Transfer Peer Mentors @ DePaul

Nicholas (he/him) is a User Experience Design major concentrating in Design. He is a member of over three honors societies at DePaul and participates in many DePaul groups/organizations including the DePaul American Institute of Graphic Arts, DePaul Experience Design Roundtable, and DePaul User Experience Association. Nicholas enjoys being a mentor because it gives him an opportunity to be able to give back and help incoming students to better prepare and adjust to their newfound academic journey at DePaul.

Marelena (she/her) is from Burr Ridge, IL and transferred to DePaul from University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is studying Psychology with a minor in Medical Anthropology. Marelena enjoys spending time in nature, exercising, trying new restaurants, and watching movies. She loves that DePaul is in the city and you never run out of things to do—she particularly enjoys the Chicago food scene. When asked about why she became a mentor, Marelena says, “I had a very difficult process transferring and now I'm the happiest I've ever been, so I would love to help people reach that same level of fulfillment and satisfaction with their choice.”

Madisyn (she/her) came to DePaul from Pace University and grew up in Lemont, IL. She is majoring in Peace, Justice, and Conflict Studies and says that the PAX program and her professors are her favorite thing about DePaul. In her spare time, you’ll find Madisyn going on walks with her dog, reading, and going to new places. Her favorite thing about Chicago? “Always being able to eat at new restaurants and the people!” Madisyn became a mentor because she wanted to help others transition to a new environment and be a friendly face in what can be a stressful time.

Natalie (she/her) is a junior and majoring in Real Estate. She transferred from the College of Lake County in 2019 as a sophomore. Natalie became a Transfer Peer Mentor because she enjoys helping students, especially since she was in their same shoes not that long ago. She also thinks it important for transfer students to be supported as much as incoming freshmen. In addition to being a Transfer Peer Mentor, Natalie is also an Orientation Leader and a STARS Peer Mentor. A fun fact about Natalie is that she is really into geography and enjoys memorizing state and country capitals!

Parvathy (she/her) goes by Parv and originally hails from Darien, IL. She transferred to DePaul from Elmhurst University and is studying User Experience Design. Parv loves to hang out with friends, listen to music, visit small coffee shops, and explore new places in her spare time. Her favorite thing about DePaul is that it is not like a traditional college environment, and the campus feels welcoming to all students. When asked about why she became a mentor, she says, “The reason I wanted to become a mentor was that I wanted to help other transfer students tackle any problems they may face while trying to settle in. I want to be able to take what I learned in my experience and share tips and tricks that worked for me. Ultimately, helping find everyone's place at DePaul is what I hope to gain from this experience.”

Andrea (she/her) came to DePaul from Joliet Junior College. She grew up in Romeoville, IL and is now a senior, majoring in Communications & Media with a minor in Creative Writing. She loves that the two different campuses that make up DePaul give you the best of both worlds. She especially loves the downtown loop area for the plethora of different people there. Andrea became a Transfer Peer Mentor because she loves creating new connections with people. “Being able to help others achieve their academic goals while creating connections in wonderful!”

Harkim (she/her) went to the University of Wisconsin before coming to DePaul. She is a graduate student studying Business Analytics. Originally from Punjab, India, Harkim enjoys reading books, watching movies, sketching, and workouts. Her favorite things about DePaul are the multi-cultural environment, student resources, and the welcoming campus. Harkim loves the Loop because of its wonderful restaurants and places to hang out. She was thrilled to become a mentor because of the wonderful opportunity to help fellow transfer students settle into their new environment.

Jael (she/her) came to DePaul from Butler University and is a junior majoring in History. Chicago is her hometown, and she loves that there’s always a fun event going on or something to do. In her spare time, Jael likes reading, watching movies, and finding new coffee shops. When asked about why she became a mentor, she says, “I want to help people transferring to DePaul have a transfer experience as easy and as comfortable as others were able to make mine.”

Kathy (she/her) is from Chicago and transferred from University of Phoenix to DePaul. She is an adult student studying Business Administration in the School for Continuing & Professional Studies. Kathy enjoys spending time with her family, watching movies, and cooking. Her favorite thing about DePaul is the faculty: “Everyone is extremely helpful and committed to ensuring students have the tools needed to succeed.” She became a Transfer Peer Mentor because she loves to help people. “We can always learn something new from others. Becoming a mentor is a great opportunity to share my experience and knowledge with others to help them on their journey.”

Kiley (she/her) is from Graylake, IL and transferred to DePaul from McHenry County College. She is currently a senior, studying philosophy and sociology. In her spare time, she likes to play & listen to music as well as write and read. She loves how many things there are to do in Chicago and appreciates the great faculty at DePaul. When asked about why she became a mentor, she says “I love helping people because when I was a transfer, having someone to help me through the process would have been so beneficial.”

Kyra (she/her) transferred to DePaul from Harper College and is a junior, majoring in Communication & Media. She is originally from Palatine and is excited to live in Chicago now. Kyra’s favorite thing about DePaul is its location and she loves all the things there are to do in the city—the restaurants, parks, place to walk, and things to do. “I wanted to become a mentor because when I transferred to DePaul last year, I felt like I went through the entire process on my own. I was not able to get a lot of help or advice from people that went through something similar, which I felt would have been extremely helpful.” She is glad to now be able to serve in that role for others.

Rebecca (she/her) is a junior studying Psychology in the College of Science & Health.

Ruchi (she/her) is from Sunnyvale, California and transferred to DePaul from UC Santa Cruz where she is now a sophomore majoring in Journalism. She enjoys cooking, sewing, and spending time outside in nature. Her favorite thing about DePaul is the location and she appreciates that Chicago has a convenient and environmentally friendly public transport system. When asked about being a mentor, Ruchi says, “Transferring schools is stressful and hectic, and I'd like to help others have the most seamless transfer possible.”