Peer2Peer

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Nathan Zimmerman, Yankton, South Dakota

22-23 Peer2Peer President

Hey, my name is Nathan Zimmerman and I am majoring in Biology and planning to minor in Science and Medicine in Society. I am currently on the pre-med track with plans to attend medical school and pursue a career as a cardiologist. After completing medical school, I hope to accept a job in a rural community that lacks widespread access to healthcare. I am currently a member of the pre-med society here on Creighton's campus. I also assist Dr. Brian North in his research throughout the year. I enjoy taking part in a number of different intramural sports including soccer, football, volleyball, and basketball. My favorite teams to watch are the Minnesota Vikings and Paris Saint Germain. My hobbies include playing pickup soccer or basketball games, watching Netflix, trying out new restaurants around Omaha, reading, and attending the different Creighton sporting events throughout the year. I feel that the SSS does an excellent job of assisting incoming students and current students with adapting to the new college environment. The SSS and Peer2Peer groups are always there to support students that are in need whether that be a late-night review session before a terrifying biology final or just a home cooked meal because you miss home. As a first-generation student, I have always felt that there was additional pressure on me to succeed. I feel that this pressure has had a positive impact on my academic and social endeavors. I am looking forward to meeting the incoming freshman as well as sharing advice about life at Creighton and all of the new opportunities that accompany this once in a lifetime experience. I am always open to help you with any problems you are having whether it is with schoolwork or just need a little help adjusting to college life.

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Aliya Keaton

My name is Aliya Keaton, and I'm a sophomore majoring in social work. After Creighton I hope to get my MSW and become a licensed mental health practitioner. I enjoy getting coffee, going on walks, listening to podcasts, and reading. My favorite thing about SSS are the opportunities and resources they provide, and the people that I get connected to through the program. Being someone that qualifies for SSS, I definitely take great pride in the resilience and work ethic that got me to Creighton. Coming from a low income background and being a first generation college student means that you often have to work twice as hard to end up in the same place as your peers. Personally, I'm really proud the hard work that I've done. As a mentor, I'm most excited to get to know the incoming SSS'ers and build on that SSS community.

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Ameera Naif

Hi! My name is Ameera and I’m currently a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences, planning to major in Biology on the Pre-med track with a Business Administration minor. I am a part of a sorority, Pi Beta Phi, the Neuroscience Club, and an RSP leader. I also work on campus as a Federal Work Student. I like hanging out with my friends, working out, and listening to podcasts. I love making memories and taking pictures of special moments. I’m excited to be an SSS Peer-to-Peer mentor this year and welcome you with your transition to college. I’m so happy to be a part of Student Support Services, it has huge difference since day one from the friends I have made to the academic help they provide such as the faculty tutoring to FAFSA help. Everyone truly cares about you and will assist you in any way they can. My goal is to establish a close relationship with my mentee and be here for them with my questions, concerns, or just to hang out. I’m excited to get to know everyone and please don’t hesitate to say hi if you see me on campus!!

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Brandon

Aloha. My name is Brandon, and I am a sophomore in the Heider college of business pursuing a degree in entrepreneurship with a minor in criminal justice. I am involved with the Hui 'O Hawaii club and Project Sunshine. Some of my passions include: playing basketball, watching movies (I like all kinds of movies) reading, going to the beach, and playing games. As a first-generation, low-income student, I enjoy being a part of Student Support Services because it is the best support system to have on campus and they are always there to help. I always have someone to talk to when I need help with anything, ranging from financial things to academic things or even personal situations. I also really love that whenever I walk through the door of the SSS office, someone always greets me with a smile and are very welcoming. Being apart of SSS has really helped me get through a stressful freshman year. I am excited for the mentees coming and can't wait to see all the freshman. Mahalo!

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Eldaah Asfaw

Hi there! I'm Eldaah Asfaw, and I am an upcoming Junior in the College of Arts and Sciences studying Psychology, with ambitions of pursuing medicine. My dream is to become a Pediatric Physician. I am involved in cultural organizations, CUASA and AFSA, as well as Circle K, a service organization here at Creighton. I enjoy doing service-orientated activities, being outside, and watching bad tv on repeat. Student Support Services has been one of my favorite groups to be a part of. As a first-generation, low-income college student, it is tempting to often feel like I have lost a grip on what to do and feel alone in this journey, but SSS paired me with an advisor and she has shown me how to make this place feel like home. I truly enjoy being a part of SSS because I know that the staff in the office cares about me as a whole individual. As a mentor, I am most excited about meeting the new mentees and welcoming them into our community. The bond is special and the people have made my college experience and I am excited to pass that on to others!

