-year student and you would like an appointment with a Peer Mentor, please call 898-5133.  (Do leave a message if you reach the program’s voicemail; someone will get back to you.)

Peer Mentors come from an array of majors and are here to assist you through the first semester.  They can assist you in preparing for conferences with teachers, examining assignments closely, practicing effective time management, and providing support if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Peer Mentors attend an intensive training class focused on current research about first-year students’ transitions processes.  They are eager to show you all the great activities and opportunities for involvement Chico has to offer.

Below are welcome messages and short bios from FYE's current team of Peer Mentors:

Amanda G.

Hi! My name is Amanda Geist, also known as Mandi. I am a second-year here at Chico State with a Major in Child Development. You can also find me at Whitney Hall as an RA, as well as in the First Year Experience Office. After I receive my undergraduate degree I plan on going to Wheelock College in Boston for my Masters in Child Life.

I am originally from Vacaville, California and I loved getting involved in High School as much as I do here at Chico. Growing up I always had a busy house with four sisters and now many nieces and nephews. I have a dog names Holly Golightly after Audrey Hepburn’s character in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. I love old things, especially movies, and can read for hours! I am always open to try new things, and I love all my little random qualities that make me unique.

I love talking and listening to people, so if you ever have a question, concern, or just need to bounce an idea off someone I’m willing to help!

Amanda L.

Hi everyone, my name is Amanda Lockman. This is my second year peer mentoring and my senior year at Chico State, and I am super excited to be working with all of you this next year. I am originally from Riverside, in Southern California, and although I have my days where I miss SoCal, I LOVE it here in Chico and feel blessed that I ended up here for school!

So, some interesting things about me include the fact that I am a pilot; I obtained my private pilots license in fall ’06 (although I haven’t had time to fly since coming up here). Also, my Junior and Senior years of high school I trained a guide dog named Wendy; she went into formal training fall ’07 and is now just waiting to be matched up with the right partner. Lastly, March 2007 I ran the LA marathon with my younger sister and a group of students from our high school, it was some of the longest and most rewarding six and a half hours of my life and I am just itching to run all 26.2 miles over again when time permits.

Now, here at Chico, I am a psychology major (I have already changed my major several times, once from International Relations and once from Psychology, then to Business and now back to Psychology; I think this time the major will stick!). I love everything about Chico, the town, the school, the opportunities that have been presented to me because of Chico, and the friends who have become family. I’m excited to plunge into a new year of school with all of you and see what amazing things are about to unfold!

Brooke

My name is Brooke Myrman and I will be a sophomore this Fall 2009. I was born in San Diego, CA lived there with my parents and two sisters my whole life until last year when I moved up here. I love Chico and think it is a great place to go to school because it is a great college town and there is always something to do.

I here as a Liberal Studies major with a goal to teach elementary school. I love working with kids and have worked in children's camps for five years. I also love Psychology and Child Development. I find learning about people's personalities and the way people interact very interesting. I decided to get involved in the Peer-Mentoring program because I love helping people have the best experiences they can. I was involved in a similar program in high school and I was amazed at how much I gained from the experience as well. I am so excited to meet all of you and feel free to ask me anything!

Bryan

Hello new students! My name is Bryan Tilos. I come from a family of five. I have a mother, a father and two independent older sisters. I was born in Hayward but raised in Tracy, Ca. I played sports as soon as I could. I am athletic and I am down to try new things. I am very diverse. I am diverse in culture, in music, and in style. I like to be unique. I love music and I am always down to cut up the rug.  I love outdoor adventures such as camping, hikes, bike rides, and just little "get aways" from “reality.” I have been in a beautiful relationship for 2 years and 4 months now. My friends always come to me for advice and such with girl or boy problems, and I am more than happy to help them out and talk to them--so feel free. They also come to me just to talk about life and things on their mind. I love helping people out and deep conversations. I am very social. I like meeting new people and just making new long term connections. You will never know when you might need somebody one day. My major is Communication Studies. My favorite place to go out and eat is Peeking Chinese Food. Peeking is the best Chinese food in Chico! If you haven’t had it then you are definitely missing out. I am a diligent worker and if I say I’m going to do something, I will do it. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone. See you soon.

