Peer Mentor Highlight
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Danielle
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This was Danielle‘s first semester with Project FOCUS. She is majoring in deaf studies with a concentration in rehabilitation. She is planning to apply to graduate school for a school counselor program.
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Project FOCUS has impacted her college experience by introducing Danielle to students that she would have never have met if she was not in Project FOCUS. She shared that she has made great friendships with students and other Peer Mentors. It has become a passion of Danielle‘s to promote and tell others about Project FOCUS and talk to others about becoming a mentor.
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A highlight from Danielle’s semester with Project Focus was getting to know one of the students, Mateo. Mateo and Danielle went to class together three times a week and spent about nine hours a week together. The day that Mateo told Danielle that she was his friend, his favorite mentor and when he gave her a hug was the day Danielle knew all of her time and effort that she put into Project FOCUS was completely worth it!
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Danielle‘s words of wisdom for a future college students is that it is OK if you don’t know what you “want to do when you ‘grow up’.” Enjoy all your college experiences because for years goes by so quickly.
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Thanks for a wonderful semester, Danielle!

Peer Mentor Highlight
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Lauren
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This was Lauren’s first semester with Project FOCUS. Lauren is majoring in Psychology and would like to work in the field of Substance Abuse Counseling.
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Lauren shared that being a part of Project FOCUS impacted her college experience because she has met so many amazing people that she wouldn’t have met otherwise. She has learned so much from both Peer Mentors and students. Lauren loved getting to see and experience all of the amazing gifts, talents and personality traits everyone brings to the table. Lauren shared that she feels so thankful to know everybody in Project FOCUS.
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A highlight from Lauren‘s semester with Project FOCUS was when there are a lot of peer mentors and students on campus at the same time, because the dynamic between students and Peer Mentors is so fun and playful. A specific highlight that comes to mind for Lauren is spending time with one of the students, Mateo. He is so funny, mischievous, and quite a prankster. Lauren loves getting to see his dance moves, hear his jokes, and sing his favorite Olivia Rodrigo songs together!
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Lauren‘s words of wisdom for future college students is, “If you have the opportunity to put yourself out of your comfort zone in college, do it! Trying new things is so rewarding. Being a peer mentor has provided me with so many life lessons that will be applicable in college and beyond. Don’t ever hesitate to try something new in college!”
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We appreciate you, Lauren!

Peer Mentor Highlight
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Jenna
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This was Jenna‘s first semester with Project Focus. She is majoring in speech language and hearing sciences with a minor in special education. She wants to work in K5 school doing speech and language therapy with children in the future.
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Jenna shared that being a part a Project FOCUS has given her insight to what inclusion looks like on a college campus. Before coming to college, Jenna’s exposure to the world of special education and inclusion was small. She didn’t fully understand what it meant to be an advocate or what it truly looks like to work with students with disabilities. Since becoming a peer mentor with Project FOCUS, Jenna has made so many amazing friends. She has learned so many new skills such as how to create a social story or even what person first language is and how to properly use it. But most of all, Jenna learned how to be a better advocate. Everyone deserves the same opportunities in life and Jenna has been blessed to be a part of the students’ paths to success in whatever they choose to do after they leave the University of Arizona.
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Jenna shared that a highlight from her time with Project FOCUS so far has been advocating for Jamelle and supporting him with finding his internship through the daily wildcat. Jenna remembers the day Jamelle texted her that he got the internship. Jenna was so proud of him that she started crying. Jamelle has written the most amazing comics for the daily wildcat and she can’t wait to see him grow.
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Jenna‘s words of wisdom for future college students is to get involved. Becoming an involved student has given her feelings of belonging. Being a part of the class of 2024 and having her entire freshman year online was hard. She was longing to have human connection and friendships so she got involved and she has never once looked back or regretted a single thing or thought, “what if I hadn’t done this?”
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Thanks for a fantastic semester, Jenna!

