UW-Madison is a large campus. We are here to listen and to connect you to helpful people and resources. New FFWS scholars should meet with their Peer Mentor at least once a semester, but can meet more as questions come up.
You might be wondering what topics are okay to talk to your FFWS Peer Mentor about–the answer is anything! We are a great starting point and sounding board for your ideas, questions, and concerns. A few examples of topics we are happy to chat about are: getting to know campus, jobs, majors and careers, study abroad, student organizations, talking to instructors or TAs, how to meet friends, roommates, homesickness, financial aid, health and wellness, and much more!
You’ll use Starfish to schedule an appointment with your peer mentor. If you cannot find a time or you have any questions, please email us at ffws@advising.wisc.edu.
Peer Mentors
Korina Thomas | Peer Mentor
Schedule an Appointment on Starfish!
A Little About Me …
- I am a senior at UW Madison
- I’m majoring in legal studies with a certificate in public policy and Eastern European studies!
- My hometown is Racine, WI!
My First Year …
- I struggled to figure out what I wanted to major in, and I went in thinking I was going to major in political science, but ended up switching to legal studies.
- I lived in lakeshore freshman year, which was beautiful but a strenuous walk in the winter!
- I loved exploring Madison in the fall!
Lucette Hernandez | Peer Mentor
Schedule an Appointment on Starfish!
A Little About Me …
- Fourth year at UW-Madison
- Plan to major in Communication Arts/Journalism
- Plan on getting a certificate in Chican@ Latine Studies
- Hometown – Milwaukee, WI
My First Year …
- Changed my class schedule at least 5 times the first week of school
- Tried getting as much free merch as I could
- Had lots of ups and some downs
One piece of advice…
Balance your life on campus especially since there is so much to do here at UW-Madison and definitely take advantage of everything you can do, but also don’t forget why you’re here and where you want to be. Believe in yourself and accept that you may struggle at times, but never forget to be proud of your small accomplishments
Rosa Jimenez | Peer Mentor
A Little About Me …
My name is Rosa Jimenez, I am a Junior majoring in Psychology and Legal Studies with certificates in Chicane/Latine Studies and Criminal Justice. I am originally from Delavan, WI and my hobbies include dancing, crocheting, and hanging out with friends. You can ask me about campus resources, Multicultural Greek life, and pretty much anything else!
My First Year …
My first year on campus was definitely a transition; coming from such a small town to a larger city was a challenge at first, but after taking some time to explore I became very comfortable with my new environment. I took some time to look into student organizations that uplifted and supported me which helped me find a sense of belonging on campus.
One piece of advice…
My biggest piece of advice would be to not be afraid to try something new. If you take a moment to step out of your comfort zone you might find something you actually really enjoy!
Grace Leatherbury | Peer Mentor
A Little About Me …
- This will be my third year at UW-Madison!
- I am studying finance and accounting
- My hometown is Mequon, WI
My First Year …
- I was very indecisive and joined many different clubs
- Spent lots of time at Memorial Library
One piece of advice…
Do something for yourself often – college is all about time management!
Tong Vue | Peer Mentor
A Little About Me …
- Junior at UW-Madison
- Majoring in Personal Finance
- Pursuing certificates in Accounting Fundamentals, and Risk Management & Insurance
- I’m also a CeO (Center for Educational Opportunity) scholar
My First Year …
- Lived in Ogg Residence Hall
- Struggled in finding a community to make me feel like I belong – welcomed on campus.
- I went in believing I wanted a career in engineering, but realized engineering didn’t align with my interests and goals. Therefore, I transitioned into Personal Finance, and I now enjoy what my major offers!
One piece of advice…
Be intentional with the experience you want to achieve in college! How much you put into college is what you get out of it, vice versa. Be open to try new things and gain a new perspective as college is an eye opening experience. Be kind to yourself! Take care of yourself well, celebrate the accomplishments you achieve no matter how big or small they may be, and don’t forget to treat yourself for navigating through this journey. Lastly, don’t compare yourself to others! You’re just as capable and competent as any other student. Failure doesn’t define you as a student, rather, failure is a sign of growth.
Peer Mentor Supervisor
Cheri Barta, PhD | Director, Office of Experiential Learning
Fund for Wisconsin Scholars, Peer Mentor Supervisor
The peer mentors will be your primary source for support, and Dr. Barta can be a great resource for questions, too! Please e-mail with any questions or if you would like to meet 1:1 with Dr. Barta.
A Little About Me …
- Director of the Office of Experiential Learning, an office that connects undergraduate students to high-impact practices, including undergraduate research, study abroad, and career/internship opportunities
- Attended University of Nebraska-Kearney for undergrad (BS-Chemistry; Minor-Biology) and University of British Columbia-Vancouver, Canada for graduate school (PhD-Bioinorganic Chemistry)
- Outside of UW-Madison, I enjoy spending a lot of time with family, baking, camping, being outside, and attending my kid’s athletic events.
One Piece of Advice …
Ask lots of questions!!! We are all here to support you in your success and absolutely love when students utilize campus resources to ask questions! No question is to0 big or small!