Meet our Peer Mentors
Pathways Program® Peer Mentors collaborate with Pathways Advisors to co-facilitate the delivery of seminar modules and co-lead class discussions for two classes of PTH 101 and PTH 102 while mentoring approximately 30 first-year students.
Pathways Program® Peer Mentors are ultimately responsible for helping first-year students with their academic and personal transition to college; providing students with avenues for peer advice and feedback; and listening and responding appropriately to students’ issues and challenges while connecting students to appropriate campus resources and opportunities. They also serve as advocates for the interests, needs and concerns of first-year students at Furman while promoting student thriving, involvement, and engagement. They are responsible for creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students that fosters a sense of belonging and supports the student’s development.
Meet our peer mentors
Meet Cass
Furman Class: 2026
Hometown: Greenville, South Carolina
Major: English – Language and Literature Track
Involvement:
Furman Justice Forum
Order of Furman Theatre
Pathways Peer Mentor
What is a piece of advice you would give a first-year student starting Pathways?
Don’t underestimate the insight you can gain from your Pathways classmates. You are all coming to Furman from different walks of life, and you can learn more from each other than you can from worksheets and textbooks. Speak up in class about your own experiences and listen closely when others speak about their own.
What’s a piece of advice you would give first-year students regarding what you wish you had known as a first-year student?
There are so many resources on campus to help with the transition to university life. The Student Office of Accessibility Resources (SOAR), the Center for Academic Success, the library resource desk, the Center for Engaged Learning, your Pathways advisor and peer mentor, and individual meetings with your professors can be the difference between a good university experience and a bad one. The people on this campus want to help you; all you need to do is reach out. You won’t have everything figured out from the moment you step on campus, and that’s okay. Be willing to be wrong, be ready to ask for help, and be confident enough to keep trying. College is intended as a time for personal growth; take advantage of it!
Meet Meena
Class Year: 2027
Hometown: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Majors: Biology Major – Biomedical Sciences Track
Involvement:
Association of Students Interested in Asia
Furman University Fashion Students
Multicultural Association of Pre-Health Students
Pathways Peer Mentor
What is a piece of advice you would give a first-year student starting Pathways?
Try to have an open mind. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses—this class is great way to learn how to work through those. What may seem like common sense to you may be a struggle for someone else. Ultimately, Pathways is what you make it! You are in control of what you take out of it.
What’s a piece of advice you would give first-year students regarding what you wish you had known as a first-year student?
Be patient with yourself! College is a time for personal growth. It’s about learning who you are and who you want to be. Don’t be afraid to put yourself in new, challenging situations—you never know what you might gain!
Meet Zoe Max
Class Year: 2026
Hometown: Hanahan, South Carolina
Major: Psychology
Involvement:
Acts of Kindness Club
Environmental Action Club
Exploration of Vocational Ministry
Fellowship of Christian Athletes
Furman Creative Collaborative
Furman Outdoors Club
Heller Service Corps
Jewish Association
Pathways Peer Mentor
Strengths Ambassador
Yoga Instructor at the PAC
What is a piece of advice you would give a first-year student starting Pathways?
Pathways is really what you make of it, the more you put into it, the more you’ll get out of it. It’s a chance to build connections, reflect on what matters to you, and gain lifelong tools you’ll actually use beyond college. Think of it as college homeroom that is tailored for your journey. Show up, engage, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. You will be surprised how much it helps set you up for success in all aspects of your life.
What’s a piece of advice you would give first-year students regarding what you wish you had known as a first-year student?
You don’t have to show up at 100% every day, sometimes just bringing 10% is more than enough. College isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being present and giving yourself grace. Trust that even on your off days, you’re still enough, and there’s always support around you if you need it at Furman!
Meet Garner
Class Year: 2026
Hometown: Clover, South Carolina
Majors: Physics and Psychology
Involvement:
Furman Bands
Furman Trumpet Studio
Pathways Peer Mentor (2nd Year)
Society of Physics Students
Tennis Club
What is a piece of advice you would give a first-year student starting Pathways?
