Team

bethany.bagwell@uga.edu

dloyd909@uga.edu

camryn.chiu@uga.edu

Hi! My name is Jaleah Brown and I am a current student at the University of Georgia earning my M.Ed. in Professional Counseling (Mental Health Counseling) with the plan of becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I am an alumna of UGA from Macon, Ga and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.. In my free time, I enjoy binge-watching shows, doing my hair, dancing, and spending quality time with my family and friends.

Rebecca is a Double Dawg student in Communication Studies. She graduated with her undergraduate degree in May and will graduate again May 24 with her MA. Rebecca says, "Mentorship has been an important part of my life since middle school and I absolutely love the Career Center at UGA!"

Carlyncia is a first-year doctoral student in the Education Administration and Policy (EDAP) Program and recently graduated from UGA in Spring 2023 with her Masters in Public Health. She is very excited to be a Graduate Assistant with the UGA Mentor Program, and is looking forward to further advance this program while spreading the wonderful advantages of mentee-mentor relationships!

My name is Lexie Rouse. I’m from Lucedale, Mississippi, and I will be graduating from The University of Southern Mississippi in May. I will obtain my degree with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies with a minor in Business Administration. During my time at Southern Miss, I have been heavily involved in student life. My involvement has been with Eagle Connection, which is our campus tour guide organization. I have been a part of it since my sophomore year and served on the executive board during my junior and senior years. I am a part of Delta Gamma Fraternity, where I have held a position each year since 2020. This past year, I served as a Gamma Rho Chi recruitment counselor for the College Panhellenic Primary Recruitment. I am currently a part of Order of Omega, which is a Greek Life honor society for the top percent of members who are academically and service-driven and serve in leadership roles. I served on USM's Student Government Association on the Communications (2022) and Cabinet branch (2023). In my sophomore year, I was a part of Lambda Sigma Honors Society, which is an honor society for the top percent of the sophomore class.

My name is Lois and I am a 1st year Food Science Masters student from Ghana-West Africa. My current mentorship has helped me learn and utilize new tools and skills for organization. My mentor has been very helpful in providing accountability through constant check ups and progress meetings. As a new student, I understand it can be difficult meeting new people and allowing them in your space. However, the mentorship program serves as a safe space, because if you try and you're not pleased, you can always get a different mentor. The mentorship program also connects you with people who have relatable experiences which will be beneficial in your career journey. I love the UGA Mentor Program for the variety it provides. The fact that it is not fixed to cater for only a select group of people .

Princess Asenuga is a 2nd year student at UGA from South Fulton, Georgia. Princess is studying Management Information Systems with a minor in Computer Science. When asked what her favorite thing was about the program, Princess said, “My favorite thing about the program is how much it caters to the needs of students. The UGA Mentor Program has allowed me to connect with a mentor that not only shares the same educational background as me, but also the same identities. This has led to me forming a meaningful relationship with my mentor.”

Sally Bae is a 3rd year student from Suwon, South Korea, studying Business Management with an Emphasis in Human Resource Analytics. When asked about her current mentorship, Sally said, “My current Mentorship had helped me to grow not only professionally but also personally by teaching me how to balance my life and work and discover opportunities and my hidden insight in the filed I am interested in.”

My name is Yaw Barima Buabeng, and I hail from Ghana. Currently, I am a first year graduate student in the Department of Psychology. Navigating the complexities of being an international student has been quite the challenge. However, I have found solace and guidance through the UGA Mentorship Program. This program has proven to be invaluable to me, as I've had the privilege of connecting with an exceptional mentor who has supported me every step of the way. Joining the UGA Mentorship Program was undoubtedly one of the best decisions I've made. Through it, I've gained invaluable insights and assistance that have greatly contributed to my personal and professional development. Regardless of the hurdles you may face or the aspirations you hold, I wholeheartedly believe that the UGA Mentorship Program offers a nurturing environment to thrive in.

Caroline Batson is a 2nd year Journalism major with a Pre-Law minor and Sports Media Certificate all the way from Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Caroline says, “My current mentor has encouraged me to follow a career path which I love, but was originally nervous to pursue. I have learned so much about myself and how to interact with professionals.”

Madison Bolt is from Huntington Beach, California, and is a 5th year student studying Public Relations. Madison’s favorite thing about the program, “...is that there are so many options for mentors and choosing a mentor isn't limited to your major.”

My name is Katy Burch and I'm a 3rd year student from Atlanta, Georgia, studying Philosophy and English. I believe the UGA Mentor Program is helpful to anyone and everyone, and it is a great resource that everyone should use!

