Meet Your Mentors – University of Hawaii at Manoa

Sean Furuta

Major: Business Management and Marketing

I'm from: Honolulu, HI

Class Standing: Senior

I decided to become a UNIV110 Peer Mentor because I loved the connections I made with my students from previous years and seeing them grow and prosper into their own unique ways was amazing for me. I get to be apart of that process and help others grow and become more involved with them.

Eve Varela

Major: Psychology

I'm from: San Ramon, CA

Class Standing: Senior

I’m most excited about connecting with students and helping them feel at home at UHM. I love hearing people’s stories and helping them feel like they belong here. I’m also excited to build a community in the classroom, one where students feel supported, encouraged, and not afraid to speak up or be themselves.

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Sasha Halili

Major: Sociology

I'm from: Waipahu, HI

Class Standing: Junior

Last semester I had the opportunity to teach a small group of students, which has really fostered my passion and interest in teaching as a profession. I knew that as a UNIV 110 Peer Mentor I would have the opportunity to cultivate my teaching and problem solving skills as I continue this path.

Emma Burnkrant

Major: Sociology and Psychology

I'm from: Littleton, CO

Class Standing: Junior

Coming into UHM, I didn't know anyone. I was officially on my own, thousands of miles away from where I grew up. It was an exciting transition, but one that came with a few challenges. I chose to become a UNIV 110 Peer Mentor because I want to provide other students access to opportunities, information, and resources that can significantly increase their success in college and make their transition easier. Taking UNIV 110 as a student during my sophomore year, I learned of so many opportunities that UHM offers, and I want to provide the same support and guidance that I experienced.

Alexis Lacio

Major: Psychology

I'm from: Kailua, HI

Class Standing: Sophomore

I decided to become a UNIV 110 Peer Mentor because I truly believe that programs such as this and other forms of help for first year students are what help a student grow and thrive, especially in new environments. In high school, I was apart of a program that helped new students transition more effectively into their new school, and becoming a peer mentor felt very similar to that previous role I was given which made me very excited to be apart of. It's important to note that freshmen in college are of all ages, and being able to connect with people coming from different backgrounds, stages of life, careers, majors, the list goes on- it is very important to me and my own understanding of people.

Christine Nguyen

Major: Travel Industry Management

I'm from: Oahu, HI

Class Standing: Sophomore

I decided to become a UNIV 110 Peer Mentor because, as a former student in the course, I gained valuable knowledge and support during my transition into college. That transition was challenging at first, but the structure and coursework of UNIV 110 helped push me out of my comfort zone and made me feel more comfortable at UH Mānoa.

Aia Isabel Filoteo

Major: Psychology

I'm from: Kalihi, HI

Class Standing: Junior

I became a UNIV 110 Peer Mentor because I was an exploratory student for my whole freshman year in college, and had absolutely no idea what to major in. For this reason, I want to help incoming first-year students who may also be in the same position that I was once in before. Another reason is that I took UNIV 110 class in my first semester of college. Although it was only a 1-credit course, I had fun meeting new people, doing exciting games and activities, and being able to laugh with peers when I had a rough day. I also gained learning experience through writing, with the help of my own peer mentor before.

Sera Gavin

Major: Psychology

I'm from: Honolulu, HI

Class Standing: Junior

I became a peer mentor because I’m passionate about helping others succeed. I think it’s important to be well-prepped for college while continuing one’s academic journey, so I hope to help other students with that.

Lucy Dowdy

Major: Marine Biology

Hometown: Fountain Valley, CA

Class Standing: Senior

I know that living on your own for the first time, while also navigating the changes from high school to university can be really difficult. Not only have I experienced multiple changes in my academic experience as a transfer student, but I have also had to navigate figuring out where my true passions lie, which I have to admit was no easy task. I really wish I had someone who related to what I was going through to help me navigate these difficulties when I was first getting started. It is my sincere hope that I can become that someone for students as they navigate similar challenges in their journey.

Hailey Vizcarra

Major: Psychology

I'm from: California

Class Standing: Senior

I became a UNIV 110 Peer Mentor because I remember how challenging it was to transition into college life. I had a hard time making friends, finding a sense of belonging in a new place, and even figuring out how to navigate campus and use the resources available to me. I often felt lost and like I was doing everything alone. Now that I’ve found my community, I want to be the kind of support I wish I had. Being a mentor gives me the chance to help others feel seen, supported, and capable of thriving.

Jordan Hester-Moore

Major: Plant Biology/Botany

I'm from: Michigan

Class Standing: Sophmore

I became a UNIV 110 Peer Mentor because I enjoy connecting people to resources that can support their success and well-being. I’ve benefited from the guidance of others, and I want to pay that forward by helping new students navigate college life. Sharing knowledge from my own lived experiences feels meaningful, especially when it can make someone else’s journey a little smoother. I believe building supportive relationships early on can make a big difference in a student’s sense of belonging and confidence.

Kayla Ramirez

Major: Natural Resource and Environmental Management

I'm from: Long Beach, CA

Class Standing: Senior

I remember hearing about the ACE program before my freshman year began, but I never considered it as something I may find useful. However, looking back on my freshman year, I wish I had. The transition from high school to college, especially as an out-of-state student, is difficult--and I could have benefited from someone to rely on. When I became a Resident Assistant in the freshman dorms last year, I discovered that this feeling is common among incoming students, and I decided to become a Peer Mentor to help students like myself adjust to college life.

Trevor Hartnett

Major: Psychology

I'm from: Boise, Idaho

Class Standing: Senior

I decided to become a Peer Mentor because I love being involved at UH. In addition to this, I know firsthand the struggles that come with being a first-year student at UHM. Luckily, I got involved on campus and in my freshman community and built a mutual support system of people who are all still at UH today. I also want to grow both leadership and pedagogy skills as I move further into my educational journey.

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Shaina Laguatan

Major: Political Science

I'm from: Kapolei, Hawai'i

Class Standing: Junior

I became a UNIV 110 Peer Mentor because I remember how overwhelming the first year of college can be through multiple things such as finding your classes, meeting new people, adjusting to dorm life or commuting, and figuring out your major. It is a time of big change and adjusting to a new routine, so I wanted to be someone who could help students feel supported during that transition from high school to college.

Riley Coker

Major: Communications

I'm from: San Diego, California

Class Standing: Sophomore

I became a UNIV 110 Peer Mentor because I wish to help others navigate college as it can be a bit challenging your first year. I really wanted to get involved with the UHM Community and felt that this was the perfect opportunity to do so! I am excited to get to know new people and get involved!

Andie Shimizu

Major: Political Science & American Studies

I'm from: Pearl City, Hawai'i

Class Standing: Sophomore

Adjusting to college life is a big step for all of us so, I really wanted to be a part of helping students make the most of their time here at UH. Becoming a Student Coordinator for the First Year Programs office also made the impact and benefit of having a Peer Mentor very evident so, I look forward to supporting these students as well.