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First-Generation Peer Mentors

2022-2023 First-Generation Peer Mentors

Monserrat Ortiz

Monserrat
Monserrat Ortiz is a sophomore majoring in Spanish with an Education concentration. She was born in Texas but raised in Mexico. After graduation, she aspires to be a high school Spanish teacher. Montserrat struggled to navigate resources on campus as a first-generation student but hopes to motivate students to always ask for help when needed.

Monique Bedolla

 
Monique is a Biology major with an Environmental Science concentration from Laredo, Texas. Upon graduation, she hopes to pursue graduate school for Marine Biology. Her advice to fellow first-gen students is to not fear asking for help. She says, "My goal as a peer mentor is to help other first generation students overcome the same obstacles I did."

 Bryan Velazquez

Bryan Velazquez is a senior Education major from Coppell, TX. They plan to pursue teaching or working in higher adminstration after graduation. Bryan's key advice to other first gen students is to "not be embarassed or scared to ask questions, asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of absolute strength." A little fun fact about Bryan is that they are super early for everything!!! 

Gianella Flores

Gianella Flores is a senior Psychology and Business double major from Arlington, TX. She hopes to pursue her Master’s at UD upon graduation. Her advice to fellow first-gen students is that "it is okay to feel confused and scared when first entering college as a first generation, but eventually you find to really enjoy it when you immerse yourself into the experience." A super fun fact about Gia is that she actually has a twin brother!

Bithiah Moreno

Bithiah
Bithiah is a sophomore Psychology major considering the Pre-Med track. From Dallas, Texas, she hopes to attend graduate school after her time at UD. Her advice to first-gen students is, "don't be afraid to reach out! Whether it be for
school work or personal life, there are resources to help!"

Makensy Hernandez

All the way from Redondo Beach, CA, Makensy is sophomore biochemistry major with concentrations in molecular biology and Italian! She wants to remind other first gen students to "be confidant in who you are and take full advantage of every opportunity to learn and succeed at UD!" Also did you know that Makensy has been doing Jiu-jitsu since she was 10 years old?

 

 

 

 

 

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