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Eliza Klein

My name is Eliza Klein (Liza for short) my major is psychology and plan to end with my doctorate in occupational therapy. When I do achieve my doctorate I hope to work with children. I am currently involved in sign language club and pre-OT club. Some hobbies I have are exploring Omaha being outside (not so much hiking or anything like that more like doing homework outside) doing makeup and skin care along with drawing. I don’t say I have too many talents but most say my ability to work with children is a talent. I like being part of SSS because it has given me a huge support system that I didn’t know I needed. Being a first gen low income student to me means that I am here to prove a point and to make a path for other to follow in. I also think that it means that you can show that the background you come from does not matter and does not define what you can accomplish. I am most excited to meet all the incoming freshman and show them all the great things SSS offers along with Creighton in general.

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Emily Rodrigues

My name is Emily Rodrigues, and I am enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences as a biology major. I plan to attend medical school in hopes of being a pediatric anesthesiologist! I am currently involved in the DIVE (Diverse Individuals with Valor and Empathy) interest group, which is a sorority focused on Asian interest on Creighton's campus. Through SSS specifically, I am a peer mentor and a chemistry tutor. Outside of Creighton, I work as a phlebotomist at BioLife Plasma Services. Some of my hobbies include dirt biking, dancing hula, going to the beach with my friends, and hiking! To me, being first-generation is a challenge that not too many people consider when attending college. It is difficult not having parents to be able to guide you or advise you on how to balance your work load. I felt lost my first two years at Creighton because my parents didn't understand the difficulty of the major they wanted me to do versus what I wanted to do. SSS brought me closer to a group of students who shared similar challenges and allowed me to find reassurance within them. The SSS academic advisors have always worked above and beyond to ensure my interests were considered, and advised me in areas my parents didn't have knowledge in. No matter how many times I questioned my major or my path, SSS has always backed me and reassured my success in the end. As an SSS mentor, I am excited to share my experiences at Creighton with my mentee, as well as guide them and be there for them as much as I can!

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Gabriel Quezada Cancino

Hello! My name is Gabriel Quezada Cancino, I am majoring in Computer Science and Economics at the College of Arts and Sciences. After graduation, I hope to become a Software Developer. During my free time, I enjoy playing video games, cooking, and going out with friends. I enjoy being a part of SSS because it gives me a much-needed resource as I go through my college journey. Being a low-income first-generation student means that there are extra challenges that I must face to graduate but there is also immense pride that comes along with it. I am most excited to help someone else with issues that I had to figure out on my own.

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Izzy Sargent

Hi!! My name is Izzy Sargent and I am a rising sophomore at Creighton. I am currently studying Neuroscience on the pre-med track. I hope to go to medical school and pursue a career as either a neurosurgeon or a psychiatrist (not sure yet). My involvements on campus include being a part of Pi Beta Phi, being in the Neuroscience Club, being a chemistry TA, and going to dance workout classes. Some of my passions include: dogs, TV shows/movies, hanging out with friends, and food. I enjoy being a part of SSS because they help you figure out the things that most kids' parents taught them about college. As a first generation student with ADHD and anxiety, I was extremely nervous about going to college. SSS allowed me to feel less nervous and more comfortable with the transition of moving to college and to an entirely different state. I am truly honored and thankful to be able to go to such a prestigious school. I am so excited to meet everyone and make new friends! Coming from someone who is introverted, socializing can be pretty scary at times. So, if you ever need someone to talk to about mental health or any struggles/concerns, I will gladly be that person for you. :)

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Jasmine Chee

My name is Jasmine Chee and I'm in the College of Arts & Sciences. I am majoring in Biology and minoring in Studio Art, on the Pre-Dental Track. A few of the organizations I am currently involved in are the Creighton University Chapter of NSLS, Kappa Pi International Art Society, Hui 'O Hawai'i Club, CAAS Dean's Fellows, and Alpha Phi Omega Co-Ed service fraternity. I enjoy exploring Omaha, trying new restaurants, and attending volunteer events! I like being a part of SSS because it is a welcoming community where I made a handful of my close friends. As a first-generation student, I did not know what to expect when I started my college career. But the SSS program provided a place where I could come to with any questions. This year, I am most excited about welcoming in the mentees. It's fun to see new faces in the office or the study rooms and meet new people during the SSS mentor/mentee outings.