Peer Mentor Highlight
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Ben
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This was Ben’s first semester with Project FOCUS. His is majoring in Philosophy, politics, economics, and law. He wants to be an attorney and go into mental health policy reform in the future.
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Ben shared that he is very grateful to be a part of an organization that affords students the opportunity to embrace the college experience, build valuable skills, and progress towards starting a career.
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A highlight from Ben’s semester with a Project FOCUS was attending the football game with students and Peer Mentors. He shared that Project FOCUS has such a positive attitude and spirit that you just can’t help but smile.
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Ben’s words of wisdom for future college students is to get involved! You are lucky to be at a great university with so many resources and programs so go explore what they have to offer. You will find your best friends in clubs, classes, and internships, so don’t worry that involving yourself will take away from your social life.
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Thanks for a great semester, Ben!

Peer Mentor Highlight
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Taelor
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This was Taelor’s first semester working with Project FOCUS. She is majoring in neuroscience and cognitive science with a minor in special education and rehabilitation. She is planning on going into ABA therapy in the future.
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Taelor shared that being a part a Project FOCUS opened up her eyes to this field and how much she loves working with all of the students. The students have really been the highlight of her day and have taught her so much.
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A highlight from Taelor’s time at Project FOCUS this semester was when she went to visit one of the students, Joseph, at work. It was an amazing feeling seeing how excited he was when she went to visit in the pizza that he made it was delicious.
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Taelor’s words of wisdom for a future college students is to take a deep breath and take one thing at a time. College flies by so definitely balance everything and make sure you enjoy your time.
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We appreciate you, Taelor!

Peer Mentor Highlight
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Anna
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This is Anna‘s first semester working with Project FOCUS. Anna is majoring in speech and hearing sciences and psychology with a minor in both special education and Spanish. Her hope is to open a speech pathology clinic specifically for individuals with disabilities.
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When asked how being part of Project FOCUS impacted her college experience, Anna shared that, “Project FOCUS made me realize what my passion is. Although I always knew I loved working with individuals with disabilities, I never thought I could find a program like Project FOCUS in college to participate in. I have also made so many new friends that I am thankful for! It feels great to be a part of some thing on campus that benefits so many!”
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A highlight from Anna’s time at Project FOCUS was, “Creating close bonds with so many students. Everyone is so loving and kind and it is a great environment to be surrounded by. I love getting ice cream with students, going on walks around campus, eating lunch together, and just joking around all day!”
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Anna’s words of wisdom for future college students is to participate in Project Focus! If it isn’t your thing, get involved in something else on campus that is. It will make your experience so much better! Do some thing that you love and that makes you happy.
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Thanks, Anna, for a great semester!

Peer Mentor Highlight
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Maggie
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Maggie has been a Peer Mentor with Project FOCUS for two semesters. She is majoring in rehabilitation studies and is interested in becoming an occupational therapist.
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When asked how being a part of Project FOCUS impacted her college experience, Maggie shared, “I have made so many friends and had so many opportunities to get involved on campus.”
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Maggie shared that a highlight from her time at Project FOCUS was sitting at the roundabout and watching all the Peer Mentors and students interact with each other and build connections.
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Maggie‘s words of wisdom for future college students is, “GET INVOLVED!!!! You will make so many amazing friends and have so much fun!”
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We appreciate you, Maggie!

Peer Mentor Highlight

Victoria
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Victoria has been a Peer Mentor with Project FOCUS for seven semesters. She is majoring in special education rehabilitation with a goal of becoming a behavioral technician.
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Victoria shared that Project FOCUS has had a huge impact on her college experience. It gave her a piece of home when she was finding her place here. It introduced her to some of the most amazing people and has given her life lasting friendships.
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A highlight from Victoria‘s time at Project FOCUS would be the relationship that she has built with one of her students, Chelsea. Victoria shared that Chelsea is such a ray of sunshine and bring so much joy into her life every day. She loves seeing Chelsea and hanging out with her at lunch, and Victoria loves that she comes to find her football games and bear down Fridays. Most importantly, Victoria loves hanging out with Chelsea outside of school. She has felt such a strong bond and relationship with Chelsea, she’s truly one of Victoria‘s best friends and she is so thankful for her. Her time with Project FOCUS would not have been the same without an amazing friend like Chelsea.
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Victoria‘s words of advice for future college students it’s a take in every moment and cherish your times with the friends you will make here. She has met some of the most special and important people here and she is very thankful for what each friendship brings into her life.
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Thank you, Victoria, for another fantastic semester!

