CGS Peer Mentor Program
The CGS Peer Mentor Program is an integral part of the first-year student experience at the College of General Studies. Peer Mentors serve to support and encourage first-year student success and work closely with the CGS advisors and faculty to provide mentorship on both academic and student life matters. Through one-on-one and group activities, Peer Mentors will support first-year students as they transition to campus, CGS, and the Boston University community.
If you are interested in becoming a CGS Peer Mentor or learning more about the program, please connect with Jihyeon Choe, Assistant Director of Student Services, at jchoe1@bu.edu.
Meet Our Peer Mentors
Connect with a Peer Mentor today! Our CGS Peer Mentors are upperclassmen with lots of experience navigating campus and the city of Boston. They are excited to meet you and welcome you to Boston University. Contact a Peer Mentor if you have questions about campus life, classes, extracurricular advice, need a referral to a specific resource on campus, or just want to say “Hi!”
Peer Mentor Gilbane Office Hours: Each week CGS Peer Mentors will offer a Gilbane Office Hour to first-year students. The Gilbane Study Lounge is located in Room 130, 1st Floor at the College of General Studies (871 Commonwealth Ave).
Peer Mentor Contact Information and Gilbane Office Hours can be found below in each Peer Mentor Bio.
2024-2025 Peer Mentors
Jessica Lee
Team A
Class of 2026
Hometown: Memphis, Tennessee
Major/Minor: Asian Studies Major, Interdisciplinary Studies Minor, Pre-Medical Track
Gilbane Office Hour:
Email:
Hobbies/Interests: Taekwondo, graphic medicine, finding good foods, volunteering
BU Clubs/Organizations:BU CGS CITL (Research), BU International Peer Mentor Program, BU Overnight Host Program
Favorite Academic Resource on Campus: CGS and Pre-Health Advisors
What piece of advice would you give yourself at the start of your first semester on campus?
Be open-minded and do not be afraid to try new things or ask questions! There are so many awesome resources and opportunities at and around BU, so be confident and put yourself out there!
Mecca Lartigue
Team B
Class of 2026
Hometown: Greenbelt, Maryland
Major/Minor: Education and Human Development with a concentration in Youth Development and Justice
Gilbane Office Hour:
Email:
Hobbies/Interests: Pop culture, watching movies and shows, dance, community work
BU Clubs/Organizations:Admissions Ambassadors, Admissions Student Diversity Board, UMOJA
Favorite Academic Resource on Campus: My academic advisor, Liz Vassallo!
What piece of advice would you give yourself at the start of your first semester on campus?
Talk to your professors! Go to their office hours and talk about an assignment, school in general, shared interests, professional opportunities, and anything else. They will become a rock through your time here and an incredible resource.
Primah Muwanga
Team B
Class of 2026
Hometown: I’m originally from Uganda and currently live in Ashland, Massachusetts.
Major/Minor: Data Science, Engineering Science Minor
Gilbane Office Hour:
Email:
Hobbies/Interests: I like to watch anime, and tasting varieties of chocolate
BU Clubs/Organizations: HackHardware(Secretary), National Society for Black Engineers(NSBE)
Favorite Academic Resource on Campus: The CGS Writing Center
What piece of advice would you give yourself at the start of your first semester on campus?
Don’t say no to opportunities or count yourself out right away. Try new things, even if they feel uncomfortable at first.
Ben Walsh
Team B
Class of 2026
Hometown: I am from Ireland, but I grew up in Dubai
Major/Minor: Accounting
Gilbane Office Hour:
Email:
Hobbies/Interests: Rugby, running, training, reading
BU Clubs/Organizations: BU Men’s Rugby, BUFMC
Favorite Academic Resource on Campus: While in CGS the writing center. Since, the Feld center in Questrom
What piece of advice would you give yourself at the start of your first semester on campus?
If you are confused, ask questions. Everyone is here to support you.
Kayla Costa
Team C
Class of 2026
Hometown: Danbury, CT
Major/Minor: Human Physiology & Minor in Public Health
Gilbane Office Hour:
Email:
Hobbies/Interests: I love the beach, reading, listening to music, and drinking coffee!
BU Clubs/Organizations: Tri-Alpha Honors Society, Students for Reproductive Freedom (SRF)
Favorite Academic Resource on Campus: Academic Advising
What piece of advice would you give yourself at the start of your first semester on campus?
Be open to new experiences! Don’t be afraid to try new things, and give yourself grace if something doesn’t go as planned. You are always learning :)
Kate Dougherty
Team C
Class of 2026
Hometown: Pelham, New York, USA
Major/Minor: Health Science Major, Political Science Minor
Gilbane Office Hour:
Email:
Hobbies/Interests: Traveling, spending time with friends and family, going on long walks, shopping, trying new foods and exploring Boston
BU Clubs/Organizations: Student Government, BU Prison Outreach Initiative, TIMMY Global Health Club, Admissions Ambassador
Favorite Academic Resource on Campus: CGS Academic Advising
What piece of advice would you give yourself at the start of your first semester on campus?
Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way at BU, specifically in CGS. This community is so special and there are so many niche opportunities that CGS students are given that are not available to everyone else. Take advantage of the small class sizes, the experiential learning and the amazing individuals who you are surrounded by every single day.
Jade Wesener
Team C
Class of 2026
Hometown: Bay Area, CA
Major/Minor: Film & Television Major (COM), Theatre Arts Minor (CFA)
Gilbane Office Hour:
Email:
Hobbies/Interests: I love the arts, especially theatre, film, and drawing (digital and traditional); I’m also really into playing video games, reading, and bouldering!
BU Clubs/Organizations: COM Student Government, CGS Dean’s Host, Undergraduate Philosophy Association, Shakespeare Society, former Daily Free Press
Favorite Academic Resource on Campus: Academic Advising
What piece of advice would you give yourself at the start of your first semester on campus?
You don’t have to have things figured out yet! You’re just starting a huge new part of your life and you’ve got plenty of time to find your people, your interests, and your path. Take the time to breathe and you’ll find your footing.
Grace Byrne
Team D
Class of 2026
Hometown: Bloomfield Hills, MI, USA
Major/Minor: Human Physiology
Gilbane Office Hour:
Email:
Hobbies/Interests: Cooking, listening to music, shopping, and working out
BU Clubs/Organizations: Formerly on the Cheerleading Team
Favorite Academic Resource on Campus: ERC and CAS writing tutors
What piece of advice would you give yourself at the start of your first semester on campus?
Keep an open mind! In your first semester of college you’ll have the incredible opportunity to meet so many people from diverse backgrounds that will allow you to learn so much about others AND yourself. Building friendships within CGS and your major can be especially valuable for forming social connections and study groups to support your academic journey here at BU.
Malia Montalvo
Team D
Class of 2025, CGS ‘23
Hometown: Worcester, MA, USA
Major/Minor: Advertising Major, Applied Human Development Minor
Gilbane Office Hour:
Email:
Hobbies/Interests: Drawing, collecting blind boxes
BU Clubs/Organizations: Newbury Center, WTBU, First-gen/low-income partnership (FLIP), BU Film Society, and ASDB
Favorite Academic Resource on Campus: Office hours
What piece of advice would you give yourself at the start of your first semester on campus?
Don’t feel like you have to do everything at once. Take your time to get settled in first. If that means doing one club and just going to class, then that is perfectly okay.
Marisa de la Villa Ramírez
Team E
Class of 2026
Hometown: Guaynabo, Puerto Rico
Major/Minor: Major – History; Minors – Art History, Cinema and Media Studies
Gilbane Office Hour:
Email:
Hobbies/Interests: Drawing/Art, writing, reading, research, film, history
BU Clubs/Organizations: PRSA, LATAM, Alianza Latina
Favorite Academic Resource on Campus: My Academic Advisor!
What piece of advice would you give yourself at the start of your first semester on campus?
I think the biggest piece of advice I would give myself is to relax, and that that everything works out in the end. I’ve always been a pretty anxious person, and I guess I sometimes tend to overthink and stress out when something doesn’t go the way I planned, but, throughout my time here, I’ve learned that even when things don’t turn out the way I’d hoped, something good always comes out of it. I was initially scared of how my time at BU would be, especially considering our late start with the gap semester, but, I’d really be lying if I said things didn’t turn out well. I’ve met some of the best friends I’ve ever had right here in BU, many of them through CGS. I’m studying something I love and I’m surrounded by the people who make me my best. Things have worked out in the best way possible, and will continue to do so, I’m sure of it.
Ruohan (Seraphina) Li
Team E
Class of 2026
Hometown: Shanghai, China
Major/Minor: Major – math, minor – anthropology
Gilbane Office Hour:
Email:
Hobbies/Interests: Crafts, photography
BU Clubs/Organizations: Anthropology club
Favorite Academic Resource on Campus: CGS Advising
What piece of advice would you give yourself at the start of your first semester on campus?
Be brave and go on a journey of discovery; don’t let anything limit you!
Melody Tai
Team F
Class of 2026
Hometown: Quincy, Massachusetts
Major/Minor: Health Science with a Biology Minor
Gilbane Office Hour:
Email:
Hobbies/Interests: Visiting cafes and restaurants, listening to music, and cooking
BU Clubs/Organizations: BUILD, BU Red Cross
Favorite Academic Resource on Campus: Office Hours
What piece of advice would you give yourself at the start of your first semester on campus?
Take a deep breath, everything will work out and give yourself time. Life is not a race, in the end, everything will work out.
