Category: Mentorship

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First-Generation Initiative Mentorship Office of Engaged Learning Turner Scholars

Mustang Mentors Help Guide First-Years Through PREP Program

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.

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First-Generation Initiative Mentorship Office of Engaged Learning Student Academic Engagement & Success

Finding Her Place: Jacqueline’s Journey to Mustang Mentors

Meet Jacqueline Sastre, a first-year transfer student and the Mustang Mentee Ambassador whose journey to SMU began before she ever stepped on campus.

Not too long ago, Jacqueline was at Dallas College preparing her application to SMU when an email landed in her inbox. It featured a story of a Mustang Mentors transfer pair, and the story quickly caught her attention.

“When I got the email with the story highlighting a transfer Mustang Mentors pair, it really pulled me in. Just knowing the school was letting me know there was an organization willing to help me get accustomed to SMU, and that it would be a one-on-one experience, made it really easy to sign up (for Mustang Mentors).”

She knew that she was going to need support as she transitioned to a bigger school and she ended up being matched with a peer mentor who knew exactly what she needed. “Having a mentor that was pursuing the same marketing major as me was such a big help, because they themselves were also a transfer student from a community college,” she shared. “They knew about figuring out your community and what classes best suit you. She gave me tips not only socially, but academically.”

That early support not only made the transition feel more manageable but also sparked something in Jacqueline. The positive experience encouraged her to apply for the Mustang Mentee Ambassador role, eager to help other students feel the same sense of grounding and confidence. Stepping into this position has also allowed her to bring forward pieces of her Dallas College experience that she once thought she’d left behind.

“Back in community college, I wrote for the school paper and thought I would be letting that go,” she explained. “But now, being able to write for the blog and for Mustang Mentors allows me to really shape my writing skills as a marketer.”

Jacqueline’s commitment to supporting fellow transfer students extends beyond Mustang Mentors. As Vice President of the Mustang Transfer Student Organization, she hopes to create even more connection between the two communities. “I really want to plan something with Mustang Transfers and Mustang Mentors,” she said. “I do take being a transfer student personally, and it was a big effort to transition from community college to university, so I definitely want to do something for transfer students.”

For Jacqueline, Mustang Mentors wasn’t just a resource but a catalyst in her transition to the Hilltop. Now, as an ambassador of the Mustang Mentors program, she’s working to make sure every student, especially transfer students, feels that same sense of belonging from the moment they arrive.

When asked about why someone should join the Mustang Mentors peer-mentoring program, she said, “There’s really nothing to lose and so much to gain. You either gain a new friend, a new mentor, learn new things, or even learn soft skills just by conversing with someone about your life here. There’s always something to learn.”

Do you know a student transferring to SMU in January? Reach out to mustangmentors@smu.edu for questions about how they can get plugged in like Jacqueline did.

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Mentorship Office of Engaged Learning Office of Engaged Learning - Entrepreneurship Office of Engaged Learning – Research Student Academic Engagement & Success

Celebrating the Inaugural Women’s Innovative Network (W.I.N)

On November 11, the Office of Engaged Learning proudly welcomed the inaugural cohort of the Women’s Innovative Network (W.I.N), a new initiative designed to empower undergraduate women at SMU as they pursue bold ideas in research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The gathering brought together students, faculty, mentors, and campus leaders for the first official pinning ceremony of W.I.N members.

The program opened with W.I.N President Ryland Adzich ’28, who shared the vision and goals of the organization, followed by keynote remarks from Dr. Jennifer Ebinger, Executive Director of the Office of Engaged Learning. Members then connected over dinner, shared their interests, and learned about the opportunities available through W.I.N The pinning ceremony served as a meaningful moment, symbolizing each student’s entry into a supportive network committed to elevating women’s voices and ideas on campus.

Reflecting on the event, Dr. Robin Poston, Associate Provost and Dean of the Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies, said “A wonderful evening at the Women’s Innovative Network (W.I.N) Welcome Session at SMU! It was inspiring to join so many talented women leaders, students, and faculty to celebrate innovation, collaboration, and empowerment. Grateful for the words of encouragement from Dr. Jennifer Ebinger and the leadership of Ryland Adzich and the W.I.N team for hosting such a meaningful event.”

W.I.N is committed to:

  • Connecting members with workshops, events, fellowships, expert mentorship, and campus resources that can strengthen and advance their projects.

  • Partnering with local high schools to help younger students develop research and entrepreneurial ideas, creating a multi-generational model of empowerment.

  • Encouraging women at SMU to showcase their work, through research poster sessions, entrepreneurship programming, and campus pitch competitions that amplify their innovation.

The W.I.N Welcome Session marks the beginning of a transformative year. We can’t wait to see how this cohort grows and leads on campus and beyond.

Thank you again for our co-sponsors, Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies, Caruth Institute for Entrepreneurship at SMU Cox, and Hunt Institute for Engineering and Humanity, for being in attendance.

2025-2026 Inaugural W.I.N Cabinet 

Ryland Adzich, President

Christina Mathew, Vice President of Programs and Recruitment

Daniella Jerez Yada, Marketing and Communications

Sophia Vasylyeva, Treasurer

2025-2026 Inaugural W.I.N Cohort 

Dylan Biggs, Andy Cao, Kitty Eid, Delaney Graves, Makenna Hanscom, Tanya Harathi, Izzy Monserrate, Wisdom Ojo, Dyanna Ortiz, Bianey Rojas, Abigail Schade, Linh Vu.

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Honors and Scholars Mentorship Office of Engaged Learning President’s Scholars Student Academic Engagement & Success University Honors Program

Building Connection: Inside SMU’s Mustang Mentors Program

Written by Jacqueline Sastre ’27 – Mustang Mentee Ambassador

The first year of college can feel like stepping into another world with new people, new routines and endless possibilities. For Valentina Barros Velin, a freshman from California majoring in International Studies, Mustang Mentors became a guiding light during that transition.

“I knew college was going to be a huge change,” Valentina said. “I wanted someone who could give me advice, wisdom and just be a friendly face on campus.”

That someone turned out to be Lelin Spriggs, a senior International Studies major who joined the program hoping to share her experience with new students. “I’ve always been like a big sister,” Lelin said. “When I heard about this program I thought it was the perfect way to give back and help others the way I wish someone had helped me.”

The two met for coffee chats, attended campus events together and even bonded over discovering they both worked for The Dialogue, SMU’s student publication. “We didn’t even realize it until we saw each other at a meeting,” Valentina said. “It made the mentorship feel even more natural.”

Beyond the shared laughter and conversations over coffee, the program gave Valentina a sense of direction. “Lelin helped me find clubs and organizations to join,” Valentina said. “She even made a spreadsheet after our first conversation to help me stay organized and manage my time.”

For Lelin, mentoring brought a renewed sense of purpose to her senior year. “It’s easy to get caught up in wanting to graduate and move on,” Lelin said. “But being a mentor reminds me of why I love being here. It’s about community and helping others grow.”

Both students agree Mustang Mentors stands out because it feels genuine. “A lot of programs talk about connection,” Lelin said. “But this one actually gives you the space to build it.”

Valentina said the experience has shown her what is possible. “Seeing how far Lelin has come reminds me that I can get there too.”

Their story captures what Mustang Mentors is all about, creating a space where guidance turns into friendship and where a little advice can go a long way in helping new students feel at home.

At SMU, the Mustang Mentors program connects first-year and transfer students with upperclassmen who can guide them through their college transition. The program pairs students based on shared interests, majors and goals, giving newcomers a chance to learn from those who have already navigated campus life. Discover how your students can build connections that last beyond the Hilltop. Visit the Mustang Mentors page for more information.

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Academic Skill Development Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center First-Generation Initiative Mentorship Student Academic Engagement & Success Student Academic Success Programs

First-Generation Initiative: The Power of Mentorship

Being a first-generation college student often means navigating higher education without a roadmap. Mentorship provides first-generation college students with an extra hand in navigating unfamiliar territory through building community, accessing resources, and receiving support.

Tricia Miller, a therapist at the Bob Smith Health Center, has enjoyed mentoring three first-generation students. She hosted an end-of-year dinner for her mentees to celebrate their achievements and reflect on their journeys together. Mentees Tosin Illesanmi, Monica Montanez, and Kyla Gijan were all accepted into the McNair Scholars program, where they will begin research projects and have stepped into leadership positions across campus.

For Tricia, mentoring is more than academics; it’s about making students feel heard and affirmed. As a mentor, Tricia enjoys supporting, encouraging, and guiding them through their educational journey. “It has been a joy to mentor them,” Tricia said. “They are humble and appreciative of the opportunities available at SMU, especially through the First-Generation Initiative events.”

Tricia Miller’s story shows the transformative power of mentorship. The First-Generation Initiative’s semesterly Peruna Mentorship Mixer connects faculty and staff allies with first-generation students. This event offers an opportunity to meet faculty and staff who are dedicated to supporting students’ success while fostering lasting connections beyond the university.

 

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Mentorship Office of Engaged Learning

Mustang Mentor Spotlight: Cydney Leach

The Mustang Mentors peer mentoring program is designed to help first-year, second-year, and transfer students feel right at home. We match incoming Mustangs with upperclassmen peer mentors who share their academic interests, hobbies, and goals for the future.

Cydney Leach, a junior Music Education major from Frisco, Texas, first served as a peer mentor last year. This year, she has returned to the program not only as a peer mentor but also as the very first Mustang Mentors Ambassador.

In this new leadership role, Cydney will serve as a key representative and advocate for the program. Her role will help increase peer-to-peer engagement, support event planning, and foster connections across the cohort. 

Q: What initially intrigued you about returning to the Mustang Mentors Program this year? 

I wanted to create more organic connection throughout the program. The connection I built with my mentee last year was a great opportunity to meet and connect with someone outside of my major who shared similar interests.

Q: How has being a peer mentor shaped your career readiness? 

This program has really shaped me as a leader. It’s been cool to have a mentee and learn to identify and encourage their strengths that they may not be aware of. I’ve learned how to help guide people in the right direction.

Over the summer, my job was a music education summer camp counselor, and I got to employ those skills that I learned as a Mustang Mentor and help the kids grow musically and personally.

Q: What are some tangible skills that you have developed since being a peer mentor? 

Organization for sure! Always having to prepare for my meetings with my mentees and think through what I’m going to talk about requires me to stay organized so that I can better help them.

A soft skill that I’ve developed is empathy. Especially being paired with someone who is on a different major path than I am as a music major, I’ve had to learn how to relate to the academic struggle as a whole even though my path as a music ed major looks very different.

I’d also say just learning how to be a coach is something I’ve developed. Like I said, being able to see the strengths in my mentee and pull them out of them is something I’ve gotten better at in my peer relationships.

Q: How are you hoping that being the Mustang Mentor Ambassador will spark growth in you, personally and professionally? 

I am hopeful that this opportunity will make me the kind of leader that not just meets other people, but can then foster connections between others. I think connection is a very important part of feeling welcomed anywhere, so I just want to be that person for others.

Q: What advice would you give to a first-year who is in Mustang Mentors?

Go to all of the events, it’s a great way to meet new people. I’d say connect with different organizations on campus, even if it only piques your interest a little bit. It’s better to say that you tried something and it wasn’t your cup of tea, than to be questioning whether or not it would’ve been a good fit for you.

Q: Can you share a favorite memory from being a peer mentor last year? 

My mentee and I were really big foodies. So we would use our mentorship meetings as an excuse to try all of the restaurants that would rotate in the revolving kitchen in Hughes Trigg.  We would do taste tests and pretend that we were giving food reviews.

To learn more about the Mustang Mentors Program and upcoming events, visit our website or email us at  mustangmentors@smu.edu.

 

 

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Mentorship Office of Engaged Learning Student Academic Engagement & Success

Celebrating the Inaugural Year of Mustang Mentors!

Mustang Mentors Pair: Xzavier Washington (Mentee) and Kamile Cerna (Mentor)

This academic year marked the exciting launch of Mustang Mentors, a peer mentorship program designed to support first-year, second-year, and transfer students as they transition to the Hilltop.  The program’s core goals are to recruit, engage, and retain students by fostering meaningful connections at the university.

In its inaugural year, Mustang Mentors matched 92 students, pairing mentees with peer mentors based on shared academic interest, professional goals and hobbies.

With over 351 conversations logged, mentors provided guidance on everything from course selections to involvement in student clubs to career planning. One sophomore mentor reflected on how participating in Mustang Mentors has positively impacted her connection to SMU, saying, “It has helped me feel more connected not only with my peers in Mustang Mentors, but also with communities outside of this program. I feel like it has inspired me to be more involved on campus.”

Mentees too benefitted academically and personally from their mentorship. One student shared, “I was confused about how to know what route I should take within the CCPA field, and [my mentor] has given me some guidance on how to know where I should go by exploring more in depth of each aspect and what I feel most interested in.”

Moving into the second year of the program, Mustang Mentors plans to deepen its impact:

  • Re-engaging current cohort members as returning mentors.
  • Expanding partnerships with departments like English, Film, History, and PREP.
  • Creating a Mustang Mentors Student Ambassador as a third tier of leadership.
  • Recruitment of incoming first-year and transfer students.

A special thank you to all faculty and staff who have played an essential role in program recruitment. We thank you for supporting this work and championing the program.

Know of a student that would serve as a great peer mentor? Email us at mustangmentors@smu.edu to recommend them!

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Mentorship Office of Engaged Learning Office of Engaged Learning – Research

OEL awards for “Excellence in Mentoring”

Image shows headshots of Excellence in Mentoring award winners Elizabeth Berk and Jill Kelly

Each year, The Office of Engaged Learning (OEL) honors faculty members who have provided exceptional mentoring to our Engaged Learning Fellows. The criteria for selection considers the quality of the student’s nomination, the student’s accomplishments, and the faculty member’s history of successfully mentoring students in the program. The awards come with a small honorarium.