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Jayce

Hello! My name Is Jayce, and I am a sophomore in the college of arts and sciences pursuing an undecided major/minor combination in biomedical physics, data science, and music, hoping to go onto get my PhD or go to medical school. Along with SSS, a few additional groups/organizations I am involved include the National Success and Leadership Society, Creighton's symphony and orchestra, and the Translational Biomedical Physics research lab. Some of my hobbies and passions include: hanging out with friends, working out, music, cooking, binge-watching Netflix, and drawing/painting. I enjoy being a member of SSS because I know I have people in my corner and cheering for me throughout my Creighton experience while making life-long friends along the way. SSS offers an endless amount of opportunities for students whether that be for your social life, finances, or academic advancement. As a mentor, I am most excited to get to know my mentee and their interests as well as being a familiar face on campus, and answering any worries/questions they have!

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Jeanette-Charloette Lum

My name is Jeanette-Charloette Lum, in the College of Arts and Sciences with a major in HAP and a minor in Asian Studies. I am a rising Senior from Waimanalo, Hawaii. I am aiming to be working back home in Hawaii either in hospitals or insurance companies. I am not only involved in SSS, but also the co-ed fraternity Alpha Phi Omega, Hawaii club, and the pre-pharmacy club. I do enjoy spending time with friends, either out in Omaha or in our apartment, cooking/baking, watching movies and anime, and listening to different types of music. I like being a part of SSS because it became my first group of support in college, and helped me adjust faster and better while getting to know amazing people. Being first-generation and a low-income background means that while there are difficulties, it is not impossible for me to continue learning and growing. While others are not as lucky as me, it just pushes me to do better and work harder to return the gifts I have received while here at Creighton. I am most excited to help others like me and connect with more people in the upcoming year as a mentor.

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Kandi

Hello Helloooo! My name is Kandi, I’m a rising junior in the college of Arts and Sciences. I am serving as your Peer2Peer Vice President! I am studying Social Work and Medical Anthropology with a Public Health minor. I am from Ewa Beach, Hawaii. I am apart of Creighton’s Hawaii Club, Hui O Hawaii, Peer2Peer, the Schlegel Center for Service and Justice, a sorority TriDelta, and Alpha Phi Omega. I am also one of the Residential Advisors for the Freshmen community! If I am not studying, I am typically watching Netflix/Disney+, dancing Hula and Tahitian, and hanging out with my Creighton Ohana (family). I enjoy being a part of Student Support Services because there are so many resources that we have access to. SSS offers additional tutoring services that I utilized as much as I could throughout my first year. SSS also has many services that help with navigating adjusting to college life. As a first-generation college student, I know first-hand what it is like to adapt to college life and not have someone to give insight on it. It can be a bit difficult trying to get used to a new lifestyle, but SSS is a place you can always go to when feeling overwhelmed. All of the SSS students and staff will make it a known fact that they are rooting and cheering for you! I am excited about building new connections and strong foundations for an uplifting school year. I am also excited about the many fun events that P2P has in store! I would love to get Starbucks with you or just take a stroll around campus with you! Feel free to reach out :)

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Karla Marquez Cell

Hello, my name is Karla Marquez Cell, I am a sophomore in the college of arts and sciences. I am planning to major in Emergency Medical Services as a Paramedic. This upcoming school year I will be involved with Creighton’s CULSA student organization, as well as with Creighton’s EMS club. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my friends watching movies or going on late-night-rides. As a low-income, first generation student I am extremely grateful to be part of Student Support Services. I have been able to find many others who come from very similar backgrounds as I do, which really helped me feel like I belonged here. I also met my closest friends through SSS. Apart from making my social life better, I know that the staff is always willing to help through any problems I may have. Whether it is something academic or a home issue. For this upcoming school year I am excited to help my mentee find their way around campus as well as help them be able to succeed during their freshman year.