Nene Samuel
Team F
Class of 2026
Hometown: Providence, RI, USA
Major/Minor: Neuroscience
Gilbane Office Hour:
Email:
Hobbies/Interests: Playing tennis, rewatching New Girl, and reading mystery novels
BU Clubs/Organizations: Undergraduate English Literature Association, National Society of Black Women in Medicine
Favorite Academic Resource on Campus: Educational Resource Center
What piece of advice would you give yourself at the start of your first semester on campus?
Don’t overthink things! There’s plenty of time to do that later in life.
Gavin Drucis
Team F
Class of 2026
Hometown: Annapolis, Maryland
Major/Minor: Health Science/ Minor in Biology and Applied Human Development
Gilbane Office Hour:
Email:
Hobbies/Interests: Thrifting, trying out a new art activity, reading, or listening to health and medical podcasts
BU Clubs/Organizations: BU Catholic Center, Graphic Medicine
Favorite Academic Resource on Campus: Sargent Academic Advising Office
What piece of advice would you give yourself at the start of your first semester on campus?
I would tell myself to approach every situation at college – whether that be an upcoming exam, trying out a new club, or meeting a new group of people – with the goal to learn and have fun while keeping in mind that there will be ups and downs along the way
Whitney Amoako
Team G
Class of 2026
Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas, United States
Major/Minor: Neuroscience Pre Medicine with a Minor in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Gilbane Office Hour:
Email:
Hobbies/Interests: Volleyball and going to Fitrec, walks along the Esplanade, people-watching, spontaneous activities with friends, volunteering: Boston Children’s Hospital and working with kids
BU Clubs/Organizations: DREAM Youth Mentor Program, Youth Empowerment Ministry, UMOJA, Mind and Brain Society, Innovate BU, Ghana Student Association, BU Closet, Former CGS Dean’s Host and CGS Advisory Board member
Favorite Academic Resource on Campus: Office Hours and 100 Yawkey where students can receive academic help through tutoring, career guidance, or just having a space where they can study and complete assignments. CGS also offers a similar opportunity at the Writing Center where you can receive assistance with class papers and other written assignments!
What piece of advice would you give yourself at the start of your first semester on campus?
Every week try to explore something new. As a freshman I explored here and there but never really got off campus, but after going to London and using every second to explore something different or try a new hobby/interest, I realized that it is important to apply that drive for exploration to everyday life!
Cass Young
Team G
Class of 2026
Hometown: Raleigh, North Carolina
Major/Minor: Behavior and Health Pre-Med Track
Gilbane Office Hour:
Email:
Hobbies/Interests: Working out, baking, reading, journaling, traveling, listening to music, and hanging out with friends!
BU Clubs/Organizations: RedCross Volunteers, Pre-PA Club, OneLove BU, Alpha Delta Pi Sorority
Favorite Academic Resource on Campus: Pre-health advising office
What piece of advice would you give yourself at the start of your first semester on campus?
Put yourself outside of your comfort zone a little bit everyday – join a new club, take a hard class, explore the city of Boston! It will be uncomfortable at first, but you’ll settle in and find your place in the BU community quicker than you think :)
Lily Whittaker
Team G
Class of 2026
Hometown: Ardmore, PA USA
Major/Minor: History Major, Public Relations minor
Gilbane Office Hour:
Email:
Hobbies/Interests: Politics, traveling, watching movies and TV shows, and baking/cooking new recipes
BU Clubs/Organizations: Her Campus BU, BU Student Government Events Department, Former CGS Dean’s Host
Favorite Academic Resource on Campus: Office Hours with professors
What piece of advice would you give yourself at the start of your first semester on campus?
One piece of advice I would give myself at the start of my first semester on campus is to not be afraid to do things alone! The best way to learn is by doing and you don’t have to rely on other people to try new things. Trying new things can be scary but it will make you a more confident and well-adjusted person! Whether it be exploring resources on campus or exploring all that Boston has to offer, get out of your comfort zone, your future self will thank you :)
Mariela Carroll-Lubrano
Team H
Class of 2026
Hometown: South Jersey
Major/Minor: Marine Science
Gilbane Office Hour:
Email:
Hobbies/Interests: Reading, listening to music, traveling, and hanging out with friends
BU Clubs/Organizations: Marine Science Association
Favorite Academic Resource on Campus: Educational Resource Center
What piece of advice would you give yourself at the start of your first semester on campus?
I would tell myself to remember that despite starting a semester late, I am not behind everyone else. It might feel like it, but you’re not. Plus, other people are in the same position you’re in, too.
Emily Crowell
Team H
Class of 2026
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Major/Minor: Biology with a focus in Neurobiology
Gilbane Office Hour:
Email:
Hobbies/Interests: Reading, music, tennis, and traveling
BU Clubs/Organizations: BU Student Wellbeing, Pre-Health Professionals Club, BU PALS
Favorite Academic Resource on Campus: Educational Resource Center
What piece of advice would you give yourself at the start of your first semester on campus?
Try new things and meet as many people as possible!! Also, don’t be afraid to make mistakes or reach out for help – there’s always time to try again and grow.