Christina

Hey my name is Christina Figone and I love being outdoors! Any time I have a chance to get outside to hike, dirt bike, and four wheel I take it. I have a twin brother that also goes to CSU Chico state and we are both freshman. I go home about once a month and I love being with my family. I am very close with my mom, dad, and two brothers. I have been told that I am very outgoing and I take chances to brighten people’s day. I am known to just walk up to people and start a conversation on anything just because I am a curious person. I want to be a peer mentor so I can make someone’s day a little bit brighter.

 

Elliot

Hello everyone! My name is Elliott Gabriel and I am new to the Peer Mentor Program.  I guess you could say I grew up a bit differently than most.  My father was an active duty officer in the US Air Force for 24 years, so I moved around quite a bit.  I was born in Austin, TX on Lacklin AFB and lived there for three years.  My father was then transferred to Dayton, Ohio for a year and then to Niceville, Florida for four years.  Finally, my father was transferred out to Travis, AFB and once he retired we decided to stay in Vacaville where I have now been for 12 years.  I have been fortunate to have done many things that most never get the opportunity to do.  I’ve done everything from being to the original Apollo launch pad, to swimming with the manatees in Florida, to performing with my Jazz choir on center stage at Carnegie Hall in New York City in front of a full house of nearly 3,000 people.

During high school I got very involved with sports and leadership opportunities.  I played JV baseball my freshmen year and was bumped up to starting varsity pitcher my sophomore year and played until I graduated.  At the same time I got involved musically playing drums and travelling with the jazz choir.  I then continued to join concert choir and finally tried out for the honor choir and competed with them my senior year along side jazz choir.  Yet all at the same time I was involved in campus leadership.  I went to a private Catholic-Christian high school. You could very much say I was a busy person in my high school days.  I have continued this trend here at CSU, Chico--becoming involved in hall council, the ball room dance club, and "Up ‘til Dawn."  For the 2008-2009 school year I will be a residential advisor (RA) for north campus in Esken Hall as well as being a Peer Mentor who works with you.

During the summer you will find me either on the pool deck or hanging with family and friends.  I am a business administration major here at CSUC and hope to attend the police academy after I graduate.  My end goal in life is to go to law school and become a lawyer.  This is just a little bit about me.  I look forward to getting to know ya’ll better (yes I still have my southern roots).

Greta

My name is Greta Streed and I’m from Southern California, Laguna Niguel to be specific which is in south Orange County. I’m a Liberal Studies major with a concentration in Child Development and a minor in Psychology. I’m hoping to teach fourth or fifth grade after I graduate. I am a member of the sorority Alpha Delta Pi on campus; I’ve met my best friends there. I also participate in a lot of Adventure Outings through the school which are so much fun. They are a great way to get to know people and get outdoors and experience all the amazing sights Northern California has to offer. I participate in the Invisible Children’s club on campus which is doing amazing things and I hope to see it grow over the coming years. I also attend Bidwell Presbyterian and am involved with some volunteering and small groups there. My favorite places in town are Tea Bar, The Bear, Pluto’s and Has Beans. Chico has awesome food options and my goal is to experience every single one by the end of my four years here. My mom moved to Germany last year for her job so I will spend most of my summer out there with her, but over shorter breaks I like to be home in Orange County with my friends. I have two dogs, my favorite of which my mom took to Germany with her and left the other one at home with a friend. I went to Dana Hills all of high school and was on Cheer there as well as being involved in CSF (California Scholarship Foundation), Save Darfur Club, homecoming set build and HMO (Health and Medical Occupations Academy).

Hannah

Hi, my name is Hannah! I was born in Atlanta, Georgia, but moved to Southern California the summer before 4th grade. My parents have just recently relocated to Northern California (Marin County), so my “home” is now up north. I love the outdoors and all its beauty! I try to go on as many Adventure Outings as I can possibly handle, and I’ll be quick to recommend anyone to take advantage of this wonderful program. I am a vegetarian, and I like to do yoga in my free time. I love to travel internationally, and have had the opportunity to travel to many amazing places around the world. While I was a sophomore in high school, I went abroad to Salamanca, Spain, in which I studied at the Universidad de Salamanca, and lived with a local spanish family. I am hoping to go abroad again during my years at college. My major is Health Science, with an emphasis in Gerontology, and a minor in Health Business Administration. I love Chico, and I feel so lucky to get to live in a place that has as many opportunities as it does!

Juan

Hello, my name is Juan Fierro and I'm from Chula Vista in San Diego County. My current major is International Relations. I hope that this major will allow me to make a postivie difference in the world while providing me with reasons to travel. I chose CSU, Chico because I heard that this campus had a lot to give and it is an experience for me to visit and spend some time living in Northern California.

