Meet Our Peer Mentors

Tara Duong (She/They)

Hi! I’m Tara (she/they) and I am in my second year here at WWU! I am an English Literature and Multilingual Education major and I am also planning on completing minors in both Sociology and American Cultural Studies. My favorite places on campus include the Ethnic Student Center, the Underground Coffeehouse, the Outback Farm, and the campus art galleries! On sunny days, I love taking a long walk to downtown to get a little treat (usually a matcha latte) and peruse my favorite thrift stores and galleries. The rest of my time is filled with reading, Duolingo, doing puzzles, and taking care of my pet bunnies!

Tara standing in front of Miller Hall, smiling

 

Arianna Caiceros (She/Her)

Hi! My name is Arianna Caiceros (she/her). I’m a second-year student majoring in History/Social Studies and planning on becoming a secondary education teacher. I’m a first-generation Latina college student. I wished I had more support as a first-generation, first-year student navigating the higher education system, especially when it came to feeling isolated at school. I’m excited to be a resource for my peers and collaborate on how we can best support each other! One of my favorite hobbies is taking walks outside while listening to music. I adore the sunshine, rain, and all the nature Bellingham has to offer (preferably with a bag of Takis in one hand). Overall, I’m here to help YOU the best I can, so don’t hesitate to reach out!

Arianna standing in front of Miller Hall, smiling

Anahy Alcazar-Salinas

Hey everyone! I'm Anahy and this is my second year being a peer mentor! I am a first-gen Latina. This position has helped me build a community for myself and others, which is why I decided to do it again this year. I am In the elementary education program majoring in Language literacy and cultural studies. Navigating college can be hard but if I could do it so can you! My favorite color is lilac, and I love listening to music with a purpose. Cruising at night with the right person is my go to activity. 

Anahy standing in front of Miller Hall, smiling.

Bethsi Solano Peral (she/her/hers)

Hello, my name is Bethsi Solano Peral and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I am Mexican- American and I am proud to be a part of the Latinx Community. I am a Woodring College of Education student, I am currently in the Elementary Education Program and my major is Language, Literacy, and Culture Studies. I am first generation to go to college and I graduated from Whatcom Community College during the spring quarter of 2022. My motivation to pursing my dream of becoming a teacher are my parents because of their hard work and sacrifices. During my spare time I like to paint, read, go on walks, and listen to music. Overall, I am very excited to work as a peer mentor and support my peers with their needs in their academic journey. 

Bethsi standing in front of Miller Hall, smiling.

Ryan Esperas (He/Him)

Hello! My name is Ryan Esperas (He/Him). I am a third year at Western Washington University! I am majoring in Sociology with a minor in Education of Social Justice. I come from a Hawaiian background so cooking and community are two things very important to me. My family lives on Oahu and my other family live in Spokane. 

My mission as a peer mentor is to help build a better community and help individuals navigate through the daunting and stressful world that is higher education so that we can all make new and fun experiences. 

Ryan standing in front of Miller Hall, smiling.

Lily Duong (She/Her)

Hey! My name is Lily Duong (she/her) and I am one of the Peer Mentors for the Diversity, Recruitment and Retention Office at the Woodring College of Education. I’m currently a part of the Elementary Education program, majoring in Language, Literacy, and Cultural Studies. I’m also part of the AS student senate for Woodring. I love supporting others so don’t hesitate to reach out to me with any questions! In my free time I enjoy crocheting, playing video games, and watching anime. My experience as a 1st generation student and Vietnamese American have allowed to understand different hurdles students of color face and I want to be able to support students in growing and provide them opportunities and access to resources in order to succeed. 

Lily standing in front of Miller Hall, smiling.

Maggie Minogue (She/Her)

Hi my name is Maggie I use she/her/hers pronouns. This is my third year at Western and I’m going for secondary education for mathematics and education social justice minor. I like hiking, reading, and music! I’m also a math grader for the mathematics department here at Western. I’m super excited to make new connections and support students!

Maggie standing in front of Miller Hall, smiling.

Matrit Coe (She/Her)

Hi, my name is Matrit Coe my pronouns are She/Her/Hers. I am a second year at WWU and I'm studying Psychology and Education and Social Justice. I am so excited to start cultivating a safe space as I join my fellow peer mentors. Growing up, making space and talking openly was hard especially because I didn’t see many people who looked like me which this something that is very important for people to feel safe and heard. I am excited to create an inclusive and shared space at the DRR office. 

Fun Fact! My favorite candy is skittles and I love plain chips.

Matrit standing in front of Miller Hall, smiling.

Shannia Crafton (She/Her)

Hi! My name is Shannia (she/her) and I’m a second-year student at Western. I plan to go into secondary education for social studies with an emphasis on sociology. I love everything that has to do with music and (when I’m feeling brave) I’ll happily sing! I’m stoked to be a peer mentor this year and I’m looking forward to cultivating community! 

Shannia standing in front of Miller Hall, smiling.

John Leete (He/Him)

Hey everybody, my name is John Leete (he/him) and I was born and raised here in the Pacific Northwest. I’m going into my second year at Western and am going to be in Elementary Education (LLC) while minoring in Education and Social Justice. On my free time I enjoy spending time outside, swimming, and listening to music. I’m stoked to be one of the Peer Mentors this academic year and to continue building connection and community here in Woodring! 

John standing in front of Miller Hall, smiling.

Karina Avila

Hi I am Karina,

I am a DRR peer mentor for this academic year! I am in the Master's in teaching program, and I did my undergrad at WWU. from the Skagit Valley, graduated from Burlington Edison. I have a passion in mentoring for college and career pathways after high school and in higher ed. Being a peer mentor allows me to explore this passion! I loved my peer mentor and embodying the best qualities she shared with me as a first year. Outside of this I love to hangout and watch shows and movies. My current favorite movies are Blue Beetle and A Million Miles Away. I also love to play volleyball w/ friends. 

Karina standing in front of Miller Hall, smiling.

 

Madeline Iyall (She/Her)

Hello Everyone! My name is Madeline (she/hers) or Maddie for short, and I will be one of your DRR peer mentors for the 2023-2024 school year. I'm studying Early Childhood Education with a minor in Education and Social Justic and will be graduating this year. Working as a peer mentor this past year has introduced me to so many wonderful people and I'm so excited to continue my work in supporting my peers here at Western. 

Madeline standing in front of Miller Hall, smiling.