Andrew Alvarez
Major: Finance
Hometown: San Jose, CA
Class Standing: Senior
I decided to go to UH Manoa because it was something i’d never seen myself doing and my parents were super encouraging for me to move away for college on my own. I really feel like I chose the right place at the end of the day because all the memories and the experiences i’ve had here.
I became an ACE Peer Mentor because I wanted to apply my leadership skills and guide students through the importance of education! I feel like I have a lot to offer students to help them advance through their early college careers!
Brenna Burk
Major: Molecular Cell Biology
Hometown: Oklahoma City, OK
Class Standing: Senior
I'm so excited to be an ACE Peer Mentor!
Chanelle Camero
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Mililani, HI
Class Standing: Junior
Hi! My name is Chanelle and I am a second year psychology major. I decided to attend UH Manoa because it gave me the chance to stay close to my family and good friends. It was also the better financial decision for me. I am grateful to have found so many great opportunities here at UH.
I enjoy being an ACE Peer Mentor because one of my passions is connecting others and contributing to a welcoming atmosphere.
Haley Churchill
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Kaimuki, HI
Class Standing: Senior
I chose to attend UHM because it allowed me to stay close to home and connected to my family. It was also the most financially feasible option. I am really glad I made the choice to stay because I have found many opportunities at UH that I don't think I would have found at another university.
This is my second year as a peer mentor. I initially applied for this job because I have always enjoyed teaching and wanted to help first year students access resources that I wish I knew about in my first year. I have stayed on because I have really enjoyed working with my students and getting to help them succeed in their first semester!
Kismet Derkovitz
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Bentonville, AR
Class Standing: Junior
I'm so excited to be an ACE Peer Mentor!
Annabel Doherty
Major: Political Science with certificate in Peace and Conflict and Intelligence Studies
Hometown: Los Altos, CA
Class Standing: Sophomore
I'm so excited to be an ACE Peer Mentor!
Sean Furuta
Major: Business
Hometown: Honolulu, HI
Class Standing: Sophomore
I chose to attend UHM because it was close to home and also I wanted to get to know more people.
I became an ACE Peer Mentor to help guide and help others as they start their journey here at UH Manoa. I also wanted to help students have a nice transfer from high school to college.
Anna Gruzinsky
Major: Studio Art
Hometown: Millilani, HI
Class Standing: Senior
At first UHM wasn’t my first choice. Due to COVID, going to the mainland for college seemed unpredictable. I chose to go to UHM out of conveniency at first, but after being here for four years and choosing to stay even when I had the opportunity to leave, I see that choosing UHM was the best decision for me. I was able to find a major that I love thanks to professors and teachers who are passionate and caring and I get to learn about and live in the spirit of Hawai’i which is something so beautiful.
I wanted to become an ACE Peer Mentor because I’m passionate about education and plan to become an educator after I graduate. Being a Peer Mentor will help me gain experience in teaching others. I also wanted to become a Peer Mentor because I’ve been through the struggles of college and I believe that every student should have someone there to help them and get to learn in a community that prioritizes connection and conversation. That is something ACE strives to deliver in their classes.
Kevin Hearty
Major: Kinesiology
Hometown: Moanalua, HI
Class Standing: Senior
Hi! My name is Kevin and I am a fourth year kinesiology major.
I chose to attend the University of Hawaii at Manoa because I wanted to stay close to home while I got my college degree.
My motivation for being an ACE Peer Mentor comes from wishing I had help when I was a freshman. I want to provide guidance and expertise to others who might feel lost or confused and contribute to the welcoming environment at the university!
Sydney Kim
Major: Computer Science - Data Science
Hometown: Hilo, Hawai'i
Class Standing: Senior
I chose UHM because of the unique experiences presented by studying in Hawai'i, the comfortable, welcoming atmosphere I was used to growing up in Hawai’i, and because of the strong support system I have here.
My motivation for being an ACE Peer Mentor comes from the help and companionship that I wish I had when I was a freshman. I want to provide guidance and expertise to others who might feel lost or confused and contribute to the welcoming environment at the university! I love meeting new people and helping out wherever I am able, which another aspect that drove me to become an ACE Peer Mentor.
Melanie Love
Major: Public Health
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Class Standing: Senior
I chose UHM because of the environment and the amount of majors.
I became an ACE Peer Mentor because I wanted to be the person I wish I had my freshman year as well as help students reach their full potential.
Alain Medeiros
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Waimea, HI
Class Standing: Junior
I'm so excited to be an ACE Peer Mentor!
Alyshia Munoz
Major: Public Health
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Class Standing: Senior
I'm so excited to be an ACE Peer Mentor!
Chantel Patel
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Daly City, CA
Class Standing: Senior
I'm so excited to be an ACE Peer Mentor!
Cole Parkins
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Long Beach, CA
I chose UH Manoa because it has a pretty good psychology department and I have had family live on island!
I became an ACE Peer Mentor because I wish to give as many opportunities and resources to first year students! Additionally, I want to help every student I can get the best college experience possible!
Franciska Sprok
Major: Physics
Hometown: Hungary
Class Standing: Junior
I'm so excited to be an ACE Peer Mentor!
Sophia Vertido
Major: Political Science and Women and Gender Studies
Hometown: Aurora, CO
Class Standing: Junior
I'm so excited to be an ACE Peer Mentor!
Albert Yee
Major: Economics
Hometown: Honolulu, Hawai'i
Class Standing: Senior
Aloha! I was born and raised in Honolulu. UH Manoa was my favorite place to go for school field trips. The impressive buildings and beautiful landscapes made it an exciting place to visit. Even though it was my plan to apply to military academies and colleges on the mainland or abroad, the unexpected events of the Covid-19 pandemic that began in my junior year of high school changed my path. In order to be close to my family and pets in case of an emergency, I decided to stay in Hawaii. Choosing UH Manoa turned out to be the perfect decision. The scholarship opportunities have allowed me to pursue my education and participate in campus activities such as ASUH and Manoa Gaming Academy at the very school that five generations of my family have attended since the early 1900s.
As a child, I struggled with many learning challenges and behavioral issues. Without the help, support, and guidance of my teachers and mentors, I would not be even close to where I am now. Being an ACE Peer Mentor is the perfect opportunity for me to pay forward the kindness and show my appreciation to all those who helped get me here. It is my hope that I will be able to help incoming students make a successful transition from high school to college.