SSE Peer Coaches are here to help you navigate tools and strategies for success. They can support you by sharing personal success strategies, academic success strategies, major and degree planning, course registration, and more.
If you would like to meet with one of our amazing Peer Coaches please feel free to schedule with them directly by clicking on their bio. GOALS and Compass Program students should schedule with their appropriate program peer coach.
Major: Social Work
Class: Sophomore
Hometown: Craig, Colorado
Hobbies: Riding bikes, fishing, being outside, and spending time with friends
Quote: Comparison is the thief of joy.
Fun fact: I have never been on a plane.
Major: Psychology
Class: Senior
Hometown: Longmont, CO
Hobbies: Rugby, working out, and reading
Involvement: I play rugby here at CMU and am also employed at the rec center
Quote: "And now that you don't have to be perfect, you can be good." - John Steinbeck
Fun Fact: I have a cat named Goose.
Learning Strategy: Read/skim chapters before class and write any notes in black pen, then take more detailed notes in a different color when you are in class (drawing pictures that help you make connections are great too!)
Major: Business Administration: Human Resource Management
Class: Senior
Hometown: Alamosa, CO
Fun Fact: I was born with 11 fingers! While I only have 10, I still do have pictures.
Learning/Study Strategy: I would use the Playwrite Strategy. This involves 3 different learning styles by: 1) writing out the information needed (doing) 2) reading the information that has been written down (visual) 3) reciting the notes out loud like you are acting out a play or giving a Ted Talk (doing/auditory). This is an interactive learning strategy that allows students to review the information several times
SCHEDULE A MEETING WITH NIC
Why I chose CMU: I chose CMU because of the prestigious soccer program, small class sizes, great professors, the ability to make friends on campus, and fun outdoor activities! My dad also went to CMU when it was called Mesa State.
Major: Psychology
Class: Senior
Hometown: Beaumont, TX
Fun Fact: I love being out in nature and doing fun outdoor activities such as hiking, rafting, and camping. I also love to play golf, play soccer, and enjoy hanging out with friends!
SCHEDULE A MEETING WITH JORDAN
Major: English: Secondary Education
Class: Sophomore
Hometown: Castle Rock, CO
Hobbies: Drawing and painting, writing, jewelry making, and rock climbing
Involvement: Peer internship, babysitting, women's rights activism
Quote: "Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are." - Kurt Cobain
Fun Fact: I can do a phenomenal impression of a chicken.
Learning Strategy: My favorite way to learn is by turning studying into a game through various methods. I also swear by using planners and calendars in order to keep myself organized and on top of upcoming assignments.
Why I chose CMU: I chose CMU because it offered me many things that I did not see available at other colleges. I could have smaller class sizes, specialized assistance throughout my journey here, and they really have fantastic and unique opportunities for my major.
Major: Criminal Justice
Class: Junior
Hometown: Littleton, CO
Hobbies: Drawing/coloring, paddleboarding, and hammocking.
Quote: "I am ready to face any challenge that is foolish enough to face me" -Dwight K. Schrute
Fun Fact: I love to be outside, especially doing things like paddle boarding, hiking, and hammocking. I also really love watching Netflix shows, so feel free to give movie/TV show recommendations.
Learning Strategy: Write down everything you need to do for the week and cross it off as you complete it. Whether that be small things like discussion posts or doing laundry, or big things like upcoming exams, it is an excellent way of staying organized and feeling accomplished.
Major: Double major in Psychology and Aviation Technology
Class: Senior
Hometown: Lakewood, Colorado
Hobbies: Video games, Tennis, Camping, Hanging out with friends
Involvement: Resident Assistant in Grand Mesa Hall, IRIS Solutions Specialist, and NAMI Treasurer
Quote: “It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness.”
Fun Fact: I won the first state tennis match at Lakewood High School, the high school I went too, since 1976.
Learning Strategy: Study with other people as long as everyone is focused and on task.
Major: Counseling Psychology
Class: Senior
Hometown: Castle Rock, CO
Hobbies: Photography, Hiking, Listening to music, Hanging out with friends, Off roading, Traveling
Involvement: Downtown Vineyard Thrive and Young Life
Quote: “When you’re curious, you find lots of interesting things to do.” -Walt Disney
Fun Fact: I am so terrified of spiders, it’s not even funny.
Learning Strategy: Stay on top of things, because when you get it done sooner, the more time you’ll have to work on it. And flashcards are one of the best ways to retain information and test your memory!
Why I chose CMU: I chose CMU because it was the best fit for my academics and I felt like I could succeed here. The GOALS Program really opened my eyes to know how much I can accomplish and I learned what to do when I feel frustrated or overwhelmed. I also enjoyed how close Grand Junction is to my hometown, the perfect amount of distance.
Major: Elementary Education
Class: Junior
Hometown: Montrose, CO
Hobbies: Watching movies, reading and writing
Quote: “Be happy with what you have while working for what you want” - Hellen Keller
Fun Fact: One thing on my bucket list is to travel to Japan with my dad because he has been talking about going all my life.
Learning Strategy: Figure out what works for you when planning to study. I personally need to have a colorful and organized planner to succeed. I also study with a friend who understands the subject and makes it interesting.
Schedule a Meeting with Sam
SSE & GOALS
Major: Social Work
Class: Senior
Hometown: Kauai, Hawaii
Hobbies: Going to the beach and spending quality time with friends and family
Involvement: Link Caller- Alumni Association, Social Work Club, Ho’olokahi Polynesian Club, and
Trio Participant
Quote: In the end, we only regret the chances we didn't take.
