Meet Our Peer Mentors

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!

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. 

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. 

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.

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! 

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.