Academic Peer Advisors (2012-2013)

Aaron Dallaire

Email: aaron.dallaire@maine.edu

Major: English; Minor: Philosophy

Hometown: Cape Elizabeth, Maine

Activities: Hiking, traveling, reading, eating Thai food.

Why did you apply to be a Peer Advisor: To give back to USM and to share my experience with other students.

Advice for your fellow students on how to be successful: Do your homework, participate in class discussions, and do not be afraid to talk to and to get to know your professors

Sarah Gelber

Email: sarah.gelber@maine.edu

Major: English

Hometown: Wilmette, Illinois

Activities: Copy editor for The Free Press, University Chorale, member of the GSSO, poetry editor for Words and Images.

Why did you apply to be a Peer Advisor: I applied to be a peer advisor because I wanted to be able to help students in my major avoid the same mistakes that I made. I thought that being a peer advisor would be the best way to do that.

Advice for your fellow student on how to be successful: The best way to be successful at USM is to put yourself out there. Befriending a couple of people in your classes can be really helpful, in case you miss class or don’t understand the material. If you’re having problems, talking to your professor makes a world of difference.

Mark Jacobs

Email: mark.g.jacobs@maine.edu

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Hometown: Phippsburg, ME

Activities: Blade Society, ESC, USM Fusion Group

Why did you apply to be a Peer Advisor: I applied to take the opportunity to give back some of the support that I have received during my time here at USM.

Advice for your fellow student on how to be successful: The best advice that I've received was a single word: Persevere.

Emily LeBlanc

Email: emily.e.leblanc@maine.edu

Major: Political Science

Hometown: Walpole, Massachusetts

Activities: jogging the cove, yoga, skyping with friends overseas, reading, watching movies with friends
Why I applied to be peer advisor: I applied to be a peer advisor because I wanted to get to know new students and help others succeed academically and socially while evolving in the same areas myself.

Advice to your fellow student on how to be successful: Don't sweat the small stuff.

Penny Mills

Email: penny.mills@maine.edu

Major: English with Creative Writing and Communications minors.

Hometown: Shapleigh, Maine

Activities: I am a wife and a mother with a part time job at Maine Medical Center. I am a member of the Golden Key International Honor Society, and now the Peer Advisor program.

Why did you apply to be a Peer Advisor: I want to be more actively involved with USM and I think this program will help me make personal and professional connections while I gain valuable leadership skills.

Advice for your fellow student on how to be successful: I try to stay on top of my schedule. By being prepared for class and knowing what comes ahead on the syllabus, I can complete assignments on time and still have time for myself.

Peter G. Morneau

Email: mailto:peter.morneau@maine.edu

Major: Psychology

Hometown: Portland, Maine

Activities: Going swimming in the summer is my favorite activity, but anything active is an interest of mine. My guilty pleasure is P90X!!

Why did you apply to be a Peer Advisor: I applied to be a Peer Adviser to help my peers grow academically and for my own personal growth. I believe my experience as a student can help my peers achieve academic success and a sense of belonging/involvement within the USM community.

Advice for your fellow student on how to be successful: Contact your peer adviser to get their personal experience with teachers and classes you may be taking in the future; peer advisers has taken these classes first hand and can give you in-depth knowledge that others may not have. Also get involved with your department, as involvement will open many doors in your academic career.

Toni Morrison

Email: toni.morrison@maine.edu

Major: Studio Arts- Digital Art

Hometown: Buxton

Activities: Drawing, Horseback Riding, Biking

Why did you apply to be a Peer Advisor: To be helpful and make a difference

Advice for your fellow student on how to be successful: Before you look for approval from others, believe in yourself. That way if you ever get to a place where you can only depend on yourself you may find you are stronger than you think.   :)

Bill Pooler

Email: william.g.pooler@maine.edu

Hometown: Hollis Center, ME

Major: Geography/Anthropology

APA PLACEMENT: Geography/Anthropology

Why you applied to APA: To be more connected with the students in the GEO/ANT major.

What one thing did you get out of the program:
I have hours in Portland this semester to answer questions about your degree progress, time management or Mainestreet / BlackBoard questions.  Feel free to use my experience as a student that has completed the GIS certificate program to your benefit.

Cara Skarbinski

Email:

Major: TEAMS (Liberal Arts Major, Elementary Education Minor, English Concentration)

Hometown: Bridgton, Maine

Interests: Reading, being outdoors, volunteering, learning new things, and animals.

Why did you apply to be a Peer Advisor: I applied to be a Peer Advisor because I wanted to understand and know the ins and outs of my major; in hopes that I would be able to share this knowledge with other aspiring teachers (seeing that our department is forever changing). I also wanted to find a way in which I could get involved with USM in a way that fit me.  

Advice for your fellow student on how to be successful: Time management. Set aside time each day for each class to work on homework or studying or whatever it is you need to do. This way you will never be too stressed. Also get involved in the classroom. I cannot say enough how much I have benefited from getting to know my professors and mentor teachers. They are there to help, so use them!

Sarah R. Victor

Email: sarah@xerces.com

Major:

Hometown:

Activities:

Why did you apply to be a Peer Advisor:

Advice for your fellow student on how to be successful:

Theresa Waterbury

Email: mailto:theresa.waterbury@maine.edu

Major: Human Biology

Hometown: Turner, Maine

Activities: Ice hockey, Zumba, fishing, hunting, hiking

Why did you apply to be a Peer Advisor: I noticed that there hadn't been many Peer Advisors in the Biology department, or in any of the sciences (aside form psychology) for that matter, and thought that the students who study within these departments may benefit from a little extra guidance and help from someone who has been in their shoes before. I also applied in order to gain more leadership skills, to work closer with the faculty in the department, and to help students build better communication with their own advisors.

Advice for your fellow student on how to be successful: Plan and prioritize your tasks weather it be studying or getting homework done in order to use your time more efficiently. When everything gets done on time, you will have less stress and be able to relax and explore the other things involved in university life!