Peer Mentors

Ali

Hi I’m Jamila but I go by Ali.  I’m a junior majoring in Neuroscience (pre-med).  I’m currently volunteering at Rush Hospital and an executive member in a service co-ed fraternity.  I love volunteering!  Also, I love traveling.  I’ve been to places near and far, from New Zealand to South Africa to Greenland.  Wait, not really. But someday I wish to travel and volunteer all over the world!  This is my first year as a mentor and I’m excited to meet my future mentees!

Alyson

Hello!  My name is Alyson and I enjoy adventuring. Archery, rock climbing, fencing, and kayaking along with traveling are extremely enjoyable to me.  I’m a super senior in Industrial Design.  I’m a native Chicagoan but have had a semester abroad in Melbourne, Australia and dream of living there. If you’re up for swapping zombie survival plans or belting out a song in karaoke I look forward to meeting you.

Ari

My name is Ari. I am the eldest son of four boys. A fourth year engineering major and madly in love with Japanese culture.  I love to travel and meet new people, so don’t hesitate to talk to me =]

Arianne

Hello, beautiful people of the world! :) My name is Arianne (NOT Adrianne), pronounced as A-ree-anne. I am a second year student here at UIC, majoring in Kinesiology (Pre-PT) and minoring in Psychology. I really like to play volleyball, sing, play the guitar, watch movies, crack cheesy jokes, and make weird/scary faces (only with certain people :p). I am bilingual... actually, almost trilingual: (English, Tagalog (much improved) and Spanish (so-so)). I am currently an active member of APO, a service-based fraternity, Kinesiology club and MAPHS (Minority Association of Pre-Health Students). So, if any of you have any questions regarding these organizations, feel free to come talk to me..I don't bite :) This is my first year as a mentor in this program and I am too excited to finally have my own "babies"... hope that doesn't sound creepy. Anyway, I am really looking forward to meeting everyone and having a great semester with y'all! :) 

Bao

Salutations! My name is Bao, and many of my peers call me BaoWow. I am a fourth year student majoring in Biology with a French minor. This is my first year as a mentor and I am ecstatic to be a part of this program since I love meeting new people. On campus I am involved with Alternative Spring Break (ASB), Friday Night Live (FNL), Asians American Students in Alliance (AASIA) and Alpha Phi Omega (APO) service fraternity. With that being said, do not hesitate to ask about these organizations if you are interested! Besides long walks on the beach, I enjoy doing volunteer works, traveling, shopping, swimming and chillin’ like a villain. I am stoked to meet y’all real soon!

Buyana

I’m Buyana and I’m a second year student.  I’m majoring in chemical engineering and minoring in history and economics.  I love reading, running, yoga and exploring.  My favorite sports team (really the only team I follow) is the Bulls, but I love watching and playing all sorts of sports with my friends.  I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone this year!

Christian

Hey y’all! My name is Christian, and I’m an upcoming junior majoring in Gender & Women’s Studies and minoring in Asian American Studies and Art History. I work at the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum as a Museum Educator and a Seed Librarian, meaning I give tours and lend out seeds to anyone who wants to grow yummy veggies, edible herbs and pretty flowers. This is my first year as a mentor and I am feelin super super excited meet and do activities with y'all! I love reading, eating, going to museums, doings artsy things, advocating for environmental/food justice, but most of all LAUGHING! Totally looking forward to plenty of laughs and exploring UIC/Chicago with y’all

Connie

Hello everyone.  My name is Connie and I am a senior studying Psychology and Spanish.  I am enthralled to be returning to AAMP and am eager to meet people of diverse backgrounds! I enjoy learning languages, traveling, listening to obscure deep music and cooking smelly foods.  I hope to spread positivity and consciousness in an accessible and considerate manner.  Life is full of surprises and delights, so believe in yourself and everything will follow.

Darian

Hey YOU! My name is Darian, but I also go by Phuoc (good luck trying to pronounce it), whichever one is fine with me. I’m a senior majoring in Applied Psychology with a minor in Biology. I’m currently involved in student organizations like the Vietnamese Student Association (VSA), Japanese Audio Visual Cultural Association (JAVCA), and Asian American Coalition Committee (AACC). I love drawing, video games, movies/TV series (both American and Asian), and sports (huge football fan and a cheesehead). Thanks for reading and hopefully I’ll see you around.