I speak English and Spanish, took French through all high school, and am in the process of learning Arabic here at CSU Chico. I enjoy doing many things in my spare time. When I'm not at school, I'm either studying, eating, sleeping, surfing the net, or kicking it outside with friends. I enjoy music for the most part but my genre of music does not please everyone. I listen to thrash, hardcore, punk, metal, and basically anything fast and crazy... even though I may be one of the calmest people you'll ever meet. I still enjoy some rap, jazz, hip-hop, and rock at times.

Julie

Hi! My name is Julie Sullivan. I’m going into my 4th year and I’m a history major with a religious studies minor. I was born in Maryland and in 4th grade moved to Walnut Creek in the East Bay. I have one older sister. A fun fact is that I have played piano since I was 9-years old!

I love Chico and coming to CSU Chico was the best choice I have made! I have stayed involved at Chico by being on the Whitney hall council my 1st year, volunteering with CAVE, joining the Democratic club, being a paralegal intern at CLIC, and getting involved in the Greek Community. I am in Alpha Gamma Delta, a sorority on campus, and I have been the Vice President of Operations and am currently the Publications Coordinator. I am the treasurer of Panhellenic Council, the national all sorority council on campus. My favorite thing about Chico is that there is someone for everyone to do and take part in!

Katy

Hey everyone! My name is Katy Owens and I am starting my sophomore year here at Chico. I am 19 years old and native to Bakersfield. My major is Liberal Studies and I am looking forward to finally becoming an elementary school teacher and having my own classroom. I am an officer in the Chico chapter of the Student California Teachers Association (SCTA) and am also a Peer Advisor in the Liberal Studies department - so if you need any advising, come to me! I'm hoping to take part in Camp Adventure next summer in place of an area of concentration. When I'm not too busy with school, I spend time with my boyfriend who also attends Chico. In high school, I was involved in choir, FFA, and the swim team. Swimming and baseball are my favorite sports and I love to go to LA Dodgers games whenever I can. I have been taking recreational swimming classes as electives and to stay somewhat active. I'm definitely looking forward to this year because last year I was living in Whitney Hall and now I have my own place. I can't wait to meet all of you!

Lori

Hi everyone, I am Lori Carpenter, a Religious Studies major here at exciting Chico State. I love music, culture, art and plan to spend every day of my life in complete appreciation of the world and uniqueness. I want to devote my life to traveling and exploring. I moved here from a small town about two hours north from Chico and lived off campus my first year here, so I had to force myself to get involved on campus to meet new people. I am excited to get to know all the first year students I am here for you whenever and for whatever. Chico State really has a lot to offer and I hope everyone sees the beauty that is here.

Mackenzie

My name is Mackenzie Amber Morris. I will be a third-year at Chico state this Fall 2009. I moved up to Chico from Orange County with my mom, my step-dad and my older brother. My mom grew up in Chico, and I went to elementary school in Paradise when I was younger. I absolutely love Chico. I am so happy to be here. I love going to upper Bidwell Park and walking around, especially in the spring when all the wild flowers are out. I really enjoy being active. In high school I played water polo and I am hoping to continue playing at Chico State when I find time in my schedule. I also enjoy going snowboarding, which is another wonderful thing about living in Chico. The mountains are so close and ten times better than the mountains in Southern California.

I am also involved in the Christian college group The Edge. I am an intern there and I absolutely love it. I have been a Christian since sixth grade. I am also starting to get involved in STOP! the campus organization tp Stop Trafficking Of Persons! This is a very interesting subject that is very close to my heart, if you ever want to talk about it I would love to! Some random facts about me: my favorite food is Macaroni and Cheese. I really like shopping at thrift stores, and I like to sew, knit, and crochet. I really like anything crafty, I love to create things. Another random fact, I am not good at budgeting my money. So since March 2008 I vowed to not spend money on anything but the necessities, food, hygiene products, transportation and such. It has been so much fun! It takes all the stress out of thinking whether something is worth buying or not! I really like to talk and hang out with people over tea, especially the "bowl of soul" at Naked Lounge. So if you want to know more about me I would love to tell you, and I'd love to hear all about you, too!

