Emerging Leaders Peer Mentors | Center for Academic Success and Transition

Peer Mentors

Emerging Leaders Peer Mentors are upperclassmen leaders who are here to help guide you through your first semester. This fall, you will see your mentors during your weekly recitation. They are excited to share their expertise and to help you find continued leadership growth at Nebraska.

Zeinab Albusharif

Junior

Learn more about Zeinab

Pronouns: She/Her
Major(s): Interior Design
If your life had a soundtrack, what is your theme song?: I have no idea, but maybe “Midnight City” by M83. It talks about the happy and peaceful feeling of being in the city at night with all of the light and life surrounding you. I can relate because I grew up in Dubai and this song reminds me of those days.
Biggest pet peeve?: People who chew really loud or make too many sounds when eating. And spoilers.
What is the one thing that has made you laugh the hardest?: Myself or my friends because, honestly, we are the clowns in the circus.
Sasquatch—real or fake?: Honestly, I don’t have an opinion about it, but it would be cool if they were real.
What is your most vivid memory from college?: First semester, I had a drawing class outside and it was very windy. The professor made us carry our huge drawing board and kit and it was very heavy and big. My drawing ended up flying with the wind and I honestly let it because I really wasn’t going to chase after it in front of everyone. I’m not sure maybe the universe loved it too much that it wanted it or it was telling me to start over because it looked bad.
What words of advice would you give an incoming student: Don’t care about anyone and just focus on yourself, because you’re the main character and by doing that, you will become successful.

Eybrany Alvarado

Senior

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Pronouns: She/Her
Major(s): Construction Management
Hometown: York, Nebraska
If you were an animal, what would you be? Why?: I would be an otter, because they are very smart and social animals with their family. More importantly, they hold hands when they sleep and that’s adorable.
Favorite movie/tv quote?: “Do you think god stays in have because he too lives in fear of what he’s created?” ‘Dr. Romero, Spy Kids 2
If your life had a soundtrack, what’s your theme song?: “Rockin’ Robin”
Favorite spot on campus and why?: The big comfy chairs in the Adele Coryell Hall Learning Commons Quiet Study Area. The windows go from floor to ceiling and it looks out onto the lawn. Perfect for studying.
Sasquatch—real or fake?: Real?
What were you most afraid of when you started college?: I was most afraid of not making new friends and failing.
What words of advice would you give an incoming student: Don’t be afraid to try something new or to reach out to friends (past, new, and future), or to your teachers if you need help.

Amal Al Gharib

Junior

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Pronouns: She/Her
Major: Communication Sciences & Disorders, Pre-Occupational Therapy
Hometown: Lincoln, Nebraska
Did you give anyone stink-eye or throw shade recently? What did they do to deserve it?: I most likely have. Someone was driving very slow and terribly in front of me, so I stared them down when passing by.
What superpower do you wish you had?: I wish I could heal people.
What is one thing you wish people knew about you?: I value my relationships with others, which is why I keep my circle small. I would rather have a few, strong and close relationships than a lot of less close ones.
Sasquatch—real or fake?: Fake?
What is your most vivid memory from college?: My most vivid memory is the first time I did bad on a test, which made me reevaluate my study methods.
What words of advice would you give an incoming student: Don’t be afraid to try new things. Spending all you time studying will only result in you becoming tired of a constant cycle and lacking in motivation. You need to find ways to relieve stress and spend your free time. Go to club meetings, get a job, network with others, or find a new hobby to enjoy your time.

Ella Benson

Sophomore

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Pronouns: She/Her
Major: Emerging Media Arts
Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska
If you were an animal, what would you be? Why?: I would definitely be a fox because they seem like the most accurate combination between a cat and a dog, which I love.
Favorite junk food?: Anything fried and cheesy, like mozzarella sticks or cheese curds.
You just won an all-expenses paid vacation. Where would you go?: I would go to a place with a great mountainous view like Peru or China.
What superpower do you wish you had?: I wish I could shapeshift because then I could be a gorilla with strength, a cheetah with speed, or a bird with flight; it's an all-encompassing power.
What is the one thing that has made you laugh the hardest?: Long early morning road trips with my sister in the back of the car, we would laugh so hard our stomachs hurt.
What is one thing you were really glad you brought when you went to college?: I’m glad I brought my string lights because it makes late night studying easier on my eyes.
What were you most afraid of when you started college?: I was afraid I would be stuck doing classes I wasn’t excited for, then I decided to switch my major to something I was more interested in.