My name is Farah Charaniya and I am from Lawrenceville, Georgia. I am a second year Management Information Systems Major with an emphasis in Information Security, and certificates in Financial Technology and New Media. One piece of advice I would give to a new student joining the program is to keep an open-mind and make the most out of this experience to reach your goals.

Avery Croft is a third-year student from Jacksonville, Florida, studying Human Development and Family Sciences with a minor in Business and a Disabilities Studies certificate. Avery’s advice to a student who is thinking about joining UMP is, “I completely believe the program is what you give to it! If you want or need to get a lot out of it, give it your all! Reach out to your mentor, prepare questions, and attempt to understand their lives and how and why they are at their job/role.”

Kalani Franklin is a second-year student in the Master of Health Administration program through UGA’s College of Public Health. Kalani is from Atlanta, Georgia, and graduated from Georgia State University with her Bachelor’s degree in Public Health in 2022. When asked why she loves the UGA Mentor Program, Kalani said, “I like the UGA Mentor Program because it lets students pick the kind of mentor they want to work with! In contrast to other mentor programs, I believe this feature is really amazing since it lets students be as particular as they like.”

Hi, my name is Delaney Gertz and I am from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I am a Sophomore majoring in Political Science with a minor in Spanish. My prior mentorship gave me insight into how I wanted to proceed with my future career when I previously was unsure. I was provided with useful information that has made navigating my college experience thus far much less of a daunting task. This experience helped me to discover the academic path I wish to follow and provided me with information that will aid me far beyond college.

Hi! I am Olivia Grieger, and I am from Alpharetta, Georgia. I am currently a 2nd-year Biological Science major with a nutritional science minor. I love the UGA Mentor Program because it pushed me out of my comfort zone, and helped me explore different career paths. The mentors I have connected with challenged me to think critically about my future and my passions. The UGA Mentor program opened doors to me that I did not know existed, and gave me the courage to step through them!

Grace Griffith is a 4th year student from Charlotte, North Carolina. Grace is studying Business Management and has a minor in Health Policy and Management. When we asked Grace about her mentor, she said, “My mentor has truly set me up for direct success in every way possible. From finally setting up my LinkedIn, to perfecting my resume, to connecting me to others in my desired field of work, I have already learned so much from him and feel a strong newfound sense of confidence.”

Hi! My name is Emily Haskell. Last year, I was an intended biomedical engineer major on the pre-med path. After the first semester, I started struggling in calc 3 and was worried about how I could ever make it to medical school if I was falling behind in my undergraduate coursework. I quickly applied for a quick chat with Audrey and we talked on the phone. Audrey related to me with not having a typical pre-med journey, she changed majors and was in the same boat as me. After sent me not only a list of classes she found most helpful at UGA, but she also encouraged me to become involved in a long-term volunteer program that aligned with my career interests. My advice would be have confidence in your path even if it doesn't follow what everyone else seems to do. With this, do not feel intimidated in reaching out to potential mentors, they want to help you! I love that the UGA Mentor Program provides a platform of connection for undergraduates and graduates to connect. Making connection in my opinion, is easier said than done as cold emailing and calling older, more experienced people can be a shot in the dark. My favorite part of this program is how I got a confidence boost in my choice of not following the typical path, I realized everyone's career journey looks different, and people have experienced what you've been through.

Hey, y'all! My name is Michael Jacoppo! I am from Marietta, Georgia! My Major is in Business Management with a Minor in Spanish! I am a Senior and I will be graduating in December of 2024! I am very excited to be a part of the Mentor Program once more!

I love the UGA Mentor Program because it empowers both students and their mentors to support and learn from each other during and after the course of their mentorship! These interactions in turn help everyone to feel a greater sense of connection and purpose with the UGA Community! My favorite thing about the UGA Mentor Program is helping my fellow Ambassadors, the Mentor Lab team, all of the UMP Mentors and Mentees and everyone involved with this program grow both personally and professionally over the course of each semester!

Anushka Jariwala, from Suwanee, GA, is a fourth-year student studying Advertising. Her mentor helped her realize that she should take things one step at a time and that building her career and achieving her goals is a process. Anushka says, “if you're unsure or confused about where to go next in your academic/professional life, a mentor will provide essential insight. If you're confident, you'll gain a source of support that you can talk to about what you're passionate about.

Hi! My name is Rachel Jordan and I'm from Lincolnton, Georgia. I'm a fourth-year Public Relations major with a minor in Communication Studies and certificate in Strategic Health and Risk Communication. If I had to give advice to a new student joining the UGA Mentor Program, I would say to ask as many questions as possible. I would also say networking is so crucial for this program. Do not be afraid to email people to meet! You're going to be meeting a ton of people, so it's important to learn from their experiences.

