Promise Peer Leaders play a pivotal role in acclimating a small group of incoming Promise Scholars to the USM community over the course of their foundational first year. Promise Peer Leaders meet with students one to one or in small groups and check in on goal progress, share resources and networks, help troubleshoot issues when they arise, and create a sense of belonging to the USM community. Promise Peer Leaders also assist in the planning and leading of events that support scholars’ academic, social, and community engagement.
THEY | THEM
Year: Junior, ’28
Degree: Social Work
High School: Winslow HS
Hometown: Winslow, ME
Advice for first-year scholars: “Remember balance is important, burnout is real, and breaks are necessary.”
HE | HIM
Year: Junior, ’28
Major: English, Secondary Education Pathway
High School: Massabesic HS
Hometown: Limerick, ME
Advice to first-year students: “Staying professional with your professors—both in and out of the classroom—makes a huge difference. Consistent, effective, and timely communication is one of the best ways to hold yourself accountable as a student and as a learner.”
SHE | HER | HERS
Year: Senior, ’27
Major: Nursing
High School: Winslow HS
Hometown: Vassalboro, ME
Advice to first-year students: “Don’t be afraid if you don’t have everything figured out. Keep exploring your passions, because college is about discovering what you love and creating a life filled with purpose, curiosity, and excitement.”
SHE | HER | HERS
Year: Senior
Major: Social Work
High School: Lewiston High School
Hometown: Lewiston, ME
Advice for first-year students: “Go out there and be your best self. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. As long as you try, that’s what counts.”
SHE | HER | HERS
Year: Junior, ’28
Major: Media Studies with a concentration in Media Writing
High School: Westbrook HS
Hometown: Westbrook, ME
Advice to first-year students: “Don’t be afraid to try new things; some of the best experiences are unexpected!”
Year: Senior, ’27
Major: Economics
High School: South Portland HS
Hometown: Biddeford, ME
Advice for first-year students: “One percent everyday compounds overtime into tremendous results. Invest in your knowledge, your mindset, and your character, no one can take that away from you.”