Testimonials | PEER Mentoring Program

PEER was basically my home outside of home. No matter how rarely or how often I spoke with a mentor or mentee, I felt as comfortable with them as I did my family. I can’t imagine how different my college transition would’ve been without the wonderful people in this community. Being surrounded by such an empowering young group of people who share both the struggles and appreciation of growing up as AAPI has definitely contributed to my fondness of my identity. I couldn’t have asked for a better community to join my first year of college. Being a mentee was one of the best decisions I made and hope to continue supporting PEER as a mentor in the future. <33
Esther Huai, Nursing, '25

Adjusting to college, especially a school as intimidating as Penn, can be an overwhelming experience. As a PEER mentee, I’m so grateful I immediately had an inclusive, supportive, and diverse group of friends and mentors to help me through it. For every “first” in my freshman year—applying to clubs, living in a dorm, enjoying Penn’s social environment, exploring the city of Philadelphia, or even course scheduling and career advice—I had classmates to resonate with and a mentor who was always a text away. At retreats (with great food!), kickbacks, dinners, and orchards, I found meaningful conversations and lifelong friends--applying was definitely one of the best decisions I could’ve made!
Nikhil Srivastava, College, '25

PEER was the only place where I made the most positive memories at Penn. Without a community that fills me with so much joy, laughter, and wisdom and gives me unconditional love and care, I would not have gained the healthy mindset, valuable big-brain knowledge, and warm-supportive friendships I have today. Truly, I am beyond grateful to have met all of the mextees, mextors, and board members of my generation in PEER. Whether I had made a small-insignificant interaction or whether I poured out all the “traumas and the boys and doubts,” the PEER community will forever be so important to me. I cannot fathom my freshman year without my lovely mextor, Jashee, and this wonderful community.
Christina Ly, College, '25

Coming from a PWI where I was the only Chinese girl in my grade since kindergarten, I knew in college I definitely wanted to actively surround myself with AAPI communities at Penn. It was upon by chance that I discovered the PEER program, but I can honestly say that applying was one of the best choices I made for my freshman year. During an entirely virtual and isolating first semester, PEER quickly became my first major Penn community and provided me a space for reflection about AAPI identity while introducing me to so many incredible people–all with diverse backgrounds, interests, and personalities. It was in PEER that I made deeper, everlasting relationships with not only people in my own grade but also so many upperclassmen (mentor figures that I still keep in touch with after their graduation!) I am confident that these friendships are the kind to last through college and beyond my four years at Penn! While I’m sad I didn’t get the full PEER experience because of COVID restrictions, I still think that it was an amazing experience and I truly cherish the memories and relationships I made my first year at Penn!
Cindy Xu, Engineering, '24

The PEER community is one of the most wholesome, welcoming spaces at Penn; every single mentor and mentee I met through this program has shaped and inspired me in a unique way, through their personalities, conversations, interests, and ideas. Especially with COVID, it was a lot harder to make friends the fall semester when we were at home online—but I swear, PEER people are EVERYWHERE; it was so heartwarming and exciting to see familiar faces in Zoom classes and then when we came on campus in the spring. From Scribbl.io and Codenames, to cooking and baking with my mentor, to PEER’s volunteering events, to our Zoom Talent Show, I have had such an incredible experience learning and making memories with amazing people. So thankful for being able to be part of this big family.
Melissa Nong, College, '24

When I think of PEER, I think of family. Joining PEER as a mentor was truly one of the most rewarding experiences for me during my last year at Penn. This community not only gave me the opportunity to grow as a leader through meaningful events and discussions with my fellow mentors and mentees, but it also taught me more about my API identity. It really meant a lot to me that I was able to utilize my personal experiences and knowledge and be that person who was able to provide a sense of comfort to a new student as they adjusted to life at Penn. Moreover, I learned that being a part of PEER goes beyond the mentor-mentee relationship, but rather, it involves developing life-long friendships with the entire community!
Anjelique Agudo, Nursing, '21

As a freshman coming to Penn during a global pandemic, PEER created a space of inclusion, friendship, and most of all acceptance. This amazing group of AAPI leaders has helped me grow into my identity and fit into the Penn community. Not only was the retreat a life changing and bonding experience, but the entire year worth of mentorship and group love was unparalleled. You are able to create relationships with fellow mentees, wise upperclassmen mentors, and of course a one on one match with an AAPI role model. All I can say is that I can’t wait to be a PEER mentor and stay involved in this amazing community on campus.
Milan Chand, College, '24

