Month: December 2025

Arianna Saravia and Dasne Aguinaga meet in Fondren Library so often that it felt like the natural place to talk for their interview. On a quiet weekday afternoon, in their usual study spot, they shared how their experience in Mustang Mentors, paired with support from SMU’s Pre-Health Readiness and Enrichment Program (PREP), helped shape their first-year navigating the pre-health path.

PREP helps first-year students build academic confidence, explore clinical experiences, and understand the steps needed for Medical, Physician Assistant or Dental school. For both of them, this PREP mentorship quickly became the center of their support system.

Arianna, a sophomore double majoring in Biological Sciences and Health and Society, remembers how overwhelming her first semester felt. Turning that experience into something meaningful was why she applied to Mustang Mentors. “I wanted [my mentee] to feel at home and not isolated,” she said.

Dasne, a first-year Biological Sciences major on the pre-PA track, said the immediate support helped her settle in. “As a first-year you really do not know anything,” she said. “Seeing her at events made me more comfortable asking questions.”

Both students pointed to early PREP events as turning points. “It helped [students] feel comfortable and it showed everyone that mentors are there for them,” she said. Dasne said the moment stood out because it made the room feel less intimidating. She also said the journey-board workshop helped her understand her academic path. “It made me feel better about taking my own path,” she said.

Arianna is active across campus in Turner Scholars, MAPS (Minority Association of Pre-Health Students), and student senate. She said seeing mentees in different spaces has helped strengthen those connections and that visibility mattered during the moments she felt unsure. Dasne shared that when she struggled on a chemistry exam early in the semester, she said she almost kept it to herself; instead, she reached out to Arianna. “I always think about what she would do when I make decisions about classes or activities.”

Arianna said she knew the mentorship was working the first time when Dasne came to her after that difficult chemistry test. “Not everyone is willing to be vulnerable in pre-health,” she said. “That was when I knew she trusted me.”

Their professional goals differ, but both hope to stay in Dallas. Arianna plans to pursue pediatric psychiatry. Dasne hopes to attend PA school and work in dermatology or aesthetic medicine. They said talking about their goals reminded them how many routes exist in pre-health and helped build greater understanding of others’ unique career paths.

Arianna’s advice to new PREP students is simple: “Do not overthink it. You never know when you will need someone to talk to.” Dasne echoed her and said, “Some people think they can just look things up, but it is not the same as having someone you can rely on.”

The mentorship that began through Mustang Mentors and grew through PREP now feels like a natural part of their routine and a reminder that pre-health at SMU is easier when you do not try to navigate it alone.

If you are looking to strengthen the pre-health community, consider becoming a Mustang Mentor and sharing what you have learned along the way.