Student Highlight - Claire

Claire is a second year student with Project FOCUS.

Claire enjoys campus life, attending class, getting Starbucks, and hanging out with friends while on campus.

Claire is interested in helping people after graduation - she’s interested in the medical field, teaching, and customer support!

This is Sarah's first semester with Project FOCUS.  She is majoring in Family Studies and Human Development and is planning on going to nursing school.

Being a part of Project FOCUS has opened Sarah's eyes to something new that she had never experienced.  This experience has helped her increase her patience, be more open and understanding, and it has really taught her that nothing has to be perfect, just go with the flow!

Sarah shared that a highlight from her semester with Project FOCUS was when she engaged with students by introducing them to new places on campus, and seeing the faces of students light up when they are having a great day!

Sarah's words of wisdom for future college students is, "It goes by SO FAST...do the things that you want to do, and make time to find something that you are passionate about!"

Thank you, Sarah, for an amazing semester!

Sandra

Sandra has been a peer mentor with Project FOCUS for seven semesters!  After graduation, Sandra is planning on becoming a special education teacher specializing in visual impairment and multiple disabilities.

Being a part of Project FOCUS impacted Sandra's college experience by showing her the love that she has for education.

A highlight from Sandra's time in Project FOCUS was seeing one of the students become more independent, especially walking to areas of campus and ordering drinks using a communication device. 

Sandra's words of wisdom for future college students is that this is a time of discovery - Sandra has made amazing friends in college and found her true calling.  Don't be afraid to try new things, because she definitely didn't regret it!

Thank you, Sandra, for all you do!

Hadley is a first semester Peer Mentor who is majoring in rehab studies. After graduation, Hadley would like to go to grad school for occupational therapy to become an OT and work with kids with disabilities.
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When asked how being a part of Project FOCUS impacted her college experience, Hadley shared, “ Project FOCUS enhanced my connection and involvement to the University of Arizona in so many ways. I have become closer with many of the other Peer Mentors and Project FOCUS staff, which has helped me establish some wonderful relationships on campus. I have also learned a lot about supporting students in Project FOCUS and how I can help them reach their greatest potential.”
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Hadley’s words of wisdom for future college students is, “ College is a time to have fun, learn lots, and discover yourself. You have so much freedom in college to figure out what you are passionate about and there are so many resources that are eager to help you through the process, so take advantage of them! Most importantly, have fun and make some of your best memories!”
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Thanks for a great semester, Hadley!
#inclusion #inclusionmatters #uarizona #uofa #uawildcats #collegelife #college

MJ is a first year student in Project FOCUS. She likes to chat, walk around on campus, work on her IEP presentation, and get coffee from the market.

MJ took children’s literature and a fashion class this semester. She enjoyed reading the different books in her literature class.

Something that surprised MJ about college is that there are so many options for classes! MJ really enjoyed going on the swings on campus, and wishes that they were still there.

MJ’s words of wisdom for future college students is to take it easy and try to get along with people. When you think you can do multiple things, just give it a try!

Arturo

Arturo is a first year student with a Project FOCUS. His favorite thing to do on campus is going to the rec center and playing basketball during his breaks.

Arturo took the Heritage and Traditions of the University of Arizona: Wildcat for Life! class as well as Ritual to Rap: voices from American Musical Theater this semester

Something that surprised Arturo about being a college student is not seeing his family as often. One of Arturo‘s highlights from college was going to a football game and a pep rally! 

Arturo‘s words of wisdom for future college students is to get enough sleep!