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Mail:Meet the Peer Assistants 2011-2012
UH Hilo Home > Student Affairs > MAAP and PALS
Adri Hicking
Wasabi! Aloha and Welcome to UH Hilo. My name is Adri Joseph Hicking.
I am a senior majoring in psychology.
I am from Majuro atoll, the capital city of the Marshall Islands.
This is my first year as a peer assistant for PALS and I am very excited to meet all of you! This is also my first year here in Hilo and I enjoy it very much because of the beach.
I like going fishing every day, going to the beach, playing my guitar and sing.
One of my educational goals is to graduate from college with a bachelor degree in psychology and perhaps will continue on to pursue my master degree in counseling. In the mean time I am focusing only on my BA in psychology
My career goal is to become a mental health counselor. I am interested in working with clients who are mentally disturbed.
Don’t be afraid – although my English is not perfect, I am not afraid to ask my professors to explain to me what I don’t understand. If during lecture it is too much to ask, ask at the end of the lecture. Do this and you will get over it and will get used to it and you will get there. Also go to class everyday and do your work – make sure you do your works and submit it on time, no matter what, “Nike”!
Wahine Mercado
Welina mai, my name is Wahineʻaukai Mercado but you can call me wahine
I’m from here Hilo (Hawaiʻi) but live in Mountain View.
I’m a senior on my fifth year here at UH Hilo.
I’m majoring in Pre-nursing and I have a minor in Hawaiian Studies
I would say one of my most favorite hobbies or interest is sleeping when I get the chance to do so. I also like to dance hula, do things that pertain to my Hawaiian culture like making leis, also scrap-booking, making cards and stamping. I also like to spend time with my family and friends and having fun.
My educational goals at this point in time is to complete the requirements to make it into the nursing program her at UH Hilo and to also get into the program in Fall 2011 and graduate to and become a nurse.
My career goal is to become a doctor. I’m interested in becoming an Obstetric and Gynecologist doctor, a pediatrician, nurse practitioner or family practice doctor. But in the time being I would like to become an obstetric nurse.
I was a past student in the PALS program and liked learning about the different places on campus and about financial aid and UH Hilo policies. So I know that I am able to help the new students by sharing information that will be useful while attending UH Hilo. I can also be a person that the students can feel comfortable with and can help them with questions they might have as well as helping them to develop the skill to not only survive in college but to thrive in college.
Some advice that I would like all new students to know is to take advantage of the different scholarships that are out there so that you are not left with a hefty loan to pay off later.
Erik Olter
Hi, My name is Erik Wilson Olter
I’m from Pohnpei, Micronesia
I’m 21 years old on my 4th year of college.
I’m majoring in Computer Science
Basketball is my favorite sport. Once in a while, when I have time, I go out and play a few pickup games. I always want to have a good amount of rest meaning, 6 to 8 hours of sleep a day. I love the challenges in school. I am usually updated with sports news. I love ESPN and sports center. I enjoy helping out people who are in need. Helping is one way of connecting the minds of the people. Helping is a good way of showing respect!
My educational goals are to attain my bachelors degree, and if my finances are ok to pursue a masters degree.
My career goals are to be successful in school, outside of school, at work, and at home with my family. Eventually my main goal is to be at what I do.
As a peer assistant, I will strive to offer the best support for the students. I would be open to the students. As a peer assistant I will aim to not only be a mentor or advisor I will instill in the student’s mind that I am also their friend.
There are many advices out there for college students. If I were to pick one that would benefit the students it would be; College life is when you start to gain control of your life. If you decide to succeed you will act upon that decision, thus leading you to study and pass the courses. However, if you decide on kicking it back with friends over a couple of drinks rather than studying, the consequence is inevitable, you would fail. College life is when you prove to the world that you can now stand up to be on your own.
This is one of my favorite quotes and my words of inspiration to all students. "My favorite animal is the turtle. The reason is that in order for the turtle to move, it has to stick its neck out. There are going to be times in your life when you’re going to have to stick your neck out. There will be challenges and instead of hiding in a shell, you have to go out and meet them!" -Ruth Westheimers
Sheila Argayoso
My name is Sheila Argayoso originally from Nanakuli, Oahu. I am currently a Junior at UH Hilo majoring in Nursing. This is my second year working in PALS. My favorite hobbies are working out at the gym and going to the beach.
Tiana Gillia
Aloha, My name is Tiana Gillia. I am from Honolulu, Oahu.
This will be my fourth year here at UH Hilo, and I am a Business Administration
Major.
For fun I enjoy going to the beach, painting, and playing video games!
My career goal is to be my own boss with an event planning business.
My educational goal is to complete my college career with a B.A. in Business
Administration.
Advice that I would like to give incoming students is to have fun, ask plenty of
questions, and always know that someone is there to offer help if ever needed.
See you all soon!