Never hesitate to reach out to either your Pathways professor or peer mentor as you adjust to college. No issue is too small or large for us to at least help you get some direction with, and we are almost always available for you.
What’s a piece of advice you would give first-year students regarding what you wish you had known as a first-year student?
Use the General Education Requirements heavily in your first several semesters to explore anything you may be interested in, and then piece together what you specifically want to pursue! Even if you come to Furman with a strong direction, it can be a blast to learn bits of knowledge from entirely different fields.
Meet Devin
Class Year: 2027
Hometown: New Kensington, Pennsylvania
Majors: Applied Mathematics and Information Technology
Involvement:
Furman University Academic Team
Furman University Ping Pong Association
Furman University Symphonic Band
Pathways Peer Mentor
Sink or Swim
Student League for Black Culture
What is a piece of advice you would give a first-year student starting Pathways?
Go into Pathways with an open mind. Use this as an opportunity to share your own unique experiences and to hear perspectives from people with backgrounds different from your own.
What’s a piece of advice you would give first-year students regarding what you wish you had known as a first-year student?
If you want something, just go for it. Don’t talk yourself into thinking you aren’t prepared or qualified enough to experience something you want to at Furman. Everyone is here to help you out and to assist you in realizing your goals, no matter how large.
Meet Zoey
Class Year: 2027
Hometown: Chagrin Falls, Ohio
Majors: Health Sciences and Spanish
Involvement:
Alpha Epsilon Delta
Furman Club Volleyball
Heller Service Corps
Pathways Peer Mentor
What is a piece of advice you would give a first-year student starting Pathways?
In college, you will quickly realize that everyone’s journey looks different, and that’s perfectly okay! Pathways is your opportunity to explore what your own journey at Furman will look like and to start shaping the person you want to become.
What’s a piece of advice you would give first-year students regarding what you wish you had known as a first-year student?
Be patient with yourself and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. While academics are important, it’s just as important to find something you love outside of the classroom, something that helps you recharge and brings you joy!
Meet Ramiah
Class Year: 2026
Hometown: Simpsonville, South Carolina
Major: Health Sciences
Involvement:
Cothran Center Student Advisory Team
Delight Ministries
Pathways Peer Mentor (2nd Year)
What is a piece of advice you would give a first-year student starting Pathways?
My advice to a first-year student starting Pathways is to really soak it all in. This program is full of valuable information that you might not even realize you need yet, from time management and study habits to discovering your strengths and building a support system!
What’s a piece of advice you would give first-year students regarding what you wish you had known as a first-year student?
One piece of advice I would give first-year students is to remember that no one’s path is the same — and it’s definitely not always linear. It’s easy to look around and feel like everyone else has it figured out, but the truth is we’re all navigating our own journeys at our own pace. What’s meant for you won’t miss you. Trust the process, give yourself grace, and know that it’s okay if things don’t happen on your ideal timeline. It will all work out in the way it’s supposed to.
Meet Kobby
Class Year: 2025
Hometown: Agona Swedru, Ghana
Major: Biology Major – Cell and Molecular Biology Track
Minor: Data Analytics
Involvement:
Heller Service Corps
Phi Eta Sigma
Pathways Peer Mentor
Student Government Association Vice President
What is a piece of advice you would give a first-year student starting Pathways?
Be willing to listen and learn. Everyone’s Pathways experience is different.
What’s a piece of advice you would give first-year students regarding what you wish you had known as a first-year student?
Every year will be different. You will meet new people, take new classes, find new passions, so don’t feel as though you have to come in with a plan. Don’t be afraid of change because it will happen whether you want it to or not.
Meet Glen
Class Year: 2026
Hometown: Fairhope, Alabama
Major: Neuroscience
Minor: Environmental Studies
Involvement:
Furman Creative Collaborative
Furman Farm Student Farm Hand
Pathways Peer Mentor (2nd Year)
Strengths Intern
What is a piece of advice you would give a first-year student starting Pathways?
Take the time and effort to make connections with the people around you, you never know what you’ll learn through a conversation!
What’s a piece of advice you would give first-year students regarding what you wish you had known as a first-year student?
Relax!! You will figure it out as long as you focus on building up your support systems and friendships.
Meet Elija
Class Year: 2026
Hometown: Greenville, South Carolina
Majors: Health Sciences and Psychology
Involvement:
Fellowship of Christian Athletes
Furman Club Soccer Team
Furman Symphonic Band
More Than Muscles
Orientation Assistant
Pathways Peer Mentor (2nd Year)
Peer Assisted Learning Consultant
Psychology Club
Psychology Research Assistant
Spikeball Club
Strengths Ambassadors
What is a piece of advice you would give a first-year student starting Pathways?
Enjoy the process of learning about what it means to be a Furman student. It can seem tedious at times, but the program is meant to help and inform you in any way possible. Listen to their advice and utilize the resources that are offered to you.
What’s a piece of advice you would give first-year students regarding what you wish you had known as a first-year student?
It takes time to settle into college and meet people, and relationships take time to form. Also, getting involved in different clubs is the best way to meet people, so prioritizing time to commit to clubs is really important. And above it all, enjoy the process of being at campus and at college!
Meet Will
Class Year: 2026
Hometown: Greer, South Carolina
Major: Health Sciences
Minor: Data Analytics
Involvement:
Furman Badminton Club
Furman Wesley Fellowship
Institute of the Advancement of Community Health Champion
Pathways Peer Mentor
What is a piece of advice you would give a first-year student starting Pathways?
Don’t be scared to ask questions about how to navigate your first-year classes and extracurriculars! The sooner you reach out, the easier the adjustment to college will be.
What’s a piece of advice you would give first-year students regarding what you wish you had known as a first-year student?
I wish I had made a schedule to manage my time sooner than I did. Having a schedule and daily goals makes a world of difference and allows more time for you to have fun and see friends over the weekends!
Meet Ashley
Class Year: 2026
Hometown: Hingham, Massachusetts
Major: Business Administration – Marketing Track
Involvement:
Chi Omega
Pathways Peer Mentor (2nd Year)
Student Alumni Council
What is a piece of advice you would give a first-year student starting Pathways?
Utilize this course and the resources you learn to their fullest potential! The Pathways program was put in place to help you succeed from an early stage at Furman. Fortunately, you have 15 other students to continuously collaborate with over the next two years and amazing mentors and advisors to assist you along the way. As a first-year student, this is the best time to explore all of Furman’s opportunities while Pathways helps you map it out.
What’s a piece of advice you would give first-year students regarding what you wish you had known as a first-year student?
Try out anything and everything – then see what you love. Don’t over commit yourself to the point of feeling overwhelmed, instead be picky about what you feel truly fulfills you and then stick to it!
Meet Amelia
Class Year: 2026
Hometown: Vestavia, Alabama
Majors: Health Sciences and Spanish
Minor: Latin American and Latinx Studies
Involvement:
Furman Dance Team
Kappa Delta
Panhellenic Council
Pathways Peer Mentor (2nd Year)
Peer Assisted Learning Consultant
Student Alumni Committee
What is a piece of advice you would give a first-year student starting Pathways?
Come into Pathways with an open mind. What you put into the class is what you will get out of the class.
What’s a piece of advice you would give first-year students regarding what you wish you had known as a first-year student?
College is an adjustment, but over time, you will truly find your home here!
Meet Ethan
Class Year: 2026
Hometown: Mount Holy, North Carolina
Major: Biology – Biomedical Sciences Track
Involvement:
Beta Theta Pi
Fellowship of Christian Athletes
Men’s Club Lacrosse Team
Pathways Peer Mentor (2nd Year)
What is a piece of advice you would give a first-year student starting Pathways?
Enjoy having an opportunity every week to relax a little from academics, work on personal growth and get to know your fellow Pathways students!
What’s a piece of advice you would give first-year students regarding what you wish you had known as a first-year student?
Don’t expect every plan you have to work out exactly as planned, roll with the punches and be adaptable, its way more fun that way.
Meet Nick
Class Year: 2026
Hometown: Chapin, South Carolina
Major: Health Sciences
Involvement:
Academic Advising Committee Student Representative
Alpha Epsilon Delta
Pathways Peer Mentor (2nd Year)
Phi Eta Sigma
Student Conduct Board
What is a piece of advice you would give a first-year student starting Pathways?
Take it easy. It’s totally normal to feel nervous starting college; everyone is, even if they don’t directly show it. You won’t know everything right away, but it’s more about learning and holding yourself accountable along the way. Be open with your peers, professors, and yourself. Show up to class, events, and extracurriculars and be active, and take life at Furman one step at a time. You have way more time than you think to grow into who you’re meant to be; you’re not in this alone.
What’s a piece of advice you would give first-year students regarding what you wish you had known as a first-year student?
I wish I had known that it’s okay to not know exactly what you’re doing, not just during your first year. Throughout my first year at Furman, I put so much pressure on myself to be right that it hurt my academics. I didn’t go to office hours, and I didn’t ask my professors or peers questions, all because I didn’t want to look “dumb” or look like I didn’t understand the material. Throughout my sophomore and junior years, I truly realized that my professors and peers genuinely want to support students. Furman is a very supportive environment, and the community can make your Furman experience a lot more meaningful. Don’t be afraid to lean on the people around you.
Meet Daniel
Class Year: 2026
Hometown/Country: Johns Island, South Carolina
Major: Accounting
Involvement:
Furman University Library Circulation Desk Assistant
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Pathways Peer Mentor
What’s a piece of advice you would give first-year students regarding what you wish you had known as a first-year student?
Approach Pathways as a chance to learn more about yourself and your interests because it gives you ample opportunities to see what you do and don’t like or what you do or don’t value.
What’s a piece of advice you would give first-year students regarding what you wish you had known as a first-year student?
Good relationships take time to build so don’t try to rush or force anything because you are getting the fear of being left out.
Meet Erin
Class Year: 2026
Hometown: Fuquay Varina, North Carolina
Major: Mathematics
Minor: Poverty Studies
Involvement:
Dins and Dogs
Furman Wesley Fellowship
Paladin Admissions Liaison
Pathways Peer Mentor
What is a piece of advice you would give a first-year student starting Pathways?
You will get out of Pathways what you put in, so give it your all, take advantage of the deep reflection it provides, and make friends with your classmates!
What’s a piece of advice you would give first-year students regarding what you wish you had known as a first-year student?
College is an amazing time to learn more about yourself and who you want to be, and Furman is a great place to do just that! Try out many different things, focus on your academics, and take advantage of this time that you have, it goes fast!
Meet Laken
Class Year: 2026
Hometown: Columbia, South Carolina
Major: Anthropology
Minor: Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Involvement:
Furman Bands
Library Student Employee
Paladin Admissions Liaison
Pathways Peer Mentor
Sigma Alpha Iota
What is a piece of advice you would give a first-year student starting Pathways?
Come in with an open mind and an eagerness to learn!
What’s a piece of advice you would give first-year students regarding what you wish you had known as a first-year student?
It is perfectly acceptable to change your mind about your studies and passions!
Meet Katy
Class Year: 2026
Hometown: Gastonia, North Carolina
Majors: French and Communication Studies-Rhetoric and Advocacy Track
Involvement:
Alpha Phi Omega
Pi Delta Phi French Honor Society
Lambda Pi Eta Communications Honor Society
Pathways Peer Mentor
What is a piece of advice you would give a first-year student starting Pathways?
Talk to the people around you and learn about them! I’m still friends with people from my Pathways classes.
What’s a piece of advice you would give first-year students regarding what you wish you had known as a first-year student?
College is the time to decide what you want to do, and also what you don’t want to do. Don’t be afraid to speak up for yourself and do what’s best for YOU!
