What is Peer Coaching?

Peer Success Coaching is one-on-one personalized assistance, open to first-year students. A Peer Success Coach helps students identify their academic strengths in order to improve their study skills. Peer Success Coaches will provide strategies to help students effectively manage their time, take notes, and take tests; moreover, their strategies will enhance proactive reading and boost motivation in students. Peer Success Coaching connects students to campus resources and enhances the student experience.

Peer Success Coaches are experienced UIC students that help incoming freshmen and transfer students connect with the campus community. Peer Success Coaches empower students through the identification and follow-through of goals, building communication skills, and equipping them with tools for success!

Not sure who to talk to? Request a Peer Success Coach Here!

Ready to connect? Set an appointment with your Peer Coach!

Aislinn Delgado

Aislinn Delgado

Hi, my name is Aislinn.

I am majoring in Integrated Health Studies with a Concentration in Health & Science, pursuing the Pre-Dental track. I am excited to be returning as a Peer Success Coach. I enjoy listening to music and watching movies/TV shows in my free time. Aside from working at ACE, I am also a student worker at the Wellness Center. If you have any questions on how to sign up or attend our services, such as

  • Pop-Up Pantry
  • Mental Health First Aid
  • Certified Peer Educator Program
  • Workshops
  • DIY Events
  • Etc.

Feel free to email me or schedule an appointment. I look forward to meeting with you and answering any questions about classes or UIC.

Oluwatimisire Lawal

Oluwatimisire Lawal

Hi, my name is Oluwatimisire but you can call me Timi. I am a third-year Computer Science student here at UIC. Some of my interests are soccer and music. I play piano, drums, guitar, bass, and sing in the UIC choirs. As a Peer Success Coach, I am so excited to work with all of you students and help you do your best academically at UIC!

Vanessa Medina-Araiza

Vanessa Medina-Araiza

Hi, my name is Vanessa Medina-Araiza. I am a first-generation college student. I am currently a third year student and my major is General Psychology on the Pre-Med track. I am also minoring in communication and Spanish. A little fun fact about me is that I was born in Los Angeles but raised in Chicago for most of my life. Some of my hobbies include baking, running, and reading. As a peer success coach, I will try to support all of my students to the fullest of my capacity, so even if you have a random question or just need some guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out. I am looking forward to connecting and helping you succeed at UIC.

Emily Mendoza

Emily Mendoza

Hey everyone, my name is Emily Mendoza. I am currently a third year Integrated Health Studies major on the pre-nursing route. I am originally from Saint John, Indiana. I am an outgoing person; I love to meet new people and socialize. In my free time, I like to
watch TV shows, specifically reality TV, and sometimes I indulge in daily napping. On campus, I am involved in Mujeres in Medicina, LARES and volunteering at UI Health. I became a Peer Coach because, as a first-gen Latina student, I hope to provide students with information and resources they can use throughout their start of college to improve and aid any of their situations or conflicts. Additionally, I want to help UIC students find their place at UIC and help them succeed in any goals they have during their time at UIC.

Alexis Oceguera

Alexis Oceguera

Hi everyone! My name is Alexis Oceguera, I am a current third-year majoring in Political Science on the Pre-Law track. I am from Romeoville, a suburb outside of Chicago. Some of my friends might describe me as a quiet and reserved person, but once I am comfortable, I get more open with you. In my free time, I like to read classic literature, play video games, listen to music, and make origami. At UIC I am currently involved in Latine in Law. I became a Peer Success Coach because I want to provide incoming students with advice and support that I did not have as a first-gen student coming to UIC.

Tobi Oni

Tobi Oni

Hey Guys! My name is Tobi Oni, and I’m a junior majoring in IDS and Marketing. I’m here to assist you with anything you need to make your college experience the best it can be. Some of my interests include sewing, knitting, painting, and anything related to art. I’m excited to help you all and hope your college experience is what you hoped it would be!

Kelly Padilla

Kelly Padilla

Hi, I’m Kelly! 👋 I’m a fourth-year student majoring in IHS (Integrated Health Studies) with a minor in Sociology. My goal is to help students navigate their college experience by connecting them to resources available at UIC. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or if you would like to schedule an appointment. I am here to support you!

Bryan Q

Bryan Q

Hello everyone, my name is Bryan and I’m a sophomore at UIC. I’m studying Mechanical Engineering and I’m a Peer Success Coach (PSC). A little about myself is I draw/sketch here and there, I go to the gym and I like anime. I’m excited to help you navigate UIC and help you with any problems or questions you may have.

Ruby Roman

Ruby Roman

Hello! My name is Ruby Roman and I’m super excited to be one of your peer success coaches! I’m a first-generation college student currently studying Urban Education. I chose to be an education major because I’m passionate about helping students thrive in all kinds of learning environments. With that being said, I am here to support you in any ways I can! If I am your coach you will learn very quickly that I’m outgoing and love connecting with new people. So whether you need help finding campus resources, navigating challenges and hardships, or just want to get involved in clubs and organizations, I’ve got your back!

When I’m not studying or coaching, you can probably find me singing, dancing, reading a good book, watching a movie, or taking a well-deserved nap :). No matter where you are in your college journey, know that you don’t have to do it alone. I’m here to listen, guide, and cheer you on. Thus, don’t be shy, let’s connect!

Valeria Silva

Valeria Silva

Hi! My name is Valeria and I am a fourth-year student in Applied Psychology with a certificate in Spanish. I’m excited to be your Peer Success Coach! I’m here to support you through your academic journey, connecting you with various resources, and much more. I hope to make meaningful relationships with all of you! I look forward to meeting with you :).

Valerie Tovar

Valerie Tovar

Hello, my name is Valerie Tovar! I am currently a junior, majoring in Computer Science and Linguistics. I’m open to any students in the CS track who are needing some help, as well as any other majors. Some of my hobbies outside of class include baking, reading, volleyball, and badminton. I look forward to meeting you all!

Judy V

Judy V

Hello, my name is Judy, and I’m a 4th-year Applied Psychology major. As a Peer Success Coach, I’m excited to support you in both your academic and personal growth, and to help guide you throughout your journey here at UIC. I know university can be challenging to navigate alone, and I’ve faced hardships myself that I once thought I was going through alone, but many students can relate. I’ll be here to make sure you take care of yourself while also achieving your academic goals. In my free time, I love journaling as an outlet to reflect on my thoughts and work toward the lifestyle I want to live, as well as creating crafts that let me express my creativity.

Hugo Villalta

Hugo Villalta

Hi, I’m Hugo, a Junior at UIC in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. I’m double majoring in Economics and in Mathematics. As a commuter student from the Southwest Side of Chicago, I understand the challenges that come with balancing school and life. My goal as a Peer Success Coach is to be someone you can turn to when you need help or don’t know who to ask. I’m here to support you, so don’t hesitate to reach out!