Ma’Kiya Carter

Senior

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Pronouns: She/Her
Major(s): Child, Youth, & Family Studies
Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska
Did you give anyone stink-eye or throw shade recently? What did they do to deserve it?: My face, I’ve been told, is naturally unhappy, so everybody assumes I’m mean or rude. I throw shad all the time at my friends, but it’s nothing but jokes.
Who is one person, alive or dead, you would like to meet?: I would like to meet Marilyn Monroe. Although her career made her super successful, she was still a really sad person and lived a sad life. I would like to talk to her about it.
What’s the most useless talent you have?: I can sneak up on people. I’m a pretty quiet person, so I’m able to be in people’s vicinity without being seen. It’s also how I’m able to avoid people if I don’t feel like talking.
Sasquatch—real or fake?: I think there’s a lot in this world we don’t know about. I would say sasquatch isn’t real because there is no evidence. But just because there isn’t any evidence, does not mean it couldn’t be true.
What’s your most vivid memory from college?: I played a late-night UNO game with a bunch of friends I met from First Husker. It was kind of the first time I realized I was going to be alright and didn’t have to worry about the friends part of college. I had so many after doing that program. I’m really grateful.
What words of advice would you give an incoming student: It’s okay to realize when something isn’t for you. Life isn’t just one path and you should do what makes you happy at the end of the day.

Nhi Dao

Junior

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Pronouns: She/Her
Major: Communication Sciences & Disorders
Hometown: Lincoln, Nebraska
Favorite TV/movie quote?: “I’m responsible for my own happiness? I can’t even be responsible for my own breakfast.” – BoJack Horseman
If your life was a movie, what is the title and who would play you?: The Clumsiest Person on Earth starring Awkwafina
What is one thing you wish people knew about you?: I’m not as quiet as you think, once you get to know me.
Do you ever talk to yourself? When? And what do you say?: All the time. It’s most likely out of habit because I’m an only child but I’ll catch myself talking to myself while doing homework, when I’m grocery shopping alone, or just in my room and trying to process through my thoughts.
Which animal/reptile/insect would you least like to be locked in a cage with?: If it’s a snake, I’m out.
Sasquatch – real or fake?: Possibly real…
What is the one thing that has made you laugh the hardest?: My friend and I were exploring this hike trail near a park. We both did not have shoes meant for hiking so as we tried to go uphill, he would constantly slip and almost fall into multiple mud puddles. Each time I would be laughing hysterically from the top as I’m watching him struggle.
Who is one person, alive or dead, you would like to meet?: My grandpa. He passed away before I was born, but I always hear great things about him from my family.

Michelle Ebrahim

Senior

Learn more about Michelle

Pronouns: She/Her
Major(s): Psychology
Hometown: Lincoln, Nebraska
Favorite junk food?: Hot Cheetos
Favorite spot on campus & why?: Love Library; I have a lot of good memories there with my friends
Top song on your playlist?: “Take my breath” by the Weeknd
If you could be a character in a book, who would you be?: The funny/ witty side character
Which animal/reptile/insect would you least like to be locked in a cage with?: Butterflies because they are terrifying.
Sasquatch – real or fake?: Fake, sorry!
How did you spend your time outside class (besides studying)?: Just enjoying any time I can get outside.

