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Aliena

Peer Mentor

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Pronouns

She/Her

 

Major(s)

Psychology

 

Hometown

Windsor, Colorado

 

Of all the jobs you could have on campus, what made you want to be a CAST Peer Mentor?

Among the different jobs available on campus, the position of CAST Peer Mentor immediately stood out to me as the perfect fit. As a transfer student transitioning from a small private school to a large public university, the prospect was both exciting and nerve-wracking. I sought guidance through CAST and was paired with an exceptional mentor who truly made a difference in my university experience. My mentor not only familiarized me with the campus but also created a welcoming and supportive environment that helped me thrive. This amazing experience inspired me to become a CAST Peer Mentor. I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and experiences, guiding new students through their journey, and ensuring that they feel at home and confident at UNL!

 

If you could learn any skill or craft instantly, what would it be?

If I could instantly learn any skill or craft, I would pick surfing. I love going on vacation, especially to beautiful beaches, and the idea of riding the waves and surfing sounds so exciting!

 

What’s one thing on your bucket list you know you’ll cross off some day?

One thing on my bucket list that I'm confident I'll cross off someday is traveling to Canada and experiencing maple tree tapping. It's been a dream of mine since I was a kid, and I've been saving up for this trip over the years, so I know one day I'll make it happen.

 

What's your favorite way to de-stress or relax during busy times?

My favorite way to de-stress or relax during busy times is by going on walks in new places. Being new to Lincoln, exploring a new city has been particularly fun for me as I take the time to familiarize myself with all the amazing things it has to offer.

 

If your life had a soundtrack, what is your theme song?

If my life had a soundtrack, my theme song would be "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. This song is a classic and it motivates me to achieve anything!

 

You just won an all-expenses paid vacation. Where would you go?

If I won an all-expenses-paid vacation, I would choose to go to Fiji and stay in one of the overwater bungalows. They are incredibly beautiful, and the idea of staying right on the water sounds so exciting. Plus, Fiji offers so many fun activities like snorkeling, and the food there looks absolutely amazing!

 

What’s your favorite place on campus—and why? 

My favorite place on campus is Love Library. I've always had a love for libraries, especially because my grandpa and I used to go there when I was a kid, making it a special place for me. The library here is beautiful, and there are some amazing spots where you can hang out and get some peaceful studying done.

 

What's your go-to comfort food or guilty pleasure snack?

My go-to comfort food or guilty pleasure snack is the packaged frosted sugar cookies from grocery stores. Despite the controversy about whether people like them or not, they are definitely one of my favorites!

 

What's one thing you wish you had known before starting college?

Before starting college, I wish I had known that one bad test score doesn't define your entire college experience. It's perfectly okay to make mistakes because that's how we learn and grow. Professors are there to help and support us, and there's always room for improvement. Embracing mistakes as part of the learning journey is key to success in college.