Without a doubt, applying to PEER was one of the best decisions I’ve made at the start of my college journey. Throughout both the virtual and in-person platforms of 2020-2021, I’ve been bestowed the opportunity to be embraced into a warm community of the most talented, funny, and accepting individuals that I’ve ever met. In a brief blink of a year, my friends quickly became my family. I’m so honored to have been a part of an organization that creates such a safe environment to open up dialogue, embrace volunteerism, and introduce a network where we are all stronger together from our shared experiences. Within the short span of a year, I’ve learned a lot about finding my own voice in leadership, the strength in understanding each other, the power of advocacy to ignite change, and ultimately what it truly feels like to be both inspired and empowered by those around you. Even now, my words fail to describe the entirety of PEER; More importantly, it’s about the feeling, experience, and so forth that makes PEER what it is. For those that are interested - both mentees and mentors alike - it’s an opportunity that I would never pass up, an opportunity I would recommend everyone interested to experience because everything about it is absolutely THAT iconic and life-changing!!
Kevin Huang, College, '24

I can honestly say that being a PEER mentor was one of the best decisions that I made during my senior year. I’m so fortunate to have had the opportunity to share this space with people who are so mature, respectful, and well-informed of AAPI issues. It was in PEER that I met some of the most warm and caring individuals at Penn, and I’ll always treasure the memories I made with these people — from our impromptu late night walks and snack-filled game nights to our casual milk tea runs and picnics at Clark Park. My only regret is that I was not a mentee when I was a freshman — PEER puts freshmen ahead of the curve for the rest of their college careers, and I’ve seen so many current and former mentees do so many amazing things and make such an impact on campus.
Jason Chen, Engineering, '21

PEER was an invaluable part of my Freshman experience. Penn is a great place but can be daunting at times but knowing that my mentor and the amazing family of PEER folks always has my back really helped me ground myself in this new environment. The mentor-mentee process really gave me a foreshadow what college has in store for me through the lens of my amazing mentor Jess, and I’m so grateful and proud be able to call her my mentor and my good friend. As cliche as it sounds, college is really what you make of it, and I’m glad I made PEER part of my college experience!
Michael Yan, Wharton, '24

While moving in a month late as a freshman was scary, PEER gave me an inbuilt family to count on. Despite the pandemic, the community PEER managed to foster was one of the highlights of my freshman year. From midnight insomnia cookie runs with the other mentees to exploring Philly with the mentors, my freshman year would not have been the same without PEER. PEER Board has a gift of curating a community of wholesome people who give the best advice and are the most fun to be around, and of creating mentor mentee pairs that cement bonds that last lifetimes. Power through the application because a phenomenal community of supportive and talented individuals that will stay with you throughout your college experience lies on the other end!!
Ananya Singhal, Engineering, '24

Going into college as a FGLI student with no clue what to do was a challenge in of itself. Adding a pandemic on top of this made me question my chances at finding my place at Penn. Thankfully, PEER provided that place where I could be comfortable with my identity and exchange ideas with like-minded people. I learned that I was capable of growth, and my mentor and other PEER family supported me along this unique transition to college. I never really embraced my APA identity before, more so feeling ashamed of it, but PEER taught me to embrace the APA community and allowed me to reconnect with my roots. -- I think that says a lot about the vibe of the program and the people in it. I definitely recommend applying.

I never would have branched out beyond my comfort zone if it weren’t for PEER, discovering more APA communities at Penn like APANSA and PPA thanks to my wonderful mentor. PEER helped me navigate college and make long-lasting relationships even through a pandemic, and I strongly recommend anyone to get involved with PEER however they can as this one experience makes an impact that lasts a lifetime.
Alyssa Marie Lagua, Nursing, '24

Throughout what could've been an isolating freshman year, PEER offered a genuine group of people to foster meaningful relationships with. I was able to find people who checked in on my mental health, play Genshin and banangrams with late at night, and share vulnerable conversations with when I needed it most. I met three of my closest friends through PEER. PEER people, even if they weren't in the same iteration of the program, are extremely supportive and real with you. At the same time, they challenge you to reflect on yourself and introduce you to API issues you might not have seen before. Despite the program being quite large, I was never scared to reach out to people -- I think that says a lot about the vibe of the program and the people in it. I definitely recommend applying.

