Explore WIU
Apply NowTop Navigation
Centennial Honors College
WIU Home > