First Husker Peer Mentors | Center for Academic Success and Transition

Peer Mentors

The First Husker Peer Mentors are your peeps, your squad, your crew. They’re first-generation students just like you. They’ve been through the program and survived that tough first semester. And they’re excited to get you started on your own journey and help you thrive. Meet the team!

2023 Peer Mentors

Gabe Allen

Senior

Learn more about Gabe

Pronouns: He/Him
Major(s): Chemistry, Psychology, Biochemistry
Hometown: Marion, North Carolina
If you were an animal, what would you be? Why?: I would be a red panda because who in their right mind wouldn’t want to be? They’re just such carefree creatures who exude joy and fun.
Favorite spot on campus and why?: Morrill Hall takes the cake because of the intimate, metaphysical relationship I have with museums. But I’ve actually started liking the library as I’ve used it more and more to go and study with friends.
If your live was a movie, what it the title and who would play you?: “Grandmother, please grab the steering wheel as my mother drives down to the Atlantic blue” (Atlantic Blue for short in promos), and I would be played by Yung Gravy because we’re twins.
Sasquatch—real or fake?: He better be fake, because if I catch him trust he will be dealt with. He literally turned my hometown into the Bigfoot Capitol of the United States.
What is one thing you were glad you brought when you went to college?: My own toilet paper, and a really good emotional support water bottle.
What piece of advice would you like to give incoming students?: Do not rush yourself! Take it one step at a time and don’t stress yourself out over the uncertainty of the future, which is a big statement from someone whose entire academic career has to happen successfully for med school. It prepares you to better deal with problems as they arise, which is an important skill to develop in any academic or career pathway.

Kyanne Casperson

Sophomore

Learn more about Kyanne

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Major(s): Pre-Med
Hometown:: Columbus, Nebraska
If you were an animal, what would you be? Why?: I would definitely be a cat because I usually keep to myself, I love to collect things, I don’t like to exercise, and I love naps.
If your life had a soundtrack, what is your theme song?: Look up “brown noise” on Spotify. That would be my theme song.
Favorite spot on campus and why?: For some reason, I love the study rooms in East Side Suites, especially on the upper levels. I love to watch the cars and people go by while I just sit and think or study.
Sasquatch—real or fake?: Fake, but I wish it was real.
What were you most afraid of when you started college?: I was most afraid of sharing a bathroom with so many people.
What words of advice would you give an incoming student?: Just believe in yourself and you will go so far.

Alayna Cowan

Junior

Learn more about Alayna

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Hometown: Canal Winchester, Ohio
If you were an animal, what would you be and why?: A shark, no explanation needed.
What is one thing you wish people knew about you?: I genuinely care about everyone.
If your life had a soundtrack, what is your theme song?: Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls
Sasquatch—real or fake?: REAL.
What is your most vivid memory from college?: Playing the entire deck of We Are Not Really Strangers in a friend’s room freshman year. I still have the note my best friend wrote for the last card in my phone case, and I read it when I’ve had a bad day.
What words of advice would you give an incoming student?: Make your bed every morning. That way, in the first five minutes of your day, you’ve already accomplished something.

Jess Dunn

Junior

Learn more about Jess

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Major(s): Film Studies and Women & Gender Studies
Hometown: Kearney, Nebraska
Favorite TV/movie quote?: “Okay. So she’s a dog.” -Ghostbusters
What is one thing you wish people knew about you?: I’ve a huge overthinker. If you don’t give me an answer, I’ll come up with one.
What is the most useless talent you have?: I can sing the alphabet backwards!
Sasquatch—real or fake?: FAKE
Favorite spot on campus and why?: The Mezzanine Room in Love Library! It has a mini-indoor balcony, and I love sitting by the windows. It’s a good, quiet study spot.
What piece of advice would you like to give incoming students?: Do things you want to and don’t be afraid to assert yourself! College is a time of growth, gaining new experiences and figuring out who you want to be as a person.

Ry Gaughan

Senior

Learn more about Ry

Pronouns: They/Them
Major(s): Interior Design
Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska
What is one thing you wish people knew about you?: I am trying my best to be the friend I needed in middle school.
Favorite spot on campus and why?: The little hallway in Architecture Hall. It’s so different from the rest of the spaces. I’m not joking when I say that I wrote a whole paper on this space and got a 95 on it.
Which animal/reptile/insect would you least like to be locked in a cage with?: Geese. Enough said.
Sasquatch—real or fake?: I would like to believe it’s real, but the logical side of my brain is a denier.
What is one thing you were really glad you brought to college?: This is going to sound stupid, but decorations. Being in virtual school was difficult when my space didn’t feel like my own (before I set anything up). When you’re confined to one small room for a long time, you have to make it your own. I brought artwork and posters and fake plans (I have a black thumb), and the space started feeling good to be in.
What words of advice would you give an incoming student?: Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Whether it be asking for help, asking for advice, or asking if someone wants to grab lunch—questions are crucial to all forms of success in college. I’ve made some of my best friends through silly random questions. It’s difficult at first, but the more you do it, the easier it gets.

Bella Hardy

Sophomore

Learn more about Bella

Pronouns: She/Her
Major(s): English
Hometown: North Platte, Nebraska
If your life was a movie, what is the title and who would play you?: “How Did We Get Here?” and I would be played by Millie Bobby Brown definitely.
What is one thing you wish people knew about you?: I wish people knew I’m really more reserved than I seem. I’m working on it though!
What is the most useless talent you have?: I can clap with one hand.
Sasquatch—real or fake?: Oh definitely real. If not, the guy with the big feel always walking around in various woods has some explaining to do.
What is one thing you were really glad you brought when you went to college?: Oh for sure my vinyl’s and record player.
What words of advice would you give an incoming student?: Just be yourself. The right people will come to you and if you have to change to meet them, they’re not the right people.

Jordan Hendricks

Sophomore

Learn more about Jordan

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Major(s): Architecture
Hometown: Houston, Texas
If you were an animal, what would you be? Why?: I would be a butterfly. Butterflies symbolize transformation, so seeing how they start off as a caterpillar and evolve into a butterfly is relatable to life.
You just on an all-expenses paid vacation. Where would you go?: Tokyo, so I can visit all the amusement parks, try the different foods, and ride the Hello Kitty train on the Japan Rail System.
If you could be a character in a book, who would you be?: Nancy Drew
Sasquatch—real or fake?: ?
If your life was a movie, what is the title and who would play you?: The title would be “The Artist” and I would want Zendaya to play me.
What piece of advice would you like to give incoming students?: Remember why you applied and wanted to go to college. Never lose sight of your dreams and goals. Nothing comes easy, but it will be so worth it.

Julia Knapp

Senior

Learn more about Julia

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Major: Nutrition Exercise and Health Science
Hometown: North Bend, Nebraska
If you were an animal, what would you be? Why?: I would be some sort of whale or dolphin! I just love the ocean and it would be cool to live there and swim all day long!
Favorite TV/movie quote?: “The best things in life, the very best things, happen unexpectedly.” – Mamma Mia
What is one thing you wish people knew about you?: I have a passion for sewing and fashion, but I struggle to keep up with the latest trends
Do you ever talk to yourself? When? And what do you say?: I always talk to myself, otherwise I do not get anything done. I try to keep myself calm and think through things slowly.
Sasquatch – real or fake?: Real
What is the one thing that has made you laugh the hardest?: My little brother, Ryder, is becoming quite the comedian.
What is your most vivid memory from college?: The moment I passed Chem 110. It was a miracle.

Isabel Kolb

Senior

Learn more about Isabel

Pronouns: She/Her
Major(s): Political Science Pre-Law, minors in Environmental Studies and Law & Business
Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska
Favorite TV/movie quote?: “Stellaaaaaaaaaaaa!” from A Streetcar Named Desire. Full disclosure: I’ve never seen the movie, only this scene because my dog’s name is Stella and my family always calls her in the way that Stanley did in that scene.
Favorite junk food?: Ben & Jerry’s “Tonight Dough” Ice Cream
Favorite spot on campus & why?: The green space in front of the Union/Selleck when the weather is nice, there are always so many people hanging out and having a good time.
Top song on your playlist?: “Lost” – Frank Ocean
Do you ever talk to yourself? When? And what do you say?: I talk to myself when I’m driving, I usually just say random things that pop in my head.
What’s the most useless talent you have?: I can solve a Rubik’s cube.
What piece of advice would you like to give incoming first-gen students?: Find a way to get involved! Join a club, talk to someone new in your class, or go to an event!

Shelby March

Sophomore

Learn more about Shelby

Pronouns: She/Her
Major(s): English
Hometown: Wymore, Nebraska
If you were an animal, what would you be? Why?: I think I would be a rabbit. I’ve been told I have that “prey animal” stare.
What do you wish people knew about you?: I can come across as an introvert-coded sort of extrovert who looks uncomfortable when she’s having the best time of her life. I’m having fun, I promise.
If you could be a character in a book, who would you be?: A side character in some obscure 80s fantasy novel, where I get to live in a place with magic.
Sasquatch—real or fake?: Real, for the thrill of it.
Favorite spot on campus and why?: The bird feeder I pass on my way back from Andrews. I love watching the birds and squirrels and taking a minute to slow down and appreciate things.
What piece of advice would you like to give incoming students?: There is no such thing as “not belonging.” You’ll be where you’re supposed to be, and there will always be a place for you.

Logan Meyer

Junior

Learn more about Logan

Pronouns: He/Him
Major(s): Nutrition, Exercise, & Health Sciences
Hometown: Colorado Springs, Colorado
If you were an animal, what would you be and why?: I would be a bird so that I could travel anywhere I wanted to. I’m also an adrenaline junkie so flying would be fun to me!
If you could be a character in a book, who would you be and why?: I’d be Winnie the Pooh. This was one of my favorite book series as a child, and to live that life would seem so simple and easy to me.
What’s the most useless talent you have?: I know how to juggle!
Sasquatch—real or fake?: Definitely real…in fact, my friends and I are known as “Sasquatch Enthusiasts” and sometimes go on hunts to find the inevitable.
What is your most vivid memory from college?: When my new friends and I would get together and talk for hours and end up doing dumb, pointless games and just having fun.
What words of advice would you give an incoming student?: Don’t be afraid to fail. Put yourself out there and learn from your mistakes. You’ll gain more experience, have more fun, and do more than you ever could have if you keep trying and don’t limit yourself.

Shaw Riggs

Junior

Learn more about Shaw

Pronouns: He/Him
Major(s): Forensic Science with an Emphasis in Biology
Hometown: Hillsboro, Illinois
Favorite TV/movie quote?: “You have no idea how high I can fly.” - Michael Scott
What is one thing you wish people knew about you?: Music is one of my greatest passions despite being a STEM major!
Which animal/reptile/insect would you least like to be locked in a cage with?: I would be terrified if I were locked in a cage with a Shoebill Stork, those birds are nightmare fuel!
Sasquatch – real or fake?: I believe it was real at some point, just not anymore.
What’s the most useless talent you have?: I have almost every line in the movie “Step Brothers” memorized.
How did you spend your time outside class (besides studying)?: I spent a lot of time hanging out with friends and performing with my a cappella group Pitch Please.
What piece of advice would you like to give incoming first-gen students?: Be yourself, and get involved! That is the only way you will make friends who you can relate to!

Abbey Rivera

Sophomore

Learn more about Abbey

Pronouns: She/They
Major(s): Psychology/Pre-Medicine
Hometown: North Platte, Nebraska
If you were an animal, what would you be and why?: I would be an axolotl. They originated from Mexico as did my family, and they come in all kids of fun colors. I would like to be just little guys like they are.
What is one thing you wish people knew about you?: I wish people knew that my amazing sense of humor is mostly undiagnosed autism.
Favorite spot on campus and why?: Just recently found out about the mezzanine room in Love Library, and I’m obsessed. It’s perfectly quiet, with enough students to still peer pressure me to get my work done. The balcony level is so cozy and has the comfiest chairs.
Sasquatch—real or fake?: Yes, but they’re a species, not just one singular sasquatch. I’ve believed in worse things.
What words of advice would you give an incoming student?: Go up to every booth you see on campus and get every free item you’re able to.

Sammy Smith

Junior

Learn more about Sammy

Pronouns: She/Her
Major(s): Journalism
Hometown: Conifer, Colorado
Favorite TV/movie quote?: “Sometimes I’ll start a sentence and I don’t even know where it’s going. I just hope I find it along the way.” Michael Scott
You just won an all-expenses paid vacation. Where would you go?: Alaska! I want to hike through the national parks out there and see bears and moose!
Favorite spot on campus & why?: The third floor of Andersen because there’s usually not a lot of people up there, so it’s a nice study spot.
Do you ever talk to yourself? When? And what do you say?: All the time! I usually talk to myself when I need a little extra encouragement throughout the day.
Sasquatch – real or fake?: Real! In my family we call sasquatch “Darryl” because we saw it in a commercial and thought it was funny.
What’s the most useless talent you have?: I can say the alphabet backwards.
What were you most afraid of when you started college?: Fitting in. I was nervous that I wasn’t going to be able to find “my people” but I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Cheyenne Storms

