Meet the Mentors

Alex Chen(she/her)

Journalism & Economics, Class of 2027

What Alex brings to mentoring UPAL groups: "I grew up in Beijing and later moved to Canada, where I had to adapt to a completely different learning system from rote memorizing to application-based inquiries. I grew to not only get the grades but also enjoy learning and push myself in fields that I claimed to hate before."

What you wish you'd known as a first-year student: Allowing yourself to be human & fail as many times as you need is almost the only way to grow.

Favorite Evanston restaurant(s): KOCO TABLE

Best advice you've received: Procrastination is about emotional regulation and NOT about discipline. Time management is pain management.

Kenny Chen(he/him)

Economics, Class of 2027

What Kenny brings to mentoring UPAL groups: "My international experience living in the U.S., Angola, and China has taught me how to connect with people from different backgrounds and approach others with empathy and curiosity. Moving between cultures at a young age also taught me that everyone’s path looks different, and that uncertainty is a natural part of growth."

What you wish you'd known as a first-year student: There are so many resources available on campus, and it is perfectly fine to reach out for help or advice when you need it.

Favorite place to study on campus: Main Library

Favorite Evanston restaurant(s): Tian Bistro

Giulia Cigolot(she/her)

Philosophy & Cognitive Science, Class of 2027

What Giulia brings to mentoring UPAL groups: "As an Italian international student who has had to navigate cultural contexts and education systems in multiple countries, I believe that I have developed good strategies to adapt to new sets of academic expectations and new social settings, while at the same time retaining a strong sense of my personal identity and values. I know how it feels to be like a fish out of water, but I also know how incredible it is to know that you have been able to build a 'home away from home' for yourself." 

What you wish you'd known as a first-year student:  I wish I had known how following your unique, personal path makes for a much more meaningful and fulfilling university experience than trying to meet everybody's expectations of you. Becoming comfortable and secure in your own journey should be your top priority: take time to figure out what you love, try out and fail at different things, and always reflect on what you have learned!

Favorite Evanston restaurant: Frida's and Ovo Frito (I am a brunch person through and through)!

Fun fact: I lived in the rainiest region of Europe for 2 years in Flekke, Norway

Myles Flanders(they/them)

Psychology & Cognitive Science, Class of 2027

What Myles brings to mentoring UPAL groups: "As a queer student from Arkansas who came to Northwestern without much guidance on what to expect, I identify quite strongly with students who may feel overwhelmed, out of place, or unsure of where to turn for support. I've also been through a variety of difficult life circumstances and supported many friends through theirs, and I know how difficult it can be to balance personal conflicts while navigating what is undoubtedly one of the most significant transitions of our lives. Through these experiences, I've developed so much empathy for individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. Additionally, as a prospective clinical psychologist, supporting others through their hardships and helping them to cultivate a sense of belonging and self-assurance is something I feel deeply called to do!"

What you wish you'd known as a first year: I wish I would have known that I wasn't alone! Upon arriving to Northwestern, I struggled a lot with the transition from my Arkansas high school to the fast paced structure of Northwestern, and not knowing anything about the unwritten rules of college. I experienced intense imposter syndrome, and my mental health took a serious hit as a result. It took me a long time to realize that I wasn't the only person feeling that way, and that there are so many incredible students, faculty, and other resources here to support students like me. College is hard, but there are so many people who genuinely want to help you succeed!

Elena Hu(she/her)

Economics, Class of 2028

What Elena brings to mentoring UPAL groups: "As a second-generation Chinese American, I’ve grown up surrounded by diverse perspectives and experiences. I firmly believe that celebrating our unique backgrounds is vital to fostering conversations where we can learn and grow together, and I’m here to create a supportive space where everyone is welcome."

What you wish you'd known as a first-year student:  Learning is an ongoing process! It is okay to make mistakes and you don’t have to have everything figured out. It’s very likely that your peers are going through similar experiences, and there are tons of people at Northwestern who are here to support you.

Best advice you've received: You don’t have to do everything by yourself. It’s okay to ask for help!

Favorite Evanston restaurant: Ti'an Bistro

Ethan Lanlua(he/him)

Mechanical Engineering & Manufacturing and Design Engineering, Class of 2028

What Ethan brings to mentoring UPAL groups: "Most of my mentoring experiences stem from my background as a runner. Coaching runners has instilled in me a great level of patience and empathy due to the long and tough nature of distance running, and I've found that giving my peers that same level of trust and care that I give my athletes empowers them to be able to perform to their best. Additionally, as a transfer from Boston University and someone who attended school in China for a brief period of time, I understand the unique hardships that come with navigating new academic environments."

