Peer Leaders are undergraduate students who support their peers in WISCIENCE programs and courses while learning valuable leadership skills. Find out more about Nevaeh and her experience as a returning Peer Leader!
Pronouns: She/Her
Year: Third (in spring 2024)
Major: Health Promotion and Health Equity
Hometown: Grafton, WI
What is your favorite place on campus?
Memorial Union Terrace!!
What extracurricular activities are you involved in?
Camp Kesem, Kick It to Cancer, and I’m a campus tour guide!
What do you like most about Madison?
I love how close everything is and how there are so many activities to do every day, whether that be going for a walk on the Lakeshore Path, hanging out at the Terrace, or checking out the food trucks on State Street.
What are your favorite snacks for a study session?
Nerd clusters!!
What is an academic accomplishment that you are proud of?
An academic accomplishment I am proud of is making it through general chemistry and the first semester of organic chemistry. My first semester, I was so overwhelmed by the workload of classes that I felt really discouraged about even taking chemistry. I had the worst imposter syndrome and I felt like I didn’t belong in the STEM field anymore. I ended up pushing off chemistry until my sophomore year. Now that I am entering the second semester of my junior year, I can successfully say I overcame the imposter syndrome I was experiencing and I passed general chemistry and the first semester of organic chemistry. I am now in my final semester of organic chemistry and I can confidently say I am more than ready to tackle this class.
What sparked your interest in STEM?
My sophomore year of high school, I got a big dental procedure done, and I was hooked after that. I had a failed root canal and I had to get my tooth pulled. I only had two options: either I get a fake tooth or use an orthodontist to shift my wisdom tooth over to replace the tooth I lost. I thought it was so amazing how the orthodontist could do that. Ever since, I have had a calling to the STEM field.
What is your vision for life after graduation?
My vision for life after graduation is making it to dental school. I hope in about 5 to 6 years from now to become a dentist and own a nonprofit office to give back to my community!
What advice would you give a friend considering becoming a peer leader?
Be confident and have fun! This is such a rewarding and unique experience! You know more than you think and you have lived the college experience that some of the students you are working with are just entering. You were once in their position and they look up to you and want to hear your experiences. Be confident in the stories you tell and resources you have to offer because they are looking up to you. Lastly, just have fun! It’s so fun to meet new people and form new relationships! You got this!!
What have you learned through your experience of being a peer leader?
Being a peer leader, I have learned many valuable concepts that I can apply in my everyday life. The biggest thing I’ve learned about being a peer leader is being open to the unknown. You are going to be put in unknown situations where you have to push yourself out of your comfort zone. As uncomfortable and intimidating it can be to be pushed out of your comfort zone, it is a really great opportunity to learn from others.
Overall, being a peer leader has helped me learn a lot about myself and I am so thankful for this unique opportunity!
Meet the rest of the WISCIENCE Peer Leaders.
Learn more about the WISCIENCE Peer Leader program.