Malcom

My name is Malcom James Lamar Dixon. I am a 19 year old African American male and I attend Chico State University as a freshman during the 2008-2009 school year. My major is Communication Design: Media Arts and my minor is Business Administration. With my major i want to be an on air dj for a radio station and a club dj in the city i reside in. My hobbies include djing, rapping, hanging out with friends, and I would have to say going to school is my newfound hobby. There's just so many interesting classes in college and I just like going to school. Its so much better than high school in my opinion. My daily activities usually consists of class, eating, going to the gym, and just being around friends.

Nichol

Hello, my name is Nichol Perez. I am a current student at CSU, Chico.  Before Chico, I attended Franklin High School in Elk Grove, California. There is was involved in many extra-curricular activities as well as active in my community. Some activities I participated in were: leadership, conflict management, link crew, safe school ambassador, dance commissioner, cheerleading, and many other activities. I also volunteered most of my spare time to the Franklin Junior Wildcats as a cheerleading trainer.  Along with that, I cheered on an All-Star cheerleading team, and coached the tiny level cheer team. My life pretty much revolved around cheerleading and most of my time was consumed by it. Besides cheerleading I was dedicated to spending time with my family and my boyfriend. I have a little sister who is like my best friend and looks up to me so much and I influence her greatly. My boyfriend and I have been together for more than 3 years and have big plans for the future.

In my hometown I was well established, then coming to Chico it was hard to adjust. Going from being busy every second of the day to only having typical school things to do was very different. So every chance I had to get back involved with things I jumped on it. So far I have joined sigma Alpha Pi-the national leadership society, and sorority-Alpha Delta Pi and have participated in as many events and activities as possible. Yet, I am still taking up every chance I am given. I plan to take part in things like the study abroad program, peer mentoring, and many other resume builders. I love Chico so far and all the opportunities it has given me.

Preston

Preston Countryman is a double major in Physics and History. He has been working in the FYE Program since summer 2008, when he signed up to help with the writing of this online resource. He enjoys people, studying, bicycling, playing games, writing and general experiences of hilarity. He is also an amazingly adept student and can help you with a range of questions about your courses. Are you a film fan? Give Preston a call. He’s seen everything, except Mirage.

 

Samantha C.

My name is Samantha Cary, and I will be in my third semester at Chico State this coming fall 09. I love it here in Chico; it not only has the best campus but a great town also. During my freshman year I have volunteered with CAVE, joined the BIS Society and became treasurer for spring 2009, and became a Peer Mentor.

I love to learn. I am going to take full advantage of this time in my life when all I really have to do is learn. My major is Business Information Systems with an option in Accounting. My interest, though, are reading, going to the batting cages, riding my dirtbike, hanging out with friends and being with my boyfriend.

Sam S.

I'm a junior at Chico State. I'm having a lot of fun and I've met some great friends here. A few fun facts about me: I'm texting 24/7, I'm always here for the people I love, I'm compassionate, I rock most situations that are thrown at me and I come out on top. I think a good attitude can fix any problem, my room is clean and my homework is done, and last but not least, I love road trips. I like people to know that they have a friend in me. I can’t wait to meet you all!

 

 

Suzanne

For those who have not had the chance to meet me my name is Suzanne Michalski. The majority of my friends call me Suzie. I am in my second year here at CSU Chico! After some adjustments, this beautiful place has without a doubt in my mind, become my home. Originally I was born and raised in Orange County but then moved and finished high school more inland in a place called Corona. I am the oldest sister of two brothers and two sisters. As of right now my major is exercise physiology but I am more than likely changing it to nutrition. Well see what happens. I am a very social person and love to explore new ideas and places. Whenever I get some time I enjoy working out and going up to Bidwell Park with some friends.

Taylor

My name is Taylor Machado and I’m a Business major. I hope to minor in International Business and Spanish. In the fall of 2009 I will be a sophomore here at Chico. I grew up in the Bay Area, in Fremont and then Livermore. I love traveling, in the summer of 2008 I went with my Spanish club to Italy, France, and Spain. I fell in love with Spain and I hope to study abroad there in the future. I love playing tennis, I played for my high school and I love being in the tennis class here. During the Spring semester of 2009 I interned with Chico’s Green Campus, and I really hope to continue to intern with them over the years. If you’re into sustainability, Green Campus is a great way to meet people and help spread knowledge of sustainability. I really enjoyed my University 101 class so I am very excited to be in the peer mentor program and be there for all of the University 101 students.