PEER MENTORS

We are ACCESS, Academic Community Committed to Excellence and Student Success. We envision mentorship as a learning community where first-year Freshmen and Transfer students are immediately directed to the vast resources and opportunities available in the Psychology and Sociology Department and at Cal Poly Pomona University. We see Peer Mentors and Faculty advisors working together to give their Mentorship group a unique perspective of living, learning, and being engaged in the Cal Poly Pomona community through shared experiences.

"Our Goals(or Mission) as peer mentors are to make the transition to academia at CPP, less of a mystery! To serve as a compass on campus to guide our peers to all the available tools and resources that CPP has to offer in order to achieve excellence and student succes" (Peer Mentor Team 2007-2008)

Sara Behbehani

My name is Sara Behbehani. I have spent the past two years traveling the world looking to "find myself". What I found is a passion to help others. I have since volunteered for many organizations including the ONE campaign and United Farm Workers as well as in neuropsychological facilities. Keeping in line with this passion I have decided to pursue a career in psychology. I am currently involved in research and upon acceptance into and completion of graduate school I plan on returning to academia to inspire students the way many of my professors have done for me.

Aleta Cruel

My name is Aleta Cruel. I was born and raised in Long Beach, CA. This is my second year at Cal Poly. I am majoring in Sociology and want to pursue a career in the educational field.

Tina Gilman

I'm Tina Gilman, a native of Los Angeles and in my 3rd year at Cal Poly. After graduating I plan to attend grad school to pursue my ultimate goal of becoming an adolescent psychology and working with troubled teens. When I have a chance, to take my mind off of classes, I enjoy watching all kinds of movies and listening to music, though my favorite form of relaxation is playing with my dog, Homer.

Denise Hermosillo

Hi! My name is Denise and I am in my third year at Cal Poly, majoring in Sociology with an emphasis on Social Work. I am shy and loud, what a great combination, huh? I can be the quiet person in the corner but once the ice is broken there is no turning back, I am friendly, bubbly, and a jokester!

Ruben Hoyos

Hi, I'm Ruben Hoyos, a 34-year-old reentry student. I am a Mexican/Salvadorian/American & the first generation in my family to pursue a degree beyond a high school diploma. My educational pursuit is in Psychology, which is my passion. I work as a research assistant with a prominent professor at CPP. My on-campus activities include volunteering at the ReEntry & WoMen's Resource Center, which allows me to facilitate Alcoholics Anonymous, and I am V.P. of ??? National Honor Society along with being a member in Psi Chi (Psychology Honor Society). Off-campus activities include being a community advocate and ambassador for the local Chamber of commerce. I look forward to participating in the peer-mentoring program and working with more individuals in the Social Sciences discipline .

Devyn Huynh

I'm always prepared, I'm always open to new things. I like to read and I drink more water than a camel. My name is Devyn. Yeah, I'm pretty much the nicest guy you know.

Andrea Ilich

My name is Andrea Ilich, but my friends call me Ang! I will be a senior at Cal Poly in Fall 2007. My favorite thing to do is workout, because it lets off all my stress! I am a fun loving person who likes hanging out with friends and my family. One piece of advice that I can give to any student is to study hard, but also have fun because this part of you life will only happen once.... so enjoy it!

Antoinette Kathol

I'm an outgoing and free spirited individual who loves to have a great time. I am currently a player on the Women's Volleyball team and I also coach a 16's club volleyball team. Oddly enough I love school and I hope to go on to get my Ph.D in Clinical Psychology. Finally, I beleive that "Life does not have to be perfect to be wonderful."

Denise Lazaro

I am Denise Lazaro, a senior at Cal Poly Pomona, with a major in Psychology; in a year, I plan to pursue a graduate degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. Besides attending school full-time, I love to spend time with my family and friends, go shopping, and do anything that makes me active. Reading great literature and photgraphy are two passions of mine which I try to do on my spare time. My philosophy is to have a great time and I enjoy others who have the same perspective.

Alyssa Mancao

I generally go by Lia. My current major is Sociology with a social work option. I am anticipating my graduation in Spring of 2008. I plan on working and traveling (to Spain) after graduation, and saving money for graduate school. My hobbies include: collecting records, going to the gym, running, and shopping at the thrift store. I currently do volunteer work for Heartland Hospice where I am a patient care volunteer. What keeps me busy during the week is going to work, hanging out with friends, and doing homework.

Lori Ottaviano

I am a junior transfer student in the Sociology - General major. As an officer of AKD, Sociology Honor Society, I am involved in community service, fundraising, and academic enhancement. My family moved around when I was young, so I've been to most of our country's states. My favorite pastimes are watching TV, going to Dodgers games, traveling, baking, and game nights with friends. Often I'm heard saying, "Ask" because it's harder to learn if you don't.

Sasha Sioni

Hello Im Sasha Sioni and I am a 4th year transfer student double-majoring in Psychology and Sociology. I am also getting a minor in Philosophy. My hometown is Encino, about an hour west of Cal Poly. I am an avid mountain biker and I frequently go to the gym and play tennis. I having been living in the Cal Poly Pomona Village for a year now and enjoy it there. After summer I plan on becoming a part time Juvenile Probation Officer for Orange County. Eventually I plan on getting a PhD in Clinical Psychology and becoming a therapist or possibly a professor.

Ella Tarnate

Hi, my name is Ella and I am a fifth year Sociology major, minoring in Political Science. I am a transfer student from Diablo Valley College in Concord, CA. I am a very busy bee as I am currently involved in several different activities on our campus. Besides being a peer mentor, I am a Poly Pathfinder (a tour guide for the school); I am a research assistant for Dr. Bettina Casad of the Psychology Department here at Cal Poly Pomona; I am in AKD Sociology Honour Society, as well as the Golden Key Honour Society; I am an International Student Volunteer Alummi; and I have recently become a member of JusticeCorps. Being a transfer student, I know how intimidating the transition from one school to another could be, and I am looking forward to helping new students ease their transition into a four-year university.

Cyndi Woo

Hello everyone, my name is Cyndi Woo. I was once a confused students, then I became a transfer students, and now here I am in my last year of CPP. Being in College is the time where one can find out more about oneself and one can find the path he or she may be interested to go on in their future. As a peer mentor I hope I can assit you all in any ways I can to make college life less confussing as it was for me and much more enjoyable, which it should be! Welcome to CPP!