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Keaomalamalama

Aloha! My name is Keaomalamalama, but most prefer to call me Keao. I am a student of Creighton University's College of Arts and Sciences, pursuing a major in Biochemistry on the pre-dental track. With intentions to return to Hawaii, I hope to serve my local community through dental care and reciprocate the aloha it has shown me all my life. In addition to the Student Support Services, I am also involved with Creighton’s Hui O Hawaii, The Lieben Center for Women, and Alpha Phi Omega. When my head isn’t buried in my studies, I find joy in spending time with friends and family, watching the sun rise and set, dancing hula, exploring new places, and listening to a wide variety of music. Being a part of the Student Support Services family has shown me the existence of the aloha spirit beyond the shores of my home. The uplifting and compassionate environment that this program creates for all its members is an aspect among many that I enjoy. Being a low-income student has framed many experiences that shape the young woman I’ve become. With this circumstance of my life, I’ve developed a strong work ethic, a perspective guided by gratitude and empathy, and a desire to serve the people and environment around me. As a mentor, I am most excited for fostering positive relationships between our mentors and mentees. Furthermore, I hope that these new connections will continue to provide strong branches of support as we all continue to navigate our journeys at Creighton University.

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Keiko

Hey! My name is Keiko and I’m from Honolulu, Hawaii. I’ll be a sophomore this upcoming school year. I’m currently pursuing a Health Administration and Policy major, and I’m planning on double minoring in Public Health and Asian Studies. I’m involved in Hui O Hawaii, APO, and Best Buddies. I also work at the Office of Disability Services. If I’m not doing homework or studying, I’m watching Netflix/Youtube, playing cards, reading, or hanging out with friends. SSS has helped me tremendously this past school year. Freshman year is hard with the transition from high school to college level courses, moving across the country, etc, but SSS has been a big supporter! The staff and the other students are very welcoming. You can talk to literally anyone and they are always willing to lend an ear. I’m excited to get to know all the incoming freshman. If you ever need someone to talk to or hang out with, feel free to hit me up :)

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Nia

Hi! I’m Nia. I am currently a sophomore majoring in Political Science Legal Studies, with a minor in Women & Gender Studies. With this I hope to be able to be an activist for those who need it by working with the ACLU as a litigation attorney (civil law.) Along with being a Peer2Peer Mentor, I am a member of Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for Women, and last semester I was the Senior Week Coordinator for CSU Program Board. I love to read novels (specifically fantasy), play video games, and watch Friends (for the 15th time). Being a First-Gen and low income student, SSS has provided me with many opportunities to be myself and be a better student. Being able to bond with your coaches makes all the difference, especially during your transition from high school to college. Being first in my family means that I can create a path for my 3 younger siblings to go through college, help them with the process (since I went through it alone) and help them understand the transition. This semester I am most looking forward to meeting the Class of 2026 and watching them grow!

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Precious

Aloha! My name is Precious, and I am currently a Junior in the College of Arts and Sciences. I am double majoring in Social Work and Psychology. On campus, I am in a sorority, Delta Delta Delta, a co-ed service fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega, and am Vice Lūʻau Chair for Hui o Hawaiʻi. I love going to the beach, lei-making, dancing hula, shopping, and watching movies. In general, I love hanging out with others, especially if there’s food involved! I like being a part of Student Support Services because it has helped me not only with succeeding in the classroom, but with other important life things as well. Everyone is very supportive, and I have benefitted from attending workshops for different things like how to rent an apartment and get a good credit card. Being a first-generation, low-income college student means having to work a little harder to achieve my goals, which has been easier to do with supportive peers who are in similar positions. I look forward to meeting new people and becoming another source of support for them on campus!

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Renee Tracy

Hey! I am Renee and I am a rising sophomore that is in the College of Arts & Sciences. I am a Healthy Lifestyle Management major with a minor in psychology! On campus, I am involved with campus ministry, SSS, D.I.V.E sports, and intramural. I am a pretty relaxed person and I love to play/watch sports (especially football), go on hikes, play board games, hanging out with my friends, and dogs. While on campus, I like to hammock while I read or just talk with friends as well as taking walks on the mall/pedestrian bridge and going to the KFC to play sports with my friends! What I enjoy most about SSS is that everyone is very welcoming and supportive. I had a tough time during my freshman year and my coach, Brittany, helped me through a lot since it really took a toll on me. SSS was a place where I felt like I belonged and made me feel cared for. Another thing that I really like about SSS would be the tutoring opportunities that are given to us. Unlike the EDGE, one on one tutoring that is continuous throughout the week was something that I found to be really helpful since the tutors are actual professors in the specific departments. Brittany was a major help but the P2P program was something that was also helpful since I had an automatic friend that I could talk to. What I found cool was that there was another person as a mentee and I became friends with her too which was nice since I didn’t really know anyone else on campus yet. Being able to have a fun outing with my P2P group was a nice break amongst all the chaos and I really enjoyed the program! I am excited to be a helping hand to the incoming freshman and am ready to answer all the questions they have!