Keylan Sato
My name is Keylan Sato and I am currently a Junior at UHH as a Kinesiology & Exercise Sciences major hoping to pursue graduate school in Athletic training. I am a full time student that enjoys, working out, hanging out with friends, outdoor activities, and playing soccer. I play for the Vulcan Athletics program and simply enjoy staying active. Feel free to say hi to me outside of the program and ask me any questions or concerns that you may have. Hope to seeya around
Emily Koester
My name is Emily Koester and I am originally from Berks County, Pennsylvania. I am a second year graduate student at UH Hilo in the Masters in Counseling program. This year I am working as the MAAP graduate assistant for my practicum and internship. I plan on pursuing state licensure in mental health counseling after graduation and hope to work in private practice some day. My favorite things to do in my free time are creative writing, biking, and spending time in my garden.
Jaymee Damaso
Aloha my name is Jaymee Damaso.
I’m from the beautiful island of Guam.
I’m a Senior at UH Hilo.
Biology major, Chemistry minor.
I’m interested in so many different things! I like hanging out with friends, going to the beach, eating out, playing sports (especially basketball and rugby), working out, listening to live bands, reading, travelling, and shopping. I’m a pretty adventurous person, so I also like hiking and trying new things.
My educational goals are to get my undergraduate degree here at UH Hilo and to further my education somewhere in the mainland.
My career goal is to be a chiropractor for a college or professional sports team.
I can help new students as a peer assistant by giving them advice and guiding them throughout their first year in college. I know entering college can be overwhelming, so I’d like to make it an easier transition for them. Also, if they need help with school, I can personally help them or if it’s not my field, let them know where they can get assistance.
I would advise them to get to know their professors and to approach them during office hours if they don’t understand the lecture or homework. In addition to that, I’d advise them to talk to their advisors because they can inform students on what classes they need to take during the school year in order for them to graduate on time. Lastly, they should get involved in school. New students should join a sport or a club that interests them because it will be both a fun experience and an easier way to meet new people.
Megan Araujo
Aloha! Welcome to UH Hilo. My Name is Megan Araujo and I'm from Honolulu, Oahu.
I'm a sophomore at UH Hilo and I'm majoring in biology with a minor in chemistry. My career goal is to become a doctor and practice here in Hawai'i. I currently want to be an internal medicine physician with a specialization in autoimmune disorders. But I'm keeping an open mind - medicine has many interesting fields.
I have so many things I am passionate about but these are a few of my favorite things. I love sleeping and sleeping in. I love to dance. Ballet, jazz, modern, hip-hop, basically any kind of movement. And of course, I love music. I pretty much like any type of music - my music collection is very eclectic.
Some advice I like to give students is to find a balance in your life. Try to balance school, family, friends, work, extracurricular activities, your health and prioritize. It is very hard to find that balance in your first year but if you can do so you will be incredibly successful. Also, I think it's really helpful to go talk to your professors and ask questions. Most of the professors at UH Hilo are very approachable and willing to answer your questions. They are your best resource (since they assign your homework and make your exams) so be sure to utilize them.
Last year, the PALS program helped me have a successful first year of college and now I'm excited to be a peer assistant and help new freshmen and transfer students succeed as well! If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask me. See you around campus and have a great semester!
Mana Pasco
Aloha my name is Mana Pasco. I’m from Kohala. I’m a senior currently on my 4th year of college and I am scheduled to graduate in the fall 2012. I’m majoring in Psychology. On my free time I like to play sports, go to the gym, and hang out with friends and family. I hope to graduate in the fall with my BA degree in psychology and then proceed on to graduate school to pursue my Masters in Psychology with a specific focus in counseling. I have not fully decided whether or not to pursue more schooling. After I achieve my educational goals, I hope to open up my own practice. My main life goal is to give back to my community. I feel like I can help new students the most as a new peer assistant because I feel like I can relate a lot to them. I have experienced a lot of the same trials and tribulations as many of them face and I can help them feel welcomed here at UH Hilo. I think the main piece of advice I can offer to students is to just study hard and believe in yourself. Believing in yourself is the first step to success in any aspect of life.
Topaz Collins
Aloha my name is Topaz Palakika Collins
I’m from Hawaii, born in Hilo, raised in Puna where I still live. I’m currently a senior on my 6th year of college. I’m majoring in Agriculture with an Aquaculture specialty and have a BA in Marine Science from UHH Spring 2010. I like to dance, especially hula. I also like to read and take walks (power or stroll). My educational goals are to obtain a Masters in Biofuel Research
My career goals are to pursue biofuel research in Hawaii with an isolated strain of local microalgae
I can help new students by giving advice on the ins and outs of college life (i.e. homework and research papers) and I can tutor in most subjects that are science related, but also English, Economics, and Communications as well.
One thing I would stress is: take your time! There's no need to rush through college (unless rushing is your only option).