Transitioning to college is a significant milestone that can be intimidating for first-year and transfer students learning to navigate a new academic environment. At UNLV, the First-Year Experience’s Peer Mentoring Program aims to make that transition easier by pairing new students with trained peer mentors who offer guidance, encouragement, and a reliable connection throughout their first semester.
“The true impact of peer mentoring at UNLV goes far beyond what we can even imagine. These student leaders truly change lives as they support mentees in building a personal and customized experience that is meaningful to them,” says Karen Violanti, executive director for Student Success Programs. “Their dedication and passion for this work cultivates a sense of belonging and community and lays the groundwork for all students to succeed and thrive at UNLV.”
Supporting students across all colleges and majors, UNLV’s Peer Mentoring Program reflects the university’s commitment to fostering belonging and academic success from day one. Peer mentors meet with students several times each semester to discuss academic planning, campus resources, involvement opportunities, and strategies for managing the demands of college life. Through consistent mentorship and shared experience, mentors like Sky Sanders-Vazquez and Jayden Munoz help new Rebels build confidence, find community, and establish a strong foundation for their academic journeys.
We asked Sky and Jayden to share what they find most meaningful and transformative about being a peer mentor.
What inspired you to become a peer mentor at UNLV?
Sky: My friend is the one who encouraged me to apply for the peer mentor position. She had been a peer mentor herself and believed that I had the qualities to do a good job in the role. She is an amazing person, and her belief in me allowed me to take that leap of faith and be able to help so many students at UNLV. Seeing the positive impact that I made in students' lives, as well as the connections I've made with my coworkers, encourages me to keep returning to the position as the semesters progress.
Jayden: I’m an out-of-state student from San Diego, and when I arrived at UNLV, I didn’t realize how commuter-based the school was. I had so many questions as a freshman and often didn’t know who to go to for help. During my first-year seminar class with the College of Liberal Arts, I met my peer mentor, and I loved them so much. They made the transition feel less overwhelming. After seeing how much my peer mentor impacted my life, I found myself wondering how I could be part of something like that. We had a great conversation about the role, and that really opened the door for me. Watching how peer mentors can change the lives of incoming students, especially those going through major transitions, like out-of-state students, made me want to provide that same support for others.
What is a success story from your time as a mentor?
Sky: It has always been incredibly rewarding seeing students that I've mentored show up at milestone events and tell me how my guidance has helped them improve and have a good semester. That has always been a great feeling. Specifically, during the First 100 Days event, some of my students have expressed to me how I have helped them have a successful first semester at UNLV. That made the event even more meaningful for me.
Jayden: One moment that really stands out happened earlier this year. My first semester as a peer mentor was fully online, and I had a student who asked a lot of questions. I was always happy to help, but we only knew each other through Zoom and my introductory video. Months later, at a football game at Allegiant Stadium, she recognized me in the crowd. She came up to me and told me I inspired her, and made her transition from high school to a university much easier. It reminded me that even when we don’t see the immediate impact of our work, especially in virtual settings, we can still make a real difference. Moments like that feel like little confirmations that I’m doing something meaningful.
What’s been the most rewarding part of mentoring other students?
Sky: The most rewarding part for me was watching the students grow over the semester. I love seeing their progress as they utilize the resources we give them and being able to see how proud they are of themselves.
Jayden: One of the most rewarding parts is when a student comes back and tells me, “Jayden, you changed my life,” or “You made my transition so much smoother.” It means everything. Being able to offer guidance, leadership, and consistency feels meaningful. I also love running into my mentees on campus. It really helps build a sense of family and community within UNLV.