Sophomore

Learn more about Cheyenne

Pronouns: She/They
Major(s): Architecture
Hometown: Warrensburg, Missouri
Favorite TV/movie quote?: “Some day you’re gonna get slapped and I’m not gonna do a thing to stop it.” -10 Things I Hate About You
If your life was a movie, what is the title and who would play you?: It would be a meaningful comedy called “But Wait, There’s More” and I would be played by Selena Gomez.
If you could be a character in a book, who would you be?: Hermione Granger
Sasquatch—real or fake?: Definitely real.
What were you most afraid of when you started college?: How I was going to pay for my education.
What words of advice would you give an incoming student?: Do what you can while you’re here. You only have a few years, so don’t be scared and just do what you want to do.

Eva Treijs

Sophomore

Learn more about Eva

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Major(s): Biochemistry
Hometown: Lincoln, Nebraska
Favorite movie/tv quote?: “You are not unlovable. There is always something to love. Even in the stupid universe where we have hot dogs for fingers, we get very good with our feet.” -Evelyn Wang, Everything Everywhere All At Once
You just won an all-expenses paid vacation. Where would you go?: I would go to Italy. Making pasta all day and riding bikes through the countryside would be a dream.
What’s the most useless talent you have?: I know too many digits of pi. There was a very informal competition in middle school, and I became obsessed. I still remember a significant amount.
Sasquatch—real or fake?: Real. It is a total possibility, and I spent most of my childhood watching Finding Bigfoot with my dad and practicing our Sasquatch calls.
What were you most afraid of when you started college?: I was most afraid of walking into the wrong lecture hall. While this never happened to me, I saw it happen to other people and it was not a big deal at all.
What words of advice would you give an incoming student?: Do not be afraid to advocate for yourself and use the resources our campus provides. People tend to be very accommodating and want the best for you!

Cordell Vrbka

Senior

Learn more about Cordell

Pronouns: He/Him
Major(s): Pre-Vet and Fisheries & Wildlife with Zoo Animal Care option
Hometown: Malcolm, Nebraska
If your life had a soundtrack, what is your theme song?: “We Didn’t Start the Fire” – Billy Joel
Do you ever talk to yourself? If so, what do you say?: Before I make a phone call, I have to coach myself through what I’m going to say.
If you were an animal, what would you be? Why?: I would be a bee, because they are very smart and resourceful. They’re also a very democratic species with each bee having a say in overall hive responsibilities.
Sasquatch—real or fake?: Just because we don’t know if it’s real, that doesn’t mean it’s fake.
What is your most vivid memory from college?: Getting on the wrong bus while trying to go to East Campus and ending up on the other side of town.
What words of advice would you give an incoming student: Don’t be afraid to try new things. Be bold and step outside of your comfort zone.

Alissa Waterbury

Sophomore

Learn more about Alissa

Pronouns: She/Her
Major(s): Psychology
Hometown: Oregon, Wisconsin

Kalyssa Williams

Junior

Learn more about Kalyssa

Pronouns: She/Her
Major(s): Landscape Architecture
Hometown: Wichita, Kansas
Favorite TV/movie quote:: “Sometimes the right path is not the easiest one.” -Pocahontas
What superpower do you wish you had?: Manipulating time.
Sasquatch—real or fake?: Fake
Favorite spot on campus and why?: The Crib, because it’s a good place sot study and chill, but it isn’t too quiet. Plus, there are fun events in there sometimes. And nothing beats getting a booth to yourself.
What words of advice would you give an incoming student?: Fitting in will come naturally. Find out what you like and get involved in it, but don’t rush to do everything. You have plenty of time.

Trent Wilson

Senior

Learn more about Trent

Pronouns: He/Him
Major(s): Finance – Banking & Risk Management
Hometown: Anna, Texas
If your life had a soundtrack, what is your theme song?: Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey
What is one thing you wish people knew about you?: I am super outgoing. Don’t be intimidated!
If you could be a character in a book, who would you be?: Sherlock Holmes
Sasquatch—real or fake?: REAL
What is your most vivid memory from college?: The big blizzard my freshman year (20-21) which was my first real snow!
What piece of advice would you give incoming students?: Be open to new experiences, no matter how uncomfortable they may seem.