2022 SAW Counselors & Graduate Assistant
Kiera Lane (she/her)
Graduate Assistant
School: Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary
Major: Public Ministry
Kiera Lane (she/her/hers) is the SAW Graduate Assistant for the 2022 SAW cohort. She is a third-year Master of Arts in Public Ministry student at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. Her concentrations are in ecological regeneration and pastoral care and counseling. Kiera believes that climate injustice is deeply interconnected with all other injustices which is reflected in her academic work. Kiera is from Lake Zurich, IL yet has a broad community in Oaxaca, Mexico. In undergrad, Kiera spent her summers in this southern state of Mexico and has long dreamed of partnering with Oaxacan communities to preserve sacred Oaxacan traditions and food practices in a way that allows communities to thrive, additionally addressing the pressing need for access to healthy foods. For fun, Kiera loves visiting her nieces and nephew, walking in forest preserves or by the lake, observing the wildlife in her backyard, and cooking and eating new vegan recipes.
Logan Fosu (she/her)
Counselor
School: Weinberg College of Arts and Science
Major(s): Cognitive Science & International Studies
Most Memorable Northwestern Experience
My most memorable experience at NU would have to be the Black State of the Union, put on by FMO. Besides the fact that they got Tyler James Williams to come speak, so much wisdom was dropped and so much fun was had, especially since NU’s black student body is so funny.
Piece of Advice for First-Year Students
Take a break! It is so easy to take the bad habits from high school of pull all nighters while taking ten classes and being a leader in 10 more clubs; moreover, the culture here at NU makes you feel like you have to juggle a million and one things all day, everyday. It is so important to rest and take some time away from doing work/other commitments.
Jade Underwood (she/her)
Counselor
School(s:) School of Communication & Weinberg College of Art and Science
Major(s): Theatre & Psychology
Favorite part of Northwestern
I love how there's always something to do, a show to see, or an excursion to go out on (and much of it for free) here. I've been able to make my own stuffed animal, learn staff fighting and stage combat, and see my first real concert because of the school.
Piece of Advice for First-Year Students
Jump in and get as involved as you can in the different clubs, organizations, and opportunities this school has to offer! Definitely take advantage of getting your distribution requirements out of the way as soon as possible, and put in the work. Don't forget to have fun and take advantage of the chances you have to get to know and learn from people from around the world and from all walks of life.
Kassie Ramirez (she/her)
Counselor
School: McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science
Major: Civil Engineering
Favorite part of Northwestern
Going on walks along the lake fill after class is a great distresser, especially when the wind is blowing against your face, feels like a movie!
Piece of Advice for First-Year Students
Try to create a welcoming community of supporting and loving individuals all while being yourself, don't try to be someone you're not! Don't put too much pressure on yourself, we're all smart but it's okay to struggle and ask for help when you need it. You should never have to go through something alone!
Edwin Chalas Cuevas (he/him)
Counselor
School: School of Communication
Major: Communication Studies
Favorite part of Northwestern
The quarter system gets a lot of deserved flak, but honestly at no other school could you do as much or make as many switch-ups and still fit it all within four years. I'm in five different programs, and I've never had more than 4 (and sometimes 3) classes in a quarter. The possibilities are endless, whether you want to plan it all ahead or want to take your time deciding on a program that fits you best. Take advantage of that to explore what you want to do at your own speed.
Piece of Advice for First-Year Students
It's easy to worry about measuring up to other students - whether they be in your major or not, be more privileged than you or not, etc. But there's so many different ways you can spend your time at Northwestern - clubs, certificates, internships, study abroad opportunities - that no two people will have the same path. Remember that and take advantage of the opportunities that feel like a good fit.
Syliva Boguniecki (they/them)
Counselor
School: Weinberg College of Art and Science
Major(s): Statistics & Psychology
Favorite part of Northwestern
As a transfer student, I had to get acclimated to a new environment that is Northwestern, but through exploring over the course of my first year on campus, I found joy in attending various psychology courses. The professors are passionate about the subjects they are teaching and are thoroughly engaging which makes me motivated to attend my classes. While certain courses require more work and provide more material to be learned, the psychology department at Northwestern makes my quarters more enjoyable. Especially within the SESP department, my work-study experience with NEERA under OCEP has been amazing in terms of progressing my interest in education research and expanding my knowledge about statistical analysis and research basics.
Piece of Advice for First-Year Students
As a first-year student and through the rest of your college career at Northwestern, I suggest attending office hours (professors are there to help you so don't be shy!) and signing up to join peer-guided study groups. If you're also an FGLI / Questbridge student, reach out to other students with the same background to learn about various resources and events that are held to feel a sense of community while on campus. Finally, when planning your courses, make sure you do not take multiple difficult courses for your major in one quarter because it'll be too difficult to manage (but dropping courses is normal so don't be afraid to do that if you need be!)
Edwin "Pokisa" Pokisa (he/him)
Counselor
School: School of Education and Social Policy
Major: Undecided - Possibly Economics or Learning & Organizational Change
Most Memorable Northwestern Experience
My most memorable experience at NU was when we went to Six Flags. It was my first time to be on a roller coaster. It was really fun.
Piece of Advice for First-Year Students
Don’t be too hard on yourself. Take it easy.
It is okay to be undecided.
It is okay to drop classes.