Paris Henderson

Senior

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Pronouns: She/Her
Major(s): Sociology
Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska
If you were an animal, what would you be? Why?: Beautiful dog in a wealthy family. GOOD EATS FOREVER!
If your life was a movie, what is the title and who would play you?: Work in Progress Paris
What is one thing you wish people knew about you?: I love ASMR.
Top song on your playlist?: Do We Have a Problem?
Do you ever talk to yourself? When? And what do you say?: Heck yeah! Everyday most of the day.
Sasquatch – real or fake?: Real
What is the one thing that has made you laugh the hardest?: Arguing with middle schoolers.

Abigail Lutjelusche

Sophomore

Learn more about Abigail

Pronouns: She/Her
Major(s): Agricultural Education- Teaching
Hometown: Columbus, Nebraska
You just won an all-expenses-paid vacation. Where would you go?: I’ve always wanted to go to the Amazon rainforest and the salt flats in Brazil, so definitely there.
What is one thing you wish people knew about you?: When I was a baby, I had hearing aids as the doctors thought I was possibly deaf. So, if I ask you to repeat yourself, I likely genuinely did not hear what you said, but I promise I’m listening.
Sasquatch – real or fake?: 1000 times real. I cannot be convinced otherwise.
What is the one thing that has made you laugh the hardest?: My sister, she’s my best friend in the world. No one can make me laugh the way that she does. She just gets me.
Who is one person, alive or dead, you would like to meet?: My uncle, Matt. He passed when he was 16, so I never had the chance to meet him, but I know he would have been a great uncle.
What’s the most useless talent you have?: I used to be able to sign the alphabet in ASL, though I’d say that might be useful at some point in my life.
What were you most afraid of when you started college?: When I first came to college, I was so scared of leaving behind everything that I knew. In reality, though, you’re not leaving everything behind, you’re just moving on to the next chapter in life. Those who are meant to stay in your life will, regardless of coming to college or not.

Alberto Rodriguez

Sophomore

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Pronouns: He/Him
Major(s): Mechanical Engineering
Hometown: Madison, Nebraska
If you were an animal, what would you be? Why?: I would probably be a bear because I’m really easy going and love to sleep.
You just won an all-expenses paid vacation. Where would you go?: I would actually go to Japan; the place looks super neat.
What is one thing you wish people knew about you?: I wish people knew that everyone can offer more than what’s seen. Everyone has a greater inside than outside.
Favorite spot on campus & why?: Definitely Love Library South, its got so many places to study, and some are kind-of hidden.
Sasquatch – real or fake?: Fake, mothman is real though
What’s the most useless talent you have?: I can somewhat say the alphabet backwards (on a good day)
What piece of advice would you like to give incoming students?: I would say to be fearless. Take the chance to break free from your habits and find out more about yourself by leaving your comfort zone. It sounds like a lot to do at first, but once you give it a shot, you’ll find that you can do a lot more than you initially think you can. Push yourself to be the best you you can be.

Kate Teet

Sophomore

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Pronouns: She/Her
Major(s): Secondary english and language arts education
Hometown: Beatrice, Nebraska
If you were an animal, what would you be? Why? I’d be a: I’d be a Penguin because they are my favorite animal. I’m pretty smart and I huddle with people when I’m cold.
Favorite spot on campus & why?: Morrill Hall. I really like dinosaurs and it’s usually pretty nice. It’s just overall a nice vibe.
Do you ever talk to yourself? When? And what do you say?: Honestly who doesn’t have a constant inner monologue in their head. Normally I’m pretty positive to myself and I make jokes to myself. Sometimes I quote as much of a movie that I can remember to keep me company. I have a constant loop of songs playing. I tell myself stories to pass the time. Honestly you never know what I’m going to say.
Sasquatch – real or fake?: For sure real. Who’s to say it isn’t?
What is the one thing that has made you laugh the hardest?: I was with my friends hanging up christmas lights and one of my friends found out he could twerk in the middle of it so it ended up that the other friend was yelling at us while my friend was twerking in the corner and I was tangled in the lights.
What’s the most useless talent you have?: I have a fairly flexible back which is cool but unless i’m planning on joining the circus, I will not be able to do anything with it.
What is one thing you were really glad you brought when you went to college?: I didn’t bring it but I bought it a week into college. My Hammock. It is my favorite. I use it all the time. 10/10 suggests anyone getting one.

