Current Students

Honors First-Year Programs

Become a Peer Mentor graphic

Apply to Be a Peer Mentor

Honors peer mentor applications will open Friday, Jan. 30 and close Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026. Learn more about what it takes to become a peer mentor at an information session.

  • Tuesday, Feb. 3 | 5-6 p.m. | HON 4040 and Teams ()
  • Wednesday, Feb. 11 | 5-6 p.m. | HON 4040 and Teams ()

Honors First-Year Programs are designed to help incoming Honors students adjust to college life at the »Æ¹ÏÊÓÆµ and take advantage of Judy Genshaft Honors College and university-wide opportunities.

In addition to the required introductory Honors course, Acquisition of Knowledge (AOK), first-year Honors students also participate in a zero-credit Honors Foundations course led by an upper-level student peer mentor. 

Honors Foundations

New students on the Tampa campus will register for IDH 2930 – Honors Foundations and will meet during the fall semester with a small group of Honors peers, led by a peer mentor.

A peer mentor is an upper-class Honors student enrolled in the Judy Genshaft Honors College, specifically hired to share the Honors experience with incoming first-year students.

The class is discussion-based, covering many topics that apply to both the Judy Genshaft Honors College and USF university life as a whole. In this class, peer mentors share their personal experiences and provide important information and resources for success.

This class is zero credits and has no tuition charge, but will be reflected on transcripts. It is required for first-year admits as part of the Judy Genshaft Honors College curriculum.

Purpose

  • Ease the transition from high school to college by providing a venue to process college experiences, ask questions, and find an identity as an Honors College scholar.
  • Connect new students with the Honors College, students, staff, and faculty.
  • Start building networks of people and places that will be great resources at USF.

Peer mentor leads

Valentina Baretta Headshot

Valentina Baretta
Biology
Minor in Spanish

Being an Honors Peer Mentor has been one of the most impactful experiences I have had during college. The people I have met and the skills I have developed are evidence of the importance of the Honors Foundations program. I originally became an Honors PM because of my inspiring PM, and now I hope to be a role model for both first-year students and fellow PMs. 

Temi David Headshot

Temi David
Psychology
Minor in Criminology

I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as a Peer Mentor Lead, where I can build on my experiences as a Peer Mentor to help new PMs establish a strong foundation. I look forward to contributing to the Honors Foundations curriculum to support first-year students as they transition to college, while also being part of a supportive community that encourages each student to reach their full potential. I am very excited for the year ahead.

Anna Ladjimi Headshot

Anna Ladjimi
Cybersecurity 
Minor in Criminology

As a returning PML, I cannot even put it into words the skills and experiences I have gained throughout this position. I have greatly improved my communication and leadership skills while building meaningful connections with first-year students, as well as peer mentors. I am looking forward to continuing this growth and working with another group of wonderful leaders. I truly enjoy empowering others and collaborating with others who have the same goals!

Uma Limaye Headshot

Uma Limaye
Biomedical Sciences
Minor in Deaf Studies


I thoroughly enjoyed my time as a Peer Mentor and decided to become a Peer Mentor Lead to further contribute to the program. The first year of college can be overwhelming, and I was fortunate to have wonderful mentors guide me through the transition. I am passionate about providing resources and support to first-year students to help them succeed.

Jade Mascarenhas Headshot

Jade Mascarenhas
Political Science
Minor in Legal Studies

I became a Peer Mentor Lead because I enjoy helping others develop their skills and build confidence in themselves. Supporting peers through challenges and celebrating their successes is incredibly rewarding. As a Political Science major with a minor in Legal Studies, I value mentorship, communication, and advocacy, which motivates me to support students in navigating their college experience.

Mckenzie Newbern Headshot

Mckenzie Newbern
Marine Biology
Minor in Environmental Science and Policy

I thoroughly enjoyed the role of a PM. In fact, it made me realize that I wanted a career in education in some form. I see Peer Mentors playing such an important role for freshmen in college, helping them make this great transition in life — which is why I became a PML, not only to continue in the support of freshmen, but to further the role I had and help the next class of peer mentors in their journey.

Anastasia Pargoe Headshot

Anastasia Pargoe
Biomedical Sciences
Minor in Deaf Studies

Being a Peer Mentor was one of the most fulfilling experiences I have had here at USF. I enjoyed getting to help students adjust to their new lives at college, and I can’t wait to help other Peer Mentors grow that passion as I tackle my role as a PML.

Vianca Ramirez Headshot

Vianca Ramirez
Biomedical Sciences
Minor in General Public Health

I am excited to take on the role of a PML and contribute to the amazing Honors Foundations program, which has provided me with meaningful opportunities for growth, learning, and leadership. I am excited to continue mentoring students and helping create a strong foundation for their success within the program. I loved being a Peer Mentor so much; I can’t wait to do it again!

Gray Zeisse headshot

Gray Zeisse
Biomedical Sciences
Minor in Aging Sciences

Returning for my second year as a PML and third year teaching Honors Foundations, I feel very honored to be here. I have watched this program grow and adapt through many different periods, and the program has always strived to support its students. I’m excited to continue to support my students and Peer Mentors, and to keep striving for the best in Honors Foundations!


Honors Foundations Graduate Assistant

Gabriella Boykin headshot in Honors building

Gabriella Boykin is the graduate assistant for the first-year student success program. Originally from Coral Springs, Florida, she graduated early from USF with a Bachelor of Arts in communications. As an undergraduate, she gained valuable experience in research, mentorship, and leadership, and she is now pursuing a Master of Arts in counselor education at USF. Gabriella is passionate about supporting students through mentorship, hands-on engagement, and academic guidance. 

Outside of her academic and professional life, she is a hobby hopper who loves superhero stories, video games, and reading manga. Lately, she has also been getting into chess.


QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions about the peer mentor position or Honors Foundations, please e-mail Dr. Kevin Lee, program director for Honors Foundations & Retention Initiatives at honorspeermentor@usf.edu

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