Allison Zhang, Engineering, '24

PEER is so wonderful. It had been my anchor during a transformative and chaotic time in my life. During a period begot with so many challenges and struggles in mine own life, the PEER community had been one of my main sanctuaries. PEER has helped me come to face much: everything from pandemic loneliness, familial health issues, and recruitment anxiety to broader issues such as anti Black, Brown, & Asian racism. It has truly had such a great impact on me, and I very much wish I had discovered PEER as a freshman mentee.

And the people! The community! Everyone has been so genuine, kind, and willing to connect (even after some Zoom awkwardness :P). Having a group of forty or so people - new and old - in your corner is such a gift. To my mentee: you mean the world to me. I am blessed to have your chaotic energy, tender sweetness, and wild charisma in my life. You have helped show me strength in vulnerability, humility in sorrow, and so much joy in the mundane. And you humour my dad comedy. As I graduate onto my next chapter and you continue yours, I hope we can continue to grow together and I am excited by what lies ahead. Thank you to PEER for connecting us and fostering this wonderful community. If you have any apprehensions about applying to PEER, put them aside. You won’t regret joining this family.
P.S. it’s also so fun we played so many games tg hehehe

Ryan Kim, College, '21

As a freshman, PEER was a sanctuary--a place where I could be my full self, surrounded by people who deeply care about my development, are ready to answer all my questions and support me through the emotional rollercoaster that comes with being a college student. The distinctly diverse group of mentors and mentees helped me become a more open-minded and compassionate person and they helped me find my passion. What makes PEER stand out is its dedicated people: it's been 3 years but mentors still check up on me regularly and I'm still close friends with many fellow mentees!
Melisa Lee, Wharton '21

Joining PEER as a mentor in my senior year has to rank amongst the most fulfilling and valuable experiences in my four years at Penn. There's no program at Penn that helps mentors and mentees alike grow personally quite like PEER. For mentees, the PEER community is so supportive - everyone has your back. For mentors, it is a great way to give back, especially as many of us have benefited from mentorship. But the best thing about PEER is that it is a family, much more than just a mentor-mentee relationship. I was fortunate to develop close relationships with many mentees and mentors, friendships that I will treasure forever. PEER is a wonderful program, and I highly recommend applying - you won't regret it.
Lawrence Li, Wharton '16

PEER has always been my family at Penn. In high school, I never felt like I had a close community of friends. As an incoming freshman to Penn, I didn't know anybody, and I wasn't close with my hall--I was worried that I wouldn't find a community. But after the fall PEER retreat, I had suddenly made almost 40 friends. With these friends, I spent nights talking about the meaning of life until sunrise, learned how to ice skate and even have a snowball fight on the ice, threw midnight surprise birthday parties, raided empty classrooms in Williams Hall to study (and a lot of not studying while playing Tetris and watching movies), singing karaoke to way too many Taylor Swift songs, learning insider knowledge about campus life that only an upperclassman can tell you, and much much much more. But even beyond fun activities and doing things, I know the friends I've met through PEER are my closest friends because they're the ones who I can just relax and do nothing with when I feel lonely and want to be around other people. Because Penn is a decently large school, it's difficult to stay in contact with all the friends you make, yet I've effortlessly managed to stay as close as ever with the friends I met in PEER, even after the program ended.

I've gotten involved in other things at Penn after PEER--I've run for board positions, learned to swing dance, acted in cultural shows, and joined a fraternity--but I was inspired to do all of those because of meeting people in PEER who had done them first.

Basically, joining PEER my freshman year has been at the root of nearly every experience I've had at Penn. I can't express clearly enough how grateful I am for everything that PEER has given me.
Albert Cai, Engineering and Wharton '18

How do I even begin. Now that I'm actually going into my last year of college, it's really starting to hit me how precious each moment is while I'm still here. And most of the happiest moments that pop into my mind come from the silly, emotional, and truly intimate memories I have of PEER. I was a completely lost and awkward freshman. I came in knowing absolutely no one, and was shocked that seasons other than summer existed. But the most surprising and sweet realization I have after being in PEER, is how we could change so quickly from being complete strangers into being 2 am late-night talking buddies. This family helped me forget my fears and I just let myself be happily free. I'm definitely still the awkward person that I was, but being a part of this close-knit group has shown me how it's the simple things that show how valuable people really are.
Jennie Fan, Engineering '17