What you wish you'd known as a first year: You aren't alone. Being a transfer made most of my first year feel terribly isolating as I struggled to understand the new school culture, but I realized towards the end of the year that I wasn't the only one who felt like they had no idea what they were doing in school. The Northwestern resources are wonderful too, shoutouts to CAPS!

Favorite Evanston restaurant:  Lao Tian Dumpling House

Fun Fact: I can run a pretty fast mile backwards. 

Cessa Lewis(she/her)

Performance Studies, Class of 2027

What Cessa brings to mentoring UPAL groups: "I'm a part of the Blackout, a comedy club on campus. I love to make people laugh and make myself look ridiculous. It's important to laugh at yourself and have peers/coaches who help you dust it off and laugh after a disappointment or embarrassment instead of beating yourself up. I've learned from comedy that it's not about perfection but connection. People don't want you to be perfect, just real.

I've also experienced a deep family loss. Grief has given me the perspective that reality is made up of what we can see and what we can't. A lot of people are going through things invisible to the people around them, so I always try to lead with kindness and curiosity and remember that there might be more to the story than I can tell."

What you wish you'd known as a first year: That the door to get into café Bergson is from the inside not outside! And, you have more time than you think. You don't need to figure it all out right now. Assignments might have a due date but growth does not. Step by step :)

Best advice you've received: Don't let the great get in the way of the good (my dad.)

Fun Fact: I'm a twin.

Liana Liu Ioannides(she/her)

Journalism, Maths & Political Science Class of 2028

What Liana brings to mentoring UPAL groups: "Before Northwestern, I have been educated in two languages and three different educational systems (Cypriot public system, IGCSEs, IB). At Northwestern I am pursuing a triple major in Journalism, Maths and Political Science, which has exposed me to the challenges and joys of pursuing social science and STEM majors in combination."

What you wish you'd known as a first-year student:  Just because a STEM field is intense and challenging, doesn't mean you don't belong in it. Keep trying!

Favorite place to study on campus: Deering

Naima Michael-Crushshon

Psychology, Class of 2029

What Naima brings to mentoring UPAL groups: "I have experience being a Peer Health Educator for the Health Information Project which has allowed me to develop teaching and mentoring strategies. I also have a nuanced perspective as a Black woman and understand the importance of considering people's identities when developing relationships and acting as a mentor."

 What you wish you'd known as a first year: I wish I had known that it is okay for transitions to take a while. Getting used to academics and social life at college can take a whole quarter or even longer and that's totally okay!

Favorite Evanston restaurant:  Mensch's

Favorite thing about Northwestern: The opportunity to take so many different classes through the quarter system. 

Lauren Rollins(she/they)

Learning and Organizational Change & Psychology, Class of 2027

What Lauren brings to mentoring UPAL groups: "I have been a mentor for students ranging from elementary school to college; my experience has made me fiercely supportive, patient, and ready to help anyone. I have navigated mental health challenges, family situations, and feeling racially estranged as a mixed woman, so I have more compassion for everyone dealing with things, visible or not. Above all, I love helping others and making them laugh."

What you wish you'd known as a first year: I wish I had known that I had time. I've always felt like I'm in a rush to the finish line, that I need to know what career I want and do everything possible to get there. But I don't. I'm still figuring things out day by day, and that's okay.

Favorite place to study on campus: Deering

Best advice you've received: Do not let the behavior of others destroy your inner peace.

Sonia Saega

Communication & International Studies, Class of 2029

What Sonia brings to mentoring UPAL groups: "I believe that one of main things that make me myself is changing the country, culture, language and my whole worldview by flying from Russia to India for the final two years of my high school, sharing classrooms and living spaces with people from more than 100 countries."

What you wish you'd known as a first year: That it takes time to feel like you belong, but eventually you will find your people, fav places, and things you love doing.

Fun fact: On average I have 10 flights per year, but I am scared of flying

Yaleska Sosa-Azcarraga

Biological Sciences & Global Health Studies, Class of 2027

What Yaleska brings to mentoring UPAL groups: "I am a first generation low income (FGLI) student at NU who had to figure adapting and applying to college largely on her own. I believe that I have acquired traits of resilience and persistence. I hope to share my challenges at Northwestern with other students and how I was able to overcome them."

What you wish you'd known as a first year: I wish that I had known different study habits and time management skills. I struggled adapting to the school's pace and had a hard time balancing clubs and school work.

Favorite Evanston restaurant: Will forever recommend Kokotable and La Cocinita.

Favorite place to study on campus: I love studying at Deering or on the third floor of Silverman Hall!