Donnie

Heya~! My name is Donnie Chang.  I was born from fire and lightning.  My theme song is “Listen to your Heart”.  I’m a senior this year so if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask me!  Even though I’m a psychology major, I have taken Science classes as well so I can help you in those areas too.  Just a little about me, I love all things cute!  Especially Hello Kitty!  I have a cat named Minzy, also known as my daughter <3 I love her so much!

Henna

Helloooo, my name’s Henna...like the tattoo or dye, whichever. I am a 3rd year UIC student, double majoring in English and Psychology and minoring in Asian American Studies…pretty groovy combo if ya ask me! As a former mentee and 2nd year as a mentor, I have become very familiar with Asian American issues and well acquainted with Asian American resources. AAMP is an awesome place to start your journey at UIC. Something about me: I LOOOOVE sports- currently hooked on NASCAR and BMX, along with Chicago’s usual serving; I enjoy tutoring at the writing center [in Grant Hall]; I was part of a documentary on the model minority myth; I adore Johnny Depp; and in my extreme free time, I sew. Extremely excited to meet you guys in the fall!!

Imran

I'm currently in my third year at UIC and I'm thinking about a major in Philosophy/Math. I enjoy eating out, meeting new people and taking long walks down Halsted. I hope I can help any incoming students adjust to our school and I look forward to meeting you all!

James

My name is James, and I’m a junior majoring in biochemistry and I’m entering my second year of mentoring for AAMP.  My favorite things to do include play video games, watch anime, loaf around, and talk about random stuff.  I’m also a commuter student and glad to share any info on that lifestyle.

Joab

Hello everyone, my name is Joab!  I’m a senior majoring in biochemistry hoping to get into a pharmacy school after undergrad.  I like sports especially basketball and tennis so hit me up if you’re down to go play sports.  I’m bilingual, English and Tagalog.  I know a little bit of Spanish so if you guys need help just come talk to me.  I’m easy to talk to!  I’m involved in AAMP, APO, and AASIA.  I love eating and hanging out with people.  I am looking forward to meeting you guys. It will be LEGEN… wait for it… DARY YEAR!

Kevin

Born and raised in Naperville, IL, Kevin enjoys spending time with his friends, eating dumplings, updating his blog, and watching Jeremy Lin Twitter highlights.  If you see him on the Quad don’t be afraid to say “Hey!” As a “philosophy” major, Kevin one day hopes to attend medical school and then treat the underserved in his motherland of China.

Kim

Hi!  My name is Kim and I’ll be a senior this year!  This is my 4th year in AAMP and my 3rd as a mentor, and I’m so excited to meet all the new mentees.  I’m a photography major and Asian American studies minor, so I spend most of my time printing photos in the Art and Architecture Building or in my ASAM classes.  I’m Vice President External of Asian American Students in Alliance, so come hang out with me at meetings!  I love eating, napping, shopping, reading, arts and crafts/DIY projects, going to karaoke places, and exploring Chicago.  Also, all you social justice warriors should totally call me up. =)  I’m so excited for this upcoming AAMP, I know it’s going to be great!

Kinjal

Hey hey hey!  My name is Kinjal and this is my junior year.  My hobbies include watching tennis and basketball (go Mavs!) and catching up on my TV shows.  I am an Economics major and plan on going to law school when I graduate from UIC.  I truly enjoy being a part of AAMP and look forward to having a great semester!

Kristine

Hello! My name is Kristine. I'm a currently a senior majoring in Applied Psychology. This is my second year as a mentor in AAMP. I love drawing and playing video games when I get the chance. You may also find me playing billiards at the pool hall between classes - also something I like to do when I have time. I play the violin and piano and I enjoy playing sports, even though I'm not very good at them.  I'm also a fan of anime and manga, and I love watching Asian dramas and comedies. I like exploring different places in the city and eating out. I enjoy meeting new people, and I am looking forward to meeting all of you ^_^.

Melanie

Hello everyone!  My name is Melanie and I’m a kinesiology major going into my second year.  This is my first year being a mentor, and I’m super excited.  I’m a mentor, but I’m always your friend first, so don’t be afraid to come up to me with anything.  I’m very energetic and always in a good mood.  I’m involved in a service fraternity called Alpha Phi Omega, and also currently on the executive board.  I might sound busy, but I’ll always make time for my mentees.