Fun Fact: I can wiggle my ears.
Learning Strategy: Quizlet Flash Cards
Why I chose CMU: I chose CMU because I wanted the atmosphere of smaller class sizes. CMU has proven to give me the comfort of having my home away from home.
Major: Pre-Nursing
Class: Junior
Hometown: Lakewood, CO
Hobbies: My hobbies include traveling whenever I get the chance, going to the gym, and trying new coffee shops!
Involvement: I am a Peer Advisor for GOALS, I work for the universities Alumni Association, I’m apart of the SNA club, and I volunteer for Hope-West’s hospice & palliative care center.
Quote: “When you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, then you’ll be successful.” -Eric Thomas
Fun Fact: My favorite place to be is on a beach in California with friends and family!
Learning Strategy: If procrastination is getting the best of you, try planning/writing down very specific times in your planner when you are going to do what you need to do. Also, try spreading your studying out over a week or so if you know you have exams, papers, or projects due.
Schedule a Meeting with Jaqueline
SSE & GOALS
Major: Political Science
Class: Junior
Hometown: Romeoville, Illinois
Hobbies: I love reading and going on drives to nowhere.
Involvement: RA in Grand Mesa on the 1st floor, Desk Attendant in Grand Mesa
Quote: "You will get there, but right now you are here. (and here is wonderful)"
Fun Fact: My favorite book is The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller. It's equal parts beautiful and heartbreaking.
Learning Strategy: Start with the task or subject you least look forward to and end with the task or subject you most look forward to. The time ends up going by faster when you have something to look forward to!
Why I chose CMU: I chose CMU because I heard only great things about the university and loved that it was close but far enough away from home.
Major: Psychology
Class: Junior
Hometown: Arvada, Colorado
Hobbies: Shopping, going to eat, watching movies, and playing with my cat!
Quote: "You are absolutely capable of creating a life you can't stop thinking about. Stop living in your head. It's time to make your dreams happen."
Fun Fact: I have two cats! One is named Pluto and the other one is named Astro!
Learning Strategy: Once you get your syllabus make a list in a Word document of everything that will be due in every class and use that word document to go back and highlight assignments you have done. One you get to the end of the list it is very rewarding! It's a great way to remember due dates and stay on track with your classes!
Major: Nursing
Class: Sophomore
Home state: Mississippi
Hobbies: I enjoy hiking, swimming, and any activities outside. I also enjoy hanging out with my friends, watching movies, hanging out with my cat, and crocheting.
Involvement: Peer Coach with SSE!
Quote: Live one day at a time.
Fun Fact: I made a queen-size blanket over the summer.
Learning Strategy: Color coding to stay organized, use a planner every day, map out classes at beginning of the semester, and give yourself study breaks.
Why I chose CMU: I chose CMU because it was the best fitting for my academic level and felt that they could really help me succeed in all aspects of my life.
Major: Business Marketing
Class: Senior
Hometown: Lakewood, Colorado
Hobbies: Trying new restaurants, being with friends, and being outdoors
Involvement: I am the GOALS Program Lead Peer advisor. I have been a peer advisor 3 years and entering my 4th year.
Fun Fact: I have a cat named Cowboy.
Learning Strategy: My study strategy is to have a reset day on Sundays and plan out your week with assignments, appointments, classes, etc. I think starting off the week with a plan and checklist will help you navigate better through your week and tasks. I also tend to give myself three hours a day of pure focus on my school work at a time that works for me to tend to all my needs.
Major: Nursing
Class: Senior
Hometown: Lakewood, CO
Hobbies: I like singing, going on walks, and doing arts and crafts.
Involvement: I am a part of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) and YoungLife organizations.
Quote: “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” -Nelson Mandela
Fun Fact: I’ve been to Japan!
Learning Strategy: I like to form study groups with my classmates and reteach the material to each other. This way if someone doesn't understand a concept the rest of us can help out.
Why I chose CMU: I chose CMU to stay close to home and for the family-like atmosphere.
Major: Counseling Psychology
Class: Junior
Hometown: Grand Junction, CO
Fun Fact: I play too much pool.
SCHEDULE A MEETING WITH ANDY
Major: Psychology
Class: Sophomore
Hometown: Aurora, CO
Hobbies/Interests: I like to paddleboard, travel, listen to music, and try new things!
Fun Fact: I like to put Tajin on my mango smoothies.
SCHEDULE A MEETING WITH SIERRA
Major: Counseling Psychology
Class: Senior
Hometown: Parker, Colorado
Hobbies: Writing, music, and journaling
Involvement: Psychology Club and National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Quote: “Perseverance is falling down 19 times and succeeding the 20th.” -Julie Andrews
Fun Fact: I have never eaten a pickle and never will because of a bet I made four years ago.
Learning Strategy: Flashcards for memorization and using a planner for organization/time management!
Major: Secondary Education: English
Class: Sophomore
Hometown: Denver, CO
Hobbies: I love reading, spending time with friends and family, and playing the flute!
Involvement: Over the summer I worked at the YMCA taking kids on tons of field trips.
Quote: “You are destined to make a joyful noise in this world” - Thom Uhl
Fun Fact: I broke my arm in 4th grade running into a wall playing tag indoors.
Learning Strategy: Study groups, flashcards, and color coordinating notes.