Mentees on the Move 2022

brea gaston

Hello everyone my name is Brea Gaston and I’m going into my second year at Illinois state university. At first my major was nursing then I switched to become a doctor in pediatric audiology. My first year of college was nothing but normal. When I first got to college it was very different for me. I have social anxiety so I’m not good with meeting new friends. I also got a single room so it was a little lonely at first. Then I decided to join the black student union executive board as a special events coordinator. So I get to plan all the huge events for the African American student body. I started making friends and having more fun. With classes they were ok for now. My math class was super hard for no reason, chemistry was ok, English was easy medical terminology was just spelling and IDS is where I was able to explore around campus and learn how to fit in more around campus. I ended up getting really sick and got a concussion from passing out. I couldn’t go to practice or class. I was stuck in my room. Then I realized that I could actually fail that’s when I made a plan with my teachers to get situated. I ended up finding a group of friends that are like family to me now and I even found a my boyfriend. I ended my first semester with straight A’s and on the deans list. The next semester was mostly online so I had a bunch of un planning more events and dancing. I also became an RA I was super excited and even got a huge room to myself. I was also able to help people that had mental Illnesses that are ignored In society and I’m working in an actual organization now to make it official. I ended up making the deans list for the entire year and invited to a dinner as well. At the end of the day your first year of school is never gonna be easy at all but you gotta put yourself out there. For this year I’m starting to focus on making my organization a reality and to expand my horizons on my new major to becoming Dr. Brea Gaston.

Jayda peoples

Hello everyone my name is Jayda Peoples and I am a third year student at Illinois State University. With Covid 19 causing half of my first year classes, as well as all of my second year classes to be online, it was refreshing to finally be back on campus. Although it was weird at first to adjust back to college, school surprisingly overall  was very easy to adapt to. I am majoring in Elementary Education soon to double majoring in communications as well. Throughout this semester I’ve really found my passion for film studies. I started my own videography business Doll Videography. This year not only was I able to work hands on as an assistant teacher to young children, but I was also able to perfect my craft in video production. I am very involved on my campus as I am the Historian for the Gamma Rho Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Within my sorority we complete numerous community service events as well as host events for our peers to get to know one another. Not only do I do video work but I also am involved in a modeling organization on campus. In 2020 I really found a passion for modeling. I have worked with many photographers, model coaches, creative directors, models, dancers, actors, stylist, artists etc! Modeling is truly a joy because I feel I can express a certain persona and get paid to do it. Overall this semester has been hard never the less, but I truly have learned a lot about myself and the life I want for myself. I am excited to start student teaching soon and look forward to everything else I will learn while being on campus.