Student Success Peer Leader Program

The Student Success Peer Leader Program connects new students with experienced mentors. Wake Tech's Peer Leaders understand the challenges of college life and are here to provide guidance, share their wisdom and experiences and support students through their college journey.

Peer Leaders draw from their own experiences as students and mentor others, increasing the sense of belonging and community at Wake Tech. They provide a variety of support, including study skills, time management, connection and resources.

Benefits of connecting with a Peer Leader:

Increased confidence and self-esteem
Ease of navigating campus, resources and programs
Enhanced self-motivation and goal-setting
Gain fresh perspective and insight
Leadership development
Skill development

Peer Leaders are Certified Peer Educators through the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators.

Peer Leader newsletters

Connect with a Peer Leader

2024-25 Peer Leaders

Annie Anglin

~ Contact Info ~

[email protected]

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Program of study – Public Safety Administration

Favorites

Movies/shows – My favorite movie right now is "The Lord of the Rings."
Hobbies/interests – Cooking and baking, and really into exploring, whether trying out different foods or just discovering unique spots in places

I'm a Peer Leader because ... I want to help guide people in any direction they're taking in their time at Wake Tech. I know that college can be challenging, and it's important to have someone you can turn to for advice, support and encouragement. As a Peer Leader, I hope to create a welcoming atmosphere where students feel comfortable seeking help and know they're not alone in their journey.

When I was a first-year student, I wish I knew ... where to find the best study spots, how to balance my course load with personal time and who to go to for help with things like financial aid or academic advising.

Malexis Barinotto

~ Contact Info ~

[email protected]

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Program of study – Associate in Arts to achieve Bachelors in Business Administration

Clubs/organizations

Favorites

Hobbies/interests – I love to draw and listen to music. I also love spending time with my family and friends.

I'm a Peer Leader because ... I want to motivate my peers around me. I once struggled with not being able to believe in myself, and it is not an easy path. I want to be able to help those who may feel how I once did. I want every student to acknowledge and be proud of the journey they are taking, handling life situations while balancing their education.

When I was a first-year student, I wish I knew ... that it is OK to step outside comfort zones. Wake Tech offers so many resources, and it is all about taking as many opportunities as you can. Never be afraid to try something new. Always reach for excellence and always go above and beyond.

Kaitlyn Arias-Cornejo

~ Contact Info ~

[email protected]

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Program of study – Associate in Arts pursuing a major in Political Science

Favorites

Music/musicians – Tyler the Creator and Kali Uchis are my favorite artists recently, but I love all music!
Hobbies/interests – I am a competitive Olympic weightlifter under USA Weightlifting, and I currently train with Shoofly Barbell Club, a program within Shoofly Athletics.

I'm a Peer Leader because ... I enjoy contributing to any community and connecting with those around me. My main goal is to help my fellow peers be the most successful students they can be while also maintaining a healthy mindset!

When I was a first-year student, I wish I knew ... that I did not have to struggle alone and there should be no guilt or fear around reaching out and finding those who are more than happy to help you on your path to success.

Derek Gonzalez

~ Contact Info ~

[email protected]

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Program of study – Associate in Science, eventually BS in Chemistry

Favorites

Movies/shows – I've been a big fan of "911" lately, also the "Pretty Little Liars" reboot.
Hobbies/interests – I'm really into gaming, and I've been trying to get back into writing as well.

I'm a Peer Leader because ... I am a big believer that people should give back to their community.

Lauren Holfelder

~ Contact Info ~

[email protected]

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Program of study – Business

Favorites

Movies/shows – "Me Before You"
Music – Two Door Cinema Club

I'm a Peer Leader because ... I want to help people with their futures!

When I was a first-year student, I wish I knew … how helpful Wake Tech's resources are!

Nidhi Karerakattil

~ Contact Info ~

[email protected]

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Program of study – Associate in Arts, I plan to major in Archaeology.

Favorites

Music/musicians – My taste in music is extremely eclectic, ranging from The Beatles and ABBA to Cavetown and Mitski to Yoasobi and Ado. At the moment, though, I have the concept album for "Epic: The Musical" on repeat.
Books/authors – Douglas Adams and his Hitchhiker's series will forever be my top recommendation. The world and characters in his books instantly drew me in, and his style has influenced my writing in more than one.

I'm a Peer Leader because ... when I first joined Wake Tech, I wished I had someone to guide and support me as I stumbled about figuring out the ins and outs of college. Now, I hope to be that person for someone else.

Victoria Ong

~ Contact Info ~

[email protected]

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Program of study – Pre-nursing

Clubs/organizations – National Society of Leadership and Success, Pi Theta Kappa Honor Society, SALUTE Veterans National Honor Society, Student Veteran Association

Favorites

Music – The Weeknd!
Hobbies/interests – Drawing, painting, reading, cooking, baking, music, piano

I'm a Peer Leader because ... I genuinely want to help other students as they navigate their college journey. I remember how exciting yet challenging this time can be, and I'm here to lend a helping hand! My goal is to create a friendly and supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable reaching out for advice or simply chatting about their experiences. I love sharing my own stories and insights, and I hope to inspire others to embrace their journey with confidence. Together, we can make college a more enjoyable and fulfilling experience for everyone!

When I was a first-year student, I wish I knew ... about all of the great resources that Wake Tech has to offer! There's so much support out there, like Academic Advising, tutoring services and helpful workshops, that can really make a difference in your college experience. I'd love to share this information with as many of my fellow students as possible so everyone can make the most of everything Wake Tech has to offer. Let's help each other out and make this journey even better together!

Fiorella "Elle" Ruiz

~ Contact Info ~

[email protected]

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Program of study – Associate in Science

Clubs/organizations – SGA senator, DECA Chapter president

Favorites – Traveling and finding new cafés

I'm a Peer Leader because ... I want to help others realize how many opportunities Wake Tech has to offer when it comes to professional, personal and academic growth. I have gotten to experience so many great things and would love to help others do the same.

When I was a first-year student, I wish I knew ... that there is every reason to be proud of being a community college student.

Ruby Waibel

~ Contact Info ~

[email protected]

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Program of study – Associate in Science, intend to major in Environmental Sciences at North Carolina State University.

Favorites

Music – Chappell Roan
Hobbies/interests – Reading, crafts, gardening

I'm a Peer Leader because ... I want to help students make the most of their time at Wake Tech, both academically and personally. People often say you get out what you put in, and in my opinion, that applies perfectly to community college. Since I am a current student, it can be frustrating for me to know about all of the great resources that are available to Wake Tech students and see my peers going through their journey without utilizing the facilities and programs that would make their lives much easier. This year, I hope to help as many students as possible take advantage of all Wake Tech has to offer.

Thomas Wilkie

~ Contact Info ~

[email protected]

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Program of study – Cybersecurity

Favorites

Movies/TV – Most anime, such as Bleach, Ergo Proxy and Claymore
Books/authors – "360° Leader" by John C. Maxwell
Hobbies/interests – Fishing, hiking, cycling and most outdoor activities

I'm a Peer Leader because ... I want to encourage others to follow their chosen path to completion. It is often easier to complete major tasks with some guidance and assistance.

When I was a first-year student, I wish I knew ... more about the resources available to Wake Tech students. There are many resources available for every student that can assist with completing their academic goals. Ask me for more information about these resources.