Academic Success

Meet the Peer Academic Mentors

The Peer Academic Mentors (PAMs) are upper-level students who work to provide academic counseling to those wishing to enhance their study skills as well as those who are struggling academically. 

What We Do

Mentors are a source of academic support for fellow students throughout their time at SU. We work with students to develop effective study skills and strategies on an individual basis, design and facilitate academic skills workshops, aid students in the registration process, introduce students to academic support services, and guide students through short- and long-term planning. 

Been there, done that:

The best thing about Peer Mentors is that we’re students just like you! As upper-level students we have experiences both in and out of the classroom that directly relate to whatever you are struggling with. We welcome your questions and concerns, and we will do everything we can to get you the help you need!

Who we are:

 
 
 
 
 
Adrian Badillo
Sophomore
English and Political Science Major

Hi! My name is Adrian and I am a first-generation college student from Taylor, TX. At Southwestern, I am in Kappa Sigma, the SU Wind Ensemble, Hispanic and Latinos Organization, and Captain’s Academy. My favorite SU traditions are Sing! and Monstrance. A fun fact about me is that I have a twin brother!

Schedule an appointment with Adrian here!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vanessa Calabaza
Senior
Psychology Major

Hi, my name is Vanessa and I am from Elgin, TX. At Southwestern, I am a Peer Academic Mentor as well as a Non-Traditional Student. Some advice I can give to incoming Southwestern students is understanding time management is huge and that there are so many resources to help support and guide you, even after your first year. A fun fact about me is my younger sister is exactly two years, 2 hours and 19 minutes younger than me.

Schedule an appointment with Vanessa C. here!


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mara Strohl
Sophomore
Psychology Major

Hey! My name is Mara Strohl and I am from Flower Mound, Texas. At Southwestern, I am involved in Student Government, Honor Code Council, the Methodist bible study, and am a Peer Academic Mentor. I have lots of organizational tips! A fun fact about me is that I have visited Disney World 8 times!

Schedule an appointment with Mara here!

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

Aria “Ari” Sherman-Weiner
Senior
Business & Mathematics Double Major

Hi! My name is Ari and I’m from Austin, Texas. At Southwestern, I am a Vice President in my sorority, Alpha Xi Delta. I am also part of the Student Health Advisory Council, Honor Code Council, and a second year Peer Academic Mentor. My favorite thing to do at SU is to take late night trips to the Cove with my roommates. A fun fact about me is that I collect squishmallows.

Schedule an appointment with Aria here!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vanessa Villarreal
Sophomore
Business Major

Hey Y’all! My name is Vanessa and I am from Georgetown, Texas. At Southwestern, I am a member of Zeta Tau Alpha, Captains Academy, and I also work for the Upward Bound office. One piece of advice I have for First-Year students is to utilize your academic advisors! They are a very valuable resource and can help you navigate your way through Southwestern both academically and socially. Fun fact-I am an intramural volleyball champion!

Schedule an appointment with Vanessa V. here!

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

Riley Wolfe
Sophomore
Biology Major

Hey! My name is Riley Wolfe, and I am from Aledo, Texas. I am a Peer Academic Mentor, as well as the brotherhood chair of the Kappa Sigma fraternity here at SU. Any advice I would give, especially to first years, is do not be afraid to ask questions and reach out if you’re struggling. A fun fact about me is I’m certified to scuba dive and have 30+ dives under my belt!

Schedule an appointment with Riley here!