Sahar Joshi is a senior from Suwanee, Georgia, double majoring in International Affairs & Religion. When talking about her mentor, Sahar shared, “My mentor helped me learn that I don't need to change who I am to be "good enough" or impress anybody in a professional environment. This process has helped me grow in confidence, realize that I am just as much of a competitive candidate as anyone else, and compare myself less to others.”

Joyce Kabuya is a 4th year student studying Advertising. Joyce is from Winder, Georgia, and she advises all students who join the program “to remember that they’re helping themselves and others,” by joining the program. Joyce said that one thing her mentor taught her was how to gain knowledge from different roles and perspectives.

Hi! My name is Moira La Fuente and I was born and raised in La Paz, Bolivia, and moved to the United States in 2021. I joined the Mentor Program as an Ambassador at the end of my freshman year, and now, I head towards my senior year as the Board of Directors for Social Media and Strategic Marketing. The Mentor Program has not only helped me gain a professional insight into the workplace but also a way to achieve personal growth and set goals.

Micayla Moffitt is a fourth-year Animal Health major on Pre-Veterinary track, from Acworth Georgia. When asked what her advice to students incoming to or unsure about the UGA Mentor Program would be, Micayla said, “Talk to someone who has been exactly where you are right now, listen to what they have to say and apply it to your life right now. This is the best way to voice your doubts and frustrations!”

My name is Zach Martin, and I am a Graduate Accounting student (emphasis in taxation). I graduated with my BBA in Accounting, Risk Management and Insurance, and a Certificate in Legal Studies in December of 2023 from UGA (go dawgs!). I love the UGA Mentor Program because it allows us to connect other students with a resource that helped me get to where I am today and build strong professional relationships before starting full-time work. My favorite part of this has been Panels, usually hosted by Arch Ready, where you can reach a wide number of students but also still have a one-on-one aspect with audience Q&A and activities. This involves sharing your mentorship experience(s) with students and growing your presentation/speaking and leadership skills!

Zaire Morgan is a third-year student studying Biological Sciences on the Pre-Dental track here at UGA. Zaire advises UGA students that, “Your mentor could end up being your boss in the future, the person who reads your application, or even your coworker, so make sure that you enjoy it and get everything out of it that you can and build a strong relationship with your mentor.”

Daniel Procel graduated from UGA with his Bachelor’s in History in May of 2020, and is now a graduate student pursuing an M.Ed in Organizational Development and Leadership and Learning. Daniel advises students who are interested in joining the program to, “Be open to criticism and be aware of your personal journey versus others.”

Hi! My name is Devin Thomas. Since becoming part of the mentor program, I have gotten involved in new clubs at UGA, expanded my network, and even lined up potential summer internships. The large student body that once seemed daunting because of its large size, now seems niche and personal. My experience at UGA has been enhanced because of this program, and I cannot wait to see what else it brings. Don't be afraid to try new things! Although it is easy to stick to what you know, I have found that my most thrilling and beneficial experiences often come when I least expect it and when I act upon things that were once outside of my comfort zone. My favorite thing about the UGA Mentor Program is that the opportunities are endless. Students have the ability to connect and network with so many professionals who can give practical advice and set you up for success at UGA and beyond!"

My name is Uyiosa and I hail from the historic city of Benin, Nigeria, and I am currently a second-year doctoral student majoring in Mathematics Education. Dive in with an open mind and embrace the journey. The UGA Mentor Program is more than just a bridge to your future career; for me, I see it as a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and grow. I believe you will find mentors who share your academic and professional interests, and genuinely care about your personal growth. This program can transform your university experience, as it did mine, by offering insights and relationships that extend far beyond the classroom. If you are on the fence, take the leap. The connections you make through this program could shape your path in ways you have never imagined.

Drew Weyenberg is a fourth-year student from Cumming, GA studying Nutritional Sciences. Drew will be serving as the Director of the Special Programming and Events committee this upcoming year. When asked about his current mentorship, he said, “My current mentorship has helped me with my confidence and helped me develop a sense of direction after college.”

Alex Will is a fifth-year student studying Economics with Emphasis in Business Analytics from Cumming, GA. Some advice that Alex would give to a student considering joining the program is “Don’t be scared to do the program. I took a risk and it has paid off in ways that I never thought it would.”

Hi! My name is Matthew Zimmerman and I'm an MIS major from Jacksonville, Florida. My favorite part about the UGA Mentor Program is that UGA Mentor Program mentors are dedicated to empowering UGA students to thrive in their chosen paths, whether it's navigating campus organizations, seeking guidance on majors or careers, or preparing for life after college. Your journey with the UGA Mentor Program promises an enriching and invaluable experience that is life-changing.