Two winners were announced at the annual Undergraduate Research Lunch on April 24, 2025:

Dr. Elizabeth Berk
Lecturer, Department of Anthropology
Mentee/nominator: Vivian Thai ’25

Dr. Jill Kelly
Associate Professor and Altshuler Distinguished Teaching Professor
William P. Clements Department of History
Mentee/nominator: Aguer Atem ’25

Thank you to Dr. Berk and Dr. Kelly for your continued dedication to mentoring undergraduate students!

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Mentorship Office of Engaged Learning Student Academic Engagement & Success

Tim and Sebastian: How Mustang Mentors Sparks Belonging and Builds Networks

Meet Sebastian and Tim – two Finance majors in the Cox School of Business and one of the first mentor-mentee pairs in the inaugural Fall 2024 Mustang Mentors cohort.

The Mustang Mentors Peer Mentoring Program pairs incoming first-year and transfer students with experienced peers who share similar academic and career interests. For Tim, a first-year student navigating the excitement and complexity of starting college, this connection provided him with guidance and opportunity.

After being matched in September, Tim and Sebastian realized they were in some of the same clubs. “After receiving an email from Mustang Mentors to join, I thought it would be cool to help someone out coming in as a freshman,” said Sebastian. “I really wanted to help someone through the things that I just went through.”

Tim discussed how the peer-to-peer model helped him define and set academic goals related to his major and career path. “When I first started the mentoring program last fall, I had a goal of getting an internship,” Tim said. “Sebastian helped me figure out what options were realistic, and I was able to ask questions about different programs and the different recruitment processes.”

Along with their mentorship being impactful academically, the benefits of the program extended beyond the classroom. Sebastian shared how being a mentor has helped him develop another component of his leadership style. “I know that I want to be able to lead by example. I don’t want to be someone who says don’t do ‘x’ but then I do ‘x’. Mentoring Tim has also built my managerial skills by being able to share my experience and guide him through this year.”

Both Tim and Sebastian emphasized the value of authentic connection and networking through mentorship. “A good way of formulating connections is by establishing a mentor-mentee relationship. This whole mentorship experience has taught me how to navigate relationships. I’m mentoring Tim right now, but maybe one day down the line, he might be working somewhere I want to be and might be able to reciprocate the mentoring relationship we have,” said Sebastian.

Tim echoed that “networking is super important. With Sebastian being my mentor, it opened me up to more information. Just having someone who has been through the process who can give tips and tricks about what you should do, or shouldn’t do, is helpful,” said Tim.

When asked about why a student should join Mustang Mentors, Sebastian said: “When you come to college, it’s a whole new world, and there is a lot being thrown at you at once. If you can have someone who’s already had it thrown at them and can give a digestible version of their experience, it’s super beneficial.”

Tim agreed, highlighting how welcoming Mustang Mentors is. “It can be hard to find a community when you come to college. This program is a good way to get to know someone in a way that feels less intimidating.”

Want to hear more inspiring stories like Tim and Sebastian’s? Discover the experiences of other students in the Fall 2024 Mustang Mentors cohort.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Mentorship Office of Engaged Learning Student Academic Engagement & Success

Beyond Guidance: The Power of Two-Way Peer Mentorship at SMU

The best version of peer mentorship is built on mutual growth, authentic connection, and eventually, a formed friendship. Mustang Mentors pair Gracia Suppogu (’27) and Austin Toubassi (’28) exemplify just that.

They discuss in their recent interview how their mentor-mentee relationship began like many others in the program, but quickly deepened as they discovered shared interest outside of academics.

“When you’re matched with your mentee, you might know their major or what year they are,” Gracia explained. “But connecting with Austin over film and history has helped us form a more personal connection and even a friendship.”

Their experience reflects the benefits of mentoring as a high impact practice. Peer mentorship really is a two-way street. While Gracia was excited to offer guidance and support to Austin, she also gained fresh perspective on her own college experience through mentoring him.

“Not only am I able to teach Austin from my experiences, he has also taught me a lot about being a leader, a teacher, and building connection with others,” said Gracia.

Austin echoed those same sentiments, further emphasizing the value of peer-to-peer mentorship versus relying solely on faculty support. Having a peer mentor “is like having another student who is going through the same things that you are going through,” he said. “There is a lot more access to another student, and I think that’s the thing that I value the most. So I’d stress the importance of [peer mentorship] is about having another friend and getting the same resources that you’d get from a professor or professional without having the intimidation factor.”

Gracia and Austin’s mentorship journey embodies the heart behind the Mustang Mentors program – fostering connections that go beyond academic guidance to cultivate true friendship.

Curious about more Mustang Mentor stories? Read more student stories here and learn about the program.