Jonah Tran

Junior

Learn more about Jonah

Pronouns: He/Him
Major(s): Nutrition, Exercise, and Health Sciences
Hometown: Lincoln, Nebraska
Favorite movie/tv quote?: “I don’t have friends, I got family.” – Furious 7
Favorite junk food?: Kettle-cooked jalapeno chips.
What’s the most useless talent you have?: I can crack an egg with one hand.
Sasquatch—real or fake?: Real
What were you most afraid of when you started college?: Meeting people.
What words of advice would you give an incoming student: Don’t be scared of change/new things.

Katie Tran

Junior

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Pronouns: She/Her
Major(s): Nutrition and Health Sciences
Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska
Favorite TV/movie quote?: “The past is history, the future is a mystery, and now is a gift, that is why it is called the present”- Master Shifu, Kung Fu Panda
What is one thing you wish people knew about you?: I love K-Pop XD
If you could be a character in a book, who would you be?: Chihiro, Spirited Away
Do you ever talk to yourself? When? And what do you say?: No, I have no internal voice.
Sasquatch – real or fake?: Fake
What’s the most useless talent you have?: Moving my ears
What is your most vivid memory from college?: Meeting my Vietnamese friends! :)
What piece of advice would you like to give incoming first-gen students?: No one knows everything upon coming into college… it is okay to make mistakes!

Eric Yim

Sophomore

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Pronouns: He/Him
Major(s): Computer Science & Philosophy
Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
What is one thing you wish people knew about you?: I am an ambivert slightly leaning towards the introverted side.
Do you ever talk to yourself? When? And what do you say?: Every morning in the mirror, I tell myself “I love you”
Which animal/reptile/insect would you least like to be locked in a cage with?: A Komodo dragon would be terrifying.
Sasquatch – real or fake?: As real as Santa Claus.
What’s the most useless talent you have?: Throwing an orange over my left shoulder and catching it with my mouth.
How did you spend your time outside class (besides studying)?: Rock Climbing, Gym, Tennis, Basketball, Swimming, Biking, Reading, Learning, Socializing.
What piece of advice would you like to give incoming students?: Do not compare yourself to anyone else. You are on your own journey and people are here to help you.

Program Intern

Katie Nelsen

Senior

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Pronouns: She/Her
Major(s): Management
Hometown: Lincoln, Nebraska
Favorite junk food?: Vanilla ice cream or Lime Tostitos.
Top song on your playlist, or favorite playlist?: I have a playlist called “Songs that remind me of middle school” which is just a bunch of hype songs from 2010 that make me feel nostalgic.
Which animal/reptile/insect would you least like to be locked in a cage with?: This seems really suspicious if I’m being honest…but probably snakes.
Sasquatch—real or fake?: Probably real? If I think about it, there’s a lot of life on Earth that I’ve never heard of, so I guess it’s just as likely that something like that exists.
What is your most vivid memory from college?: Going to Cather Dining Hall with my friend group (literally my entire floor), and eating together every night during first semester, and taking up an entire long table.
What piece of advice would you like to give incoming students?: Utilize your resources and self-advocate because no one else is going to chase after you. On top of that, it’s alarming the amount of people who are willing to help, if you just ask.

4-day Intern

Kaylee DonJuan Mendoza

Junior

Learn more about Kaylee

Pronouns: She/Her
Major(s): Accounting
Hometown: Crete, Nebraska
Favorite movie/tv quote?: “You cannot live your life to please others. The choice must be yours.” – Alice in Wonderland
Favorite junk food?: Bacon Cheese Fries
What’s the most useless talent you have?: Saying/singing all 50 states in alphabetical order.
Sasquatch—real or fake?: Real
What were you most afraid of when you started college?: Talking to my professors.
What words of advice would you give an incoming student: Take advantage of all the resources on campus such as CAST and Husker Hub.