Team

bethany.bagwell@uga.edu

rebecca.hughes@uga.edu

drew.sanford@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.

My name is Lexie Rouse, and I am a current graduate student here at UGA earning my M.Ed. in College Student Affairs Administration. I am from Lucedale, Mississippi and graduated from The University of Southern Mississippi (To The Top) in May of 2024. I earned my bachelor's of science in Communication Studies with a minor in Business Administration. My passion for student affairs comes from my heavy involvement during my time in undergrad. I was a part of greek life, student government, campus tour guides, campus rec, and many honors societies. In my free time, I love to work out, watch sports, spend time with friends and family, and play pickleball.

My name is Micarjo Benjamin, I'm from Tampa, Florida, and I'm double majoring in Cognitive Science and Psychology with a Neuroscience emphasis! One piece of advice I would give to anyone considering joining this program, is to just try it! It's a great way to get involved, and I've found it really beneficial and reassuring to learn from someone who's been in my place. I've discovered so many opportunities as a result!

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.

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.

Margaret Cox is a second-year from Marietta, Georgia studying Management Information Systems with a minor in Law, Jurisprudence, and the State. Margaret’s advice to a new student joining the UGA Mentor Program or someone who is unsure about joining is “Just go for it! The mentors are happy to give advice! It’s so rewarding to be able to receive advice from an alumni who has had similar experiences to you. Your mentor wants you to succeed!”

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!

My name is Lauren Harris, and I am from Greensboro, GA. Currently, I am in my third year at UGA, majoring in real estate. Reflecting on my journey, I find myself deeply grateful for the profound impact of mentorship within the UGA community. The UGA Mentor Program holds a special place in my heart due to the transformative experiences it has afforded me. The UGA Mentor Program isn't merely a resource—it's a community united by a shared ethos of support and empowerment. In essence, the UGA Mentor Program embodies the essence of camaraderie and mentorship, encapsulating the spirit of the Bulldog community. It's not just about forging connections; it's about fostering meaningful relationships that transcend the confines of academia. My journey with the UGA Mentor Program is a testament to its transformative power, and I am eternally grateful for the bonds forged and the opportunities unlocked.

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!

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.

Hello, I’m Nathan from Lawrenceville, Georgia, a third-year Mechanical Engineering major! My hobbies include hiking, rock-climbing, and going to the gym. One piece of advice I would give to a new student joining the UGA Mentor Program is to never be afraid to ask questions; you never know what you may learn from the answer!

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.

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!

I'm a second-year Computer Science student from Alpharetta, GA, and my journey with the UGA Mentor Program has been incredibly rewarding. The program has deeply enhanced my sense of appreciation for both my current academic pursuits and the future that lies ahead. Engaging with mentors has not only fueled my ambition for a fulfilling career post-graduation but also taught me the importance of valuing my present experiences at university. This dual perspective has enriched my college experience, making the UGA Mentor Program an indispensable part of my academic and personal growth.

I am a fourth year, biological sciences student on the pre-dentistry track from Macon, GA. My past mentoring experiences have helped me find opportunities to grow personally and professionally as I prepare to apply to dental school. I would tell students unsure about mentorship that the biggest step is signing up, after that you open the doors for meaningful networking and learning opportunities. My favorite thing about the mentor program is being able to connect with students and alumni from many disciplines and careers.

Hi! My name is Aahana Mukherjee, and I am from Raleigh, North Carolina! I am a rising sophomore majoring in Psychology with a minor in Public Health. My mentorship has helped me navigate the unknown waters of college by introducing me to warm and welcoming communities, and rewarding me with various networking opportunities to foster my growth!

My name is Jenna Pierre-Louis and I am a rising 4th year psychology major and Spanish minor from Richmond Hill, GA! Some of my other involvements include Rotaract of UGA, Oasis Católico, and African American Chorale Ensemble. What I love about the UGA Mentor Program is the opportunity for both quick chats and longer mentorships. I find this model is very accommodating to what different people are looking for. For some, having one or several insightful conversations is all they need or all they can make time for! For others, a 16-week program that allows students to grow as they see fit with a professional, is exactly what they need.

Hello! My name is Stephen Seltzer, and I was born in Princeton, New Jersey but moved to Cumming, GA when I turned 7. I am currently studying Microbiology, and I plan on graduating Spring 2025. My prior mentorship greatly helped me develop my interpersonal skills. My mentor introduced me to many scientists and researchers in the pharmaceutical industry. These new relationships taught me how to interact with established scientists in my field while also building a network and managing connections with other ambitious workers to help develop my career.

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.

Hi, my name is Juliana Wiley and I am a 3rd year Criminal Justice and Spanish double major! I am a military kid so I come from all over, but I call Rota, Spain home. :)

One of my personal favorite aspects of the UGA Mentor Program is the wealth of connections waiting to be made and the remarkable mentors you'll encounter! Through this program, I was able to find an exceptional mentor who has been instrumental in various aspects of my college journey. From getting me into contact with current interns, helping me navigate internship procedures, to providing invaluable academic guidance, my mentor has truly made a significant difference in my career decisions and experience here at UGA!

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.