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Sahrai Luna

Hi everyone! My name is Sahrai Luna, and I'm an upcoming sophomore studying biochemistry on the pre-med track in the college of arts and sciences. I am additionally minoring in Spanish, biology, and theology. I plan to advance to medical school in the future and pursue a specialty in surgery. In order to accomplish my career and personal goals, I am part of research, the honor's program, the Creighton pre-professional medical scholars program, pre-med society, campus ministry, and new student orientation (summer preview and I will be a peer leader this year!). In addition to my organizations, I also love to read, crochet, go for walks, shop, listen to music, and spend time with my family, friends, and pets (I have a husky named Diesel and a kitty named Potato!). Being part of SSS has changed my life. Not only do you get to meet new people, but you also have a new group of people that care for you and support you. I love meeting with my SSS advisor! As a first-gen student, I understand exactly what it feels like to go to college with no idea how to navigate the world of higher education. Many times, I found myself frustrated with my transition to college and how to manage the busy world that I am now a part of. But, as cheesy as it may sound, SSS opened a whole new world for me. My peer mentor and SSS advisor have helped me navigate the difficult social, academic, and personal aspects that being a first-gen college student entails. Because of this, I am excited to be able to mentor one of you this year! I am excited to join you on the amazing journey that freshman year is! I am excited to be, not only your mentor, but also your friend. I can't wait to meet y'all!

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Sara Del Real

Hi! My name is Sara Del Real and I am a rising sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences. I am double majoring in Political Science and Economics with minors in both Women’s and Gender Studies and Business Administration. I hope to one day attend law school and practice Immigration Law. I am super excited to be a Peer Mentor this year! I am additionally involved in other campus organizations such as Inter Residence Hall Government (IRHG), Creighton University’s Latino Student Association (CULSA), Gamma Phi Beta, New Student Orientation, Habitat for Humanity, etc. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my friends, watching comfort TV shows, reading, and chasing sunsets. Being a part of SSS has been incredibly rewarding for me personally. SSS has presented me with so many opportunities and provided me with support while navigating college as a first-generation student which can be immensely overwhelming at times. I am so excited to be a mentor for the incoming freshmen students this upcoming year while they establish their places within the Creighton community!

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Susanna

Hello!! My name is Susanna, and I am a Sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences. I am majoring in Journalism on the Public Relations track and I plan to work as a representative for companies in the future as well as publish my own books! On campus I am involved in Creighton University's Latino Student Association, as well as PRSSA, Public Relations Student Society of America. During my free time I love to workout, watch tv shows, explore the many delicious food options in Omaha, and write my books! As a low income student, I really love being a part of Student Support Services because they give me the support I need to know more about different opportunities on campus that aren’t really spoken about. The staff is always there to help and support you through any problems you may have. I am so excited to be a mentor this year because it is my first time! I know exactly what it is like to go into a new place and not know anyone, and I’m excited to be able to help and guide the new mentees and to get to know them better! I really hope I can become a good friend to many of the new mentees!!

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Veronica

Hello! My name is Veronica, and I am a sophomore at the College of Arts and Sciences pursuing a degree in Social Work. Organizations I am involved in include the College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Fellows Program and the Creighton University Latino Association. In my free time, I like to journal, do yoga, and thrift shop. I also like trying new foods and a fun fact about me is that my Starbucks order is never been the same as I’m constantly trying new drinks! Over the summer I started learning Japanese, French, and crocheting!! Student Support Services assist me as a first-generation and low-income student in every way possible. The workshops provided cover a range of topics from academics to financials to personal well-being. As a mentor, I’m excited to see the events and connections that this upcoming year will bring!