Mena

My name is Mena. I am currently a junior at UIC. I am majoring in chemistry and planning to go to pharmacy school.  I was born in the US, but I grew up in Iran.  I moved back to the US in Dec 2008 and have been living in the Chicago area since then.  I enjoy gardening, listening to classical music and also electronic music, hiking and reading.

Minah

Hi!! My name is Minah.  I’m a second year.  This would be my first year being a mentor.  I’m super excited to meet all of you.  I’m pre-nursing.  I am involved in AAMP, Minority Association of Pre-Health Students, and Alpha Phi Omega (APO) service fraternity.  I am bilingual, English and Vietnamese, and working on learning Korean.  I love watching Asian dramas.  I’m easy to talk to and nice, so feel free to come talk to me about anything :D

Naheed

Hey there! I'm Naheed Ahmad and I'm a senior double majoring in Biology and Psychology with hopes of going to dental school. I am also involved with Campus Housing as a Senior Resident Assistant for James Stukel Towers. I am also in charge of service projects for the National Residence Hall Honorary UIC Eternal Flames chapter. Another place you can usually find me is the Rec Center. I love meeting new people, trying new things and exploring. A fun fact - I just studied abroad in Morocco this summer! I'm looking forward to getting to know all of you this year!

Richard

Hey Everyone, Call me Ricky. I'm a second year student majoring in biochemistry with a minor in Kinesiology.  If your wondering I'm a mutt, half Chinese and a mix of European countries. I'm a passionate tennis player, however, I am getting rusty since I haven't been playing as often as I would like to. I love the Chicago bulls and wished I watched Michael Jordan play in his prime, but I’ll settle for Derrick Rose. Best of luck to all incoming freshmen and watch out for the freshmen 15.

Ryan

Hey! What’s up!  My name is Ryan Dela Cruz I am a sophomore studying mechanical engineering.  My hobbies are playing sport and video games, socializing, and meeting new people.  I joined AAMP because I like helping others adjust to a new environment and want to help incoming freshman and transfer students to experience an awesome first year at UIC =D

Sana

My name is Sana and I’m a Junior!  I’m a Bio major and currently contemplating a Bio and Psych double major.  I was a former mentee as a freshman & am a first time mentor.  I am of South Asian descent, I’m an Indian.  I enjoy reading a lot and love seeing and appreciating nature.

Sutikshna

Hey, my name is Sutikshna. I’m a sophomore at UIC, currently planning on majoring in neuroscience.  However, I’m also considering public health.  Apart from academics, I am highly involved in South Indian Classical dance and music, and have been learning and performing for the past thirteen years.  Eventually, I hope to go into a career related to health sciences and simultaneously perform music and dance for a wide range of audiences.  For me, my experience with AAMP brought me into the community with a warm welcome and sense of comfort.  I hope to be able to do the same for others!

Wendy

Hi everyone! My name is Wendy and I'm a third year majoring in biology and sociology (very different but captures my diverse interests). On the surface level, I'm a GPPA medicine student who will eventually be trusted with lives (kind of scary!). However, much more lies beneath the surface: I'm a fun-loving nerd (not an oxymoron!) who loves shopping, playing tennis, watching basketball, exploring the city, and interpreting art that I probably don't understand. In addition to AAMP, I'm involved in Undergraduate Student Government, cancer research, Chancellor's Committee on the Status of Asian Americans, a variety of Honors College publications, and an exciting initiative on campus called Intergroup Dialogue. Feel free to talk to me about anything at all!!! 

Yvonne

Hi there! :-) I'm Yvonne. I'm a junior studying art history and French. I am also in GPPA for Physical Therapy. I enjoy going to cafes and art museums ( AIC anyone? I'm always looking for a +1! ), and eating breakfast foods at any given time of day. When I'm not in class, I tutor for the Honors College, work at the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum as an Educator, and volunteer for events at my local library in Elgin. I'm also in Minority Association for Pre-Health Students and Art History Society. This will be my first year as a mentor, and I'm excited to have some fun times with you all! Ask me anything and say hi around campus (I will buy you coffee!)… My only weakness is hand-eye coordination, so other than that I'll always try to be helpful!