Peer Success Coaching

Camren is a fourth-year student majoring in Psychology and minoring in Biology. Camren is the co-pageant director of the Caribbean Student Association.

“I chose to become a peer mentor because my peer mentor through my first and second year of college was so helpful in all aspects of what college life is. I enjoy being the same type of guiding light for my mentees.”

Abby is a fourth-year student majoring in Criminology and minoring in Psychological Science. She is a member of the Justice Association and co-founder of the Chaiken Center Pre-Law Group.  

“I love helping people and coming up with ways to make their lives a little less stressful. I enjoy showing students a new technique or skill that could benefit them in their daily lives.” 

Alena is a third-year student majoring in Psychology and minoring in Journalism. She has served as a member of the Student Programming Association (SPA) and Art Club at Penn State, as well as a teaching assistant for PSYCH 100 and an orientation leader for New Student Orientation.  

“I became a peer success coach to help students gain the best experience out of college and develop skills and habits that will help them throughout their whole life. I enjoy helping students grow and become the best versions of themselves.” 

Justin is a second-year student majoring in Global and International Studies in the College of the Liberal Arts and supply chain management in Smeal College of Business. He is also minoring in Portuguese, International Business, and Military Studies. Justin is deeply involved in Global Business Brigades, the Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity, and Army ROTC.

He was inspired to become a peer success coach because he wants to contribute to the success of others. In high school, he was an assistant for the counseling department and through this experience, he gained a great amount of appreciation for positions that guide others through their academic and personal journeys. He wants to make a positive impact on people, just as he has seen others do. He wants to foster an environment of confidence, optimism, and diversity in the College of the Liberal Arts!

Diana is a fourth-year student majoring in Psychology with a minor in Spanish. Diana is a McNair Scholar, hotline counselor at Centre Helps, an undergraduate research assistant in the Development, Risk, and Resilience Lab, and a member of Occupational Therapy Club. 

“My first year in college as a first-generation student was extremely overwhelming. It was difficult navigating academics, involvement, and socialization all on my own. I can understand what it is like to feel when you are struggling and do not know where to go. Students should not have to navigate these issues and struggle by themselves. As a peer success coach, I help students in all aspects of student life.” 

Laci is a fourth-year student double majoring in Criminology and Psychology. Laci is involved in the Legal Empowerment Brigade within Penn State Global Brigades and the Blue & White Society. She is a co-founder of the Chaiken Center Pre-Law Group.  

“I was deeply impacted by my peer mentor. She was a great support system since my first year. She inspired me to apply for this position so I can help others. I enjoy being a part of students’ support system and guiding them to success within the college.” 

Ben is a third-year student majoring in Psychology. He is a research assistant for the Laboratory for Personality, Psychopathology, and Psychotherapy Research. He is also an ambassador for EcoReps, and a co-founder of his club Growth and Development. Other ways that Ben is involved on campus is as a member of the Filipino Student Association and Korean Student Association.

Alexa is a third-year student double majoring in Psychology and Criminology. On campus, she stays involved through several leadership and community roles. She currently serves as a resident assistant in East Halls and vice president of the Dominican Student Association. She is also a proud member of both the Latino Caucus and the Caribbean Student Association. 

Alexa chose to become a peer success coach to be the kind of support she was lucky to receive when she first started college. As a first-generation college student in the United States, she came in with a lot of uncertainty and many questions. The guidance she received from mentors and staff during her transition into college made a huge difference in helping her adjust and feel confident in a new environment. Now, she wants to be that same resource for others—to offer encouragement, answer questions, and help students navigate into college life with more clarity and comfort. 

Shaquana is a fourth-year student double majoring in Psychology and Criminology. Shaquana is a Chaiken Scholar and a resident assistant.

As a first-generation student and the first in her family to navigate the American college system, Shaquana found the transition stressful and overwhelming. She was nervous about figuring out how to handle college life, and without her peer mentors’ guidance through the Chaiken Center, she says that she does not think she would have been as successful in navigating her first year. Now she plans to pay it forward by helping students like her.

Winetta is a second-year Psychology and Criminology major with an interest in international affairs. She is the outreach representative and supports students’ engagement by providing how to navigate resources on campus and outreach for Chaiken Center events.