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
Jade Wood | Peer Mentor
Schedule an Appointment with Jade on Starfish
A little about me …
- I am a sophomore at UW Madison
- I’m majoring in personal finance with a certificate in history!
- My hometown is Appleton, WI!
Valeria Moreno Lopez | Peer Mentor
Schedule an Appointment with Valeria on Starfish
A little about me …
- I am a senior at UW-Madison
- Certificate in Chicano/a and Latina/o Studies
Bella Zantow | Peer Mentor
Schedule an Appointment with Bella on Starfish
A little about me …
- I am a sophomore at UW-Madison
- I’m majoring in legal studies on the pre-law track.
Rosa Jimenez | Peer Mentor
Schedule an Appointment with Rosa on Starfish
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
Schedule an Appointment with Grace on Starfish
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!
Michaela Frichner | Office of Experiential Learning
Fund for Wisconsin Scholars, Peer Mentor Coordinator
frichner@wisc.edu
The peer mentors will be your primary source for support, but Michaela is happy to meet with you as well! Please e-mail with any questions or if you would like to meet 1:1 with Michaela.
A little about me …
- First-year in the Masters of Social Work Program at UW-Madison, studying to work with others to make change in the systems that we live in
- Attended New York University for undergrad and graduated with a BS in Applied Psychology
- Lived in Santa Cruz, CA for the past few years, working as a case manager with unhoused and foster youth
- I love spending time outside, making music, and dancing wherever I can!
One piece of advice…
Don’t limit yourself to what you see in front of you — practice “Radical Imagination” and imagine a world in which you could accomplish whatever you wanted, no barriers or roadblocks. Focus on what you can control within that dream, and try for it!
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!