I was lucky enough to be a part of PEER for all 4 of my years at Penn, as a mentee, a board member, and a mentor. It probably sounds exaggerated but this mentoring program is probably one of the main reasons I loved being at Penn. To be honest, I didn't enjoy my freshman year as much as I had expected to and one of the sole reasons I made it through freshman year was because of my mentor. He became one of my closest confidants. We met every week for a meal to update each other on all aspects of our lives: academic, extra curricular, social, and relationships. As a mentee, you're paired with just one upperclassman, but PEER is more than just the one-on-one mentorship. I grew close to some of the other upperclassmen and the mentees as well. That's what sets this mentoring program apart from a lot of the others -- the community. You automatically have a diverse group of people you can rely on for a lot of things, like advice on majors and professors, a group to attend shows on campus with, and people to go on adventures with off campus. Another aspect of PEER that makes it unique is that it is an Asian American mentoring program. Exploring Asian Pacific Islander issues that hadn't even crossed my mind before -- mental health, undocumented immigrants, media representation -- with my peers on that first retreat proved to be a pivotal moment in my life. It really shaped my time at Penn. But PEER never forces to be involved with just the Asian community on campus. Since the mentors and board members are involved in a variety of activities on campus, you get to learn about so many different opportunities. All the upperclassmen are so willing to pass on things they wish they knew as freshmen.

I continued to be involved with PEER after my freshman year because I really believed in the program and wanted to make it even better. I can honestly say that after four years, PEER is now at its best. I met some of my best friends because of this program. As cliche as it sounds, college is all about finding yourself and your passions and making lasting relationships with the people you're living with for four years. PEER definitely helps in all aspects.
Michelle Leong, Engineering '13

Entering Penn as an incoming first-gen, low-income Chinese-Vietnamese student two years ago, I scrambled to find my place on campus, a place where I could actually "fit in," for a lack of better words. I sought high and low for a community that not only accepted me, but also one that provided the space for me to grow as a student, individual, and (aspiring) leader. When I initially joined PEER as a mentee in the fall of 2014, I began to push the boundaries of my comfort zone. I started to engage with APIA students who shared an interest in exploring their Asian American identities and sharing their personal narratives, which was an opportunity I rarely came across prior to my time at Penn. Ranging from diverse and unique backgrounds, these students quickly became the friends I can confidently say will last me a lifetime. From competing in online Tetris matches at Williams Hall to cramming for Multivariable Calculus before an exam, I have truly been blessed with the opportunity to meet great and like-minded individuals who share a passion for not only engaging with the broader APIA community, but also people who take the time and effort to foster deep and everlasting friendships.

During my second year at Penn, I served as the Chair for the PEER Mentoring Program. Among many other things, I learned that mentorship stretches far beyond the boundaries of a mentor and mentee relationship. It truly calls on patience, compassion, love, open-mindedness, appreciation, and more. I believe mentorship, especially ones provided through PEER, fosters tremendous growth in areas essential to individuality. Personally speaking, I never would have imagined myself to gain the quality skills and experience to lead a student organization like PEER. However, my advisors, board members, and past PEER participants have altogether provided me the stepping stones in which I discovered not only my leadership potential, but also confidence in being an FGLI student. I am amazed to have had the opportunity to serve such a well-rounded and inspiring group of young men and women. I am excited to return as a mentor and I look forward to contributing to PEER many more ways!
David Thai, College '18

I had been really skeptical to join any student organizations, especially APA ones, before I joined PEER. PEER has allowed me to meet and get to know many students from my same class, as well as other upperclassmen who are interested in building a strong APA community at Penn. Through PEER, I have been exposed to other APA student organizations and programs such as VSA and APALI, which helped me stay further involved with the APA community.

One of the best things that happened to me at PEER was the service project. It allowed me to, along with my teammates, actually do something to raise awareness of certain issues that the greater APA community at Penn has faced. Through PEER, moreover, I have gained access to many valuable resources that I would not have otherwise known.

I strongly recommend incoming freshmen to apply to PEER because the strong mentor-mentee system will serve as the most valuable resource for them to get accustomed to the new environment at Penn. I have learned tremendously from my mentor, as well as from other upperclassmen throughout the whole year I was in PEER.
Duong Nghe Ly, College '15

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