Meet our peer mentors
Harold Alba Cervantes
I am pursuing an integrated elementary teaching degree with an emphasis on early childhood and English language acquisition and development. I was born in Reno and have spent my entire life here. Some of my hobbies include hitting the gym, playing soccer and trying out new sports here and there. I am excited to meet you all this semester.
Email address: halbacervantes@unr.edu
Jaelynn Ciballos
I’m Jae Ciballos, a third-year public student, who is pursuing the pre-med track as a first-generation college student! I love to meet new faces and welcome everyone that comes my way. I look forward to learning more about each of your aspirations and goals in life as a peer mentor. Experiencing college with an incredible support system from family, friends and college peers is truly an amazing experience I feel every student deserves. I’ve grown so much while being part of TRIO and hope to give back to my community as a peer mentor and create that safe space for every mentee I meet! In my free time away from academics and work, I love to listen to music, read and spend time with my loved ones! I’ve started watching movies and shows this summer so if there are any recommendations on any good ones feel free to tell me what’s interesting! I am so excited to meet all of you and can’t wait to see all your hard work and growth in college.
Email address: jaelynnc@unr.edu
Karter Conway
My name is Karter, and I am double majoring in Microbiology and Biotechnology with the goal of becoming a pediatric doctor. I am from Yerington, Nevada. I love science and discovering new things! Being a first-generation college student, I understand the challenges and excitement that come with navigating university life, and I'm here to help other first-gen students find their place and feel at home on campus. The First-Gen Center has truly been a second family to me, providing support, friendship, and a sense of belonging that has made my college experience much more enriching. I hope to pass that same sense of community on to you as we embark on this journey together. When I'm not hitting the books, you can find me indulging in my hobbies—reading, beading, and crocheting. These activities allow me to relax and express my creativity in different ways. I’m always looking to learn new things, so if you have any tips or want to chat, I’m all ears! I look forward to meeting and getting to know each of you!
Email Address: Karterc@unr.edu
Audrie Escover
Kamusta! My name is Audrie Escover. I am a first-generation student passionately studying Psychology and am also part of the TRIO Classic program. I aim to go to graduate school and pursue a career in Child or Clinical Psychology. I was born and raised in the Philippines, and moving to Nevada was a difficult change for me. I understand the challenges that come with this and being a first-generation student, especially when you are navigating two worlds at once. My experiences have fueled my passion for empowering and helping other students on a similar journey. As a peer mentor, I am here to support, listen, and help you thrive in our communities. I recognize that the best way to help someone is to allow them to be guided and cared for in order for them to help themselves. In my free time, I enjoy expressing myself through singing (especially karaoke!) and reading books. I also like going to the gym and staying active. I love cooking Filipino food and trying new recipes, and I am always up for movie nights. These hobbies help me stay connected to my roots while embracing new experiences.
I look forward to connecting with you and being part of your journey!
Email Address: aescover@unr.edu
Sam Ramirez
My name is Samuel Rea Ramirez! I was born and raised in Reno, Nevada, where I attended AACT High School. I am a proud first-generation student majoring in Communication Studies. Everything in life communicates a message, and it is up to us to interpret it. I am also minoring in Debate and traveling to different universities to compete. I am very passionate about helping people become their best selves in their way. I ultimately want to graduate with a bachelor’s degree and enter a profession where I can have a direct impact on the lives of others. I want to do whatever I can to make the first-gen space as comfortable and inviting as possible. I love hanging out with friends, cracking jokes, dancing and being silly. I am super excited to connect with you and see the person you grow into!
Email address: srearamirez@unr.edu
Keith Sanchez
My name is Keith and I grew up in Mexico! I came to the University of Nevada, Reno after moving to Las Vegas a few years ago, and the First-Gen Center has become my happy place on campus since I was a freshman. Now I'm double-majoring in Neuroscience and Spanish. I'm also part of the TRIO STEM program at the First-Gen Center, and my ultimate goal is to go to med school to become a pediatrician. In my free time I like to read, play the mandolin, go swimming with my friends and drink a lot of coffee. I'm really excited to meet each one of you and be your support throughout your college journey!
Email address: keithsanchez@unr.edu