Program of study – Associate in Fine Arts: Visual Arts

Activities

• Printmaking Club
• Drama Club

Favorites

• Movie – "Rocky Horror Picture Show"
• Hobbies/interests – Cosplay and conventions

I'm a Peer Leader because ... I'm a strong believer in making education as accessible as possible, and if I can play even a small role in that, I'll be overjoyed.

When I was a first-year student, I wish I knew ... I personally work better in person rather than online. Succeeding in college has so much to do with figuring out your own personal learning style.

Program of study – Accounting & Finance

Activities

• Student Government Association senator
• National Association of Black Accountants

Favorites

• Artist – Jhené Aiko
• Hobbies/interests – Going to the gym

I'm a Peer Leader because ... I love engaging with my community and helping people as much as I can.

When I was a first-year student, I wished I knew ... all of the resources Wake Tech had for me to succeed.

Program of study – Associate in Science

Activities

• Wake Tech Performing Arts Club president and SGA representative
• START intern
• CCM Program
• Biology Club

Favorites

• Music – Hozier and folk, post-hardcore, nu metal, screamo and '90s rock genres
• Food – Sushi
• Hobbies/interests – Acting, playing story-based games, attending live music events, researching different species of nudibranchs (sea slugs)

I'm a Peer Leader because ... I want to help new students build confidence in their educational paths, giving them the best possible start to their future.

When I was a first-year student, I wish I knew ... that starting at a community college is not a setback, but a unique experience that can offer unlimited opportunities for success.

Program of study – Network & Cloud Administration

Favorites

• Music/musicians – Classic jazz, including Coleman Hawkins, Lester Young, Charlie Parker, John Coltrane and many more
• Hobbies/interests – Music, cooking and information technology projects

I'm a Peer Leader because … I understand that starting anything new can be challenging without a peer to help navigate the obstacles of achieving your goals. Life is a team sport.

When I was a first-year student, I wish I knew … more about the amount and quality of resources Wake Tech offers. For instance, Career Services, through Handshake, provides expert resume review services tailored to a student's field of study.

Program of study – Associate of Science

Activities

• START intern
• C-STEP
• Biology Club

Favorites

• Books/author – "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom
• Food – Seafood mofongo, a well-known Puerto Rican dish

I'm a Peer Leader because … I want all students to feel included and supported throughout their time at Wake Tech. My goal is to help find opportunities and resources so students can become more confident, successful and empowered to support others as well.

When I was a first-year student, I wish I knew … college is a unique experience, and the connections you build can open doors and help you go much further than one expects.

Program of study – Associate in Engineering and Associate in Science

Activities

• Aprendo Mentor (volunteer)

Favorites

• Book – "Lord of the Mysteries"
• Hobbies/interests – Painting

I'm a Peer Leader because ... I wish to give confidence to students so they can be the best version of themselves.

When I was a first-year student, I wish I knew ... about the different services offered by the school.

Program of study – Associate in Arts (Business)

Activities

• Social Media Coordinator, Wake Tech Performing Arts Club

Favorites

• Musician – Alex Warren
• Movies – "Twilight" saga
• Hobbies/interests – Watching musicals, attending local theater productions

I'm a Peer Leader because ... I want to help students who were in the same boat as me a year ago, navigating the newness of college, and make the transition a little easier.

When I was a first-year student, I wish I knew ... about the variety of resources Wake Tech offers and how available they are to support student success.

Program of study – Associate in Science and Associate in Engineering

Activities

• Engineering Club

Favorites

• Hobbies/interests – Listening to and playing music, hiking, reading
• Bands – Flipturn, Peach Pit, Hermanos Gutiérrez
• Books – "Red Rising" series by Pierce Brown; fantasy and science fiction novels

I'm a Peer Leader because ... there were many times during my journey of returning to school when I felt lost, helpless and out of place. After discovering the many resources available at Wake Tech and using them to improve my own experience, I want to help other students feel welcome, supported and confident in their academic journey.

When I was a first-year student, I wish I knew ... how often I should be reaching out to student services. Student support, especially the Care Center, can help students navigate challenges before they become overwhelming. During my first year, I viewed the Care Center as a resource to use only when I was struggling. Later, I learned how valuable student services can be in helping students proactively achieve their academic goals. Life is unpredictable, and having support can make difficult situations much less intimidating.

Program of study – Biology

Activities

• Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), vice president for Southern Wake Campus

Favorites

• Music – Latin, rock and pop, Michael Jackson
• Movies – "Legally Blonde" and "Pretty in Pink"
• Foods – Honduran cuisine, including baleadas, fried chicken with plantains, and tamales

I'm a Peer Leader because ... helping and leading others feels like a privilege to me. As a student, it's my duty to mentor fellow peers and guide others to success.

When I was a first-year student, I wish I knew ... that while everyone is here to learn or follow a career path, each person's journey will look different. We all learn in different ways, and that's something to embrace.

Program of study – Associate in Science

Activities

• Microbiology Club
• Pathology Club
• Geology Club
• The Wake Review
• Aspiring Health Professionals Club

Favorites

• Food – Mango salad
• Hobbies/interests – Photography, art, hiking, reading

I'm a Peer Leader because ... I want to help others who, like me when I first arrived at Wake Tech, are just beginning to navigate the adult and professional world and need a little boost to get started.

When I was a first-year student, I wish I knew ... that time management is a critical skill and that five college classes are very different from five high school classes. I also wish I had known about the many resources available to students and how much easier things can become when you ask for a little help.

Program of study – Associate of Science and Associate of Arts

Activities

• Social Science Club
• START intern

Favorites

• Music – Billie Eilish
• Food – Brazilian and Italian
• Hobbies/interests – Reading, crocheting, coloring

I'm a Peer Leader because ... I know how hard college can be, especially for immigrants, LGBTQA+ and disabled students. You don't need to go through it by yourself; we are here to help.

When I was a first-year student, I wish I knew ... all the opportunities Wake Tech offers, but also that I needed to go after the opportunities.