PLHC Peer Mentors
Peer Mentors come from all the colleges at UVM and represent diverse disciplines and majors. The selection process for becoming a Peer Mentor is rigorous. We look for positive students with leadership experience and motivation to think deeply about what it means to be a member of the PLHC community. Twenty PMs serve mentee groups of about 15 first year students and help students entering college navigate new challenges in the transition from high school to UVM and the PLHC.
A colleague once described the Peer Mentors as “the heart of the honors college.” PMs share wisdom and student voice to our community building efforts, to our advising, and to our daily operations and policies. We are stronger, more vibrant, and have more fun due to the contributions of the PMs. Serious scholars, PMs go on to medical and law school, earn prestigious Fulbright awards and continue as agents of positive change post graduating from the PLHC. Through their PLHC mentoring, PMs take a deep dive into the human condition by serving first years and leading in our community. PMs are truly remarkable representatives of what we all aspire to becoming – creative and caring humans who are active and able.
Programming
Peer Mentors plan creative programming and events centered around wellbeing, healthy social life, and academic curiosity and intellectual life. Events include community wide pancake breakfast, apple picking at Allenholm Farm in beautiful South Hero Island, open mic nights, and annual events including “Wintering” in February when things get a little cold and grey outside and the famous kickball tournament in May. Mentors also arrange many more activities during the year and serve as guides during registration and tutors with Chemist-TEA study sessions before gen chem and orgo exams. These are just a few of the events PMs host for the entire PLHC community. PMs also lead smaller events tailored to the needs of the mentee groups they serve.
Meet the Peer Mentors
Fernanda De Oliveira Girelli
Hi everyone! My name is Fernanda De Oliveira Girelli, I’m currently a junior with a computer science major. I’m originally from Elizabeth, New Jersey. I’m part of SWICS (Society of Women in Computer Science), CS Crew, Alianza Latinx, and book club! I’m so excited to me you all! If you need anything or just want to talk, feel free to reach out, my email is fdeolive@uvm.edu!
Lindsey Earle
Hello everyone! My name is Lindsey Earle and I am a sophomore neuroscience major with a philosophy minor following a pre-med track. I am from Groton, MA and have been loving Vermont! Last spring, I joined Dr. Molly Stanley's lab and currently participate in research regarding taste and smell using the fruit fly as a model. This year I hope to continue to explore all of what UVM has to offer. Outside of academics I enjoy hiking, skiing and traveling. I am excited to join the PM team and meet everyone, feel free to reach out if you have any questions or just to say hello! My email is lkearle@uvm.edu.
Anna Hallock
Hi! My name is Anna Hallock and I’m from upstate New York! I’m a sophomore in Rubenstein with a major in Environmental Science and a minor in Sociology. I love reading, live music, crocheting, skiing, and discovering new movies! Something I’m super passionate about is Amnesty International, which is a human rights organization that UVM has its own chapter of. I’m proud to have been a part of Amnesty for about 4 years now! This is my first year as a Peer Mentor and I’m super excited to get started! I would love to help out if you have any questions or just want to chat, so please feel free to reach out to me anytime at anna.hallock@uvm.edu!
Hunter Holoubek
Hi everyone! My name is Hunter Holoubek. I’m a sophomore with a major in Psychological Science and a minor in Neuroscience in the College of Arts and Sciences. I’m from Cumberland, Rhode Island and I’m always excited to meet other Rhodies - there aren’t a lot of us! One thing you should know about me is that I love connecting/building relationships with people. If you ever have any questions you think I could help with (psych/SAS/honors college/etc.), please don’t hesitate to reach out! At UVM, I am a member of the Beekeeping and Neuroscience clubs, and I enjoy participating in the various other activities around campus, such as recreational volleyball or bouldering. I also enjoy playing guitar, skiing, and finding spots to go hiking near campus. If you have any questions at all or even just want to chat, feel free to reach out at hunter.holoubek@uvm.edu.
Alyssana Lasek (Sana)
Hi! My name is Sana and I am a sophomore from Charlotte, VT which is about 30 minutes from campus. I am studying Biological Science in CAS with a minor in integrative health. At UVM, I am a member of the premedical and ski & snowboard club and will be working as a chemistry tutor. I am also a volunteer birthing doula at the UVM medical center which is right on campus! In my free time on campus I like to go to the gym, play volleyball, and spend time with friends. Off campus I love to spend time with my family, snowboard, travel, and spend as much time on the beach as possible! If you have any questions about anything in Burlington or the surrounding area, UVM, HCOL, or just want to chat, you can reach me at alasek@uvm.edu!
Emily Mynar
Hi everyone! I’m Emily, a junior microbiology major in CALS with minors in bioinformatics and computer science. I do research on HIV in the Thali lab with the goal of eventually pursuing a PhD. I am also co-editor in chief of the Nat Phil, UVM’s science publication. Off campus, I love climbing, hiking, running, snowboarding, and pretty much anything else that gets me outside. I look forward to meeting everyone!! Feel free to reach out to me at emynar@uvm.edu!
Sarah O'Leary
Greetings! My name is Sarah O'Leary (she/her), and I am from West Hartford, Connecticut. I am a sophomore Environmental Science major in Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources. I hope to pursue a Health and Society minor or an individually designed Marine Biology minor (Fun fact: I am a certified SCUBA diver). At UVM, I am an editor for Headwaters Magazine, an Eco-Rep, and involved with a few more clubs. In my free time, I love to use the bouldering wall, host movie nights, visit the waterfront, and explore the outdoors with friends. Back home, I am a volunteer at a local dog rescue which is my favorite thing to do. You can also find me hiking, cooking, and baking. I am honored to be a part of this community and excited to meet you all. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me. I would love to talk with you! My email is: sarah.oleary@uvm.edu.
Allyson Turner
Hi everyone! My name is Allyson Turner. I am a sophomore Molecular Genetics major on a pre med track. I am from Nottingham, New Hampshire which is about a 3 hour drive from campus. On campus I am involved with MEDVIDA, rock climbing club, premedical club, and do research in the Weston Lab. In my free time you will find me in the mountains, hiking or skiing. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions. My email is aturne10@uvm.edu.
Mindy Yan
Hello! I’m Mindy and I am a sophomore in CAS majoring in Anthropology and Environmental Studies with a minor in Spanish. I’m from Washington state but have loved finding a home in Vermont. On campus, I’ve been involved with the summit sisters, horticulture, and anthropology clubs, but would love to keep exploring the many things that UVM student life has to offer! Much of my free time is spent hiking, reading, crocheting, and trying to keep my plants alive (it’s a work in progress). I am so excited for the year ahead! If you ever have any questions or just want to say hi, don’t hesitate to send me a message at mayan@uvm.edu!