Peer Success Coaching

Rahiyely is a third-year student dual-majoring in Political Science and Economics. She serves as executive director of records for the Association of Residence Hall Students, vice president of public relations for Latino Caucus, an EcoRep, a Liberal Arts Ambassador, and secretary of the Liberal Arts Chaiken Center Pre-Law Group. She is passionate about connecting with others and helping students feel supported throughout their college experience.

Sarah is a second-year student dual-majoring in Psychology and Biology. She is a research assistant in the Social Neuroendocrinology Lab. Passionate about psychology and neuroscience, Sarah hopes to pursue a career in medicine and mental health.

Alena is a fourth-year student majoring in Psychology and a research assistant in the Cognitive Neuroscience and Creativity Lab.

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

Justin is a third-year student dual-majoring in Global and International Studies in the College of the Liberal Arts and Supply Chain Management in the Smeal College of Business. He is also triple-minoring in Portuguese, International Business, and Military Studies. Justin is involved in the Supply Chain Management Association, Alpha Kappa Psi professional business fraternity, and Army ROTC.

Justin became a peer success coach because he wants to contribute to the success of others. In high school, he assisted his school’s counseling department, an experience that gave him an appreciation for those who guide students through their academic and personal journeys. As a peer success coach, he hopes to make a positive impact on others and foster an environment of confidence, optimism, and belonging in the College of the Liberal Arts.

Trinidy is a third-year student dual-majoring in Criminology and Political Science. She serves as president of the Liberal Arts Chaiken Center Pre-Law Group and participates in the Next Gen Leadership Academy, where she focuses on public policy. She also works in prevention education at the Relationship Violence Outreach, Intervention, and Community Education (R-VOICE) Center.

Inspired by her own journey as a first-gen college student and the support she received from her mentor at the Chaiken Center, Trinidy became a peer success coach to help other students find their paths and build strong support systems.

Alyssa is a fourth-year student majoring in Political Science. She is a Liberal Arts First-Generation Pathways Fellow and a member of the Liberal Arts First-Gen Committee and Next Gen Leadership Academy. Drawing on her own experience as a first-gen college student, Alyssa is passionate about helping other first-gen students feel supported and become aware of the opportunities and resources available to them.

Ben is a fourth-year student majoring in Psychology. He is a project manager for the Laboratory for Personality, Psychopathology, and Psychotherapy Research, an EcoRep, and founder of the Liberal Arts Chaiken Center Pre-Med Support Group. Ben is also a member of the Filipino Association and Navigators.

Matt is a second-year student dual-majoring in History and German and minoring in Public Policy and Leadership Across Sectors. He serves as co-president of the Penn State German Club and participates in Club Climbing.

Matt became a peer success coach to share with other students the support he received from the Chaiken Center. His interest in leadership began in high school, where he held leadership positions in his school’s German and chess clubs. As a peer success coach, Matt strives to make a positive impact on the students he meets.

Winetta is a second-year student dual-majoring in Psychology and Criminology with an interest in international affairs. As the Chaiken Center’s outreach representative, she helps students navigate campus resources and promotes opportunities to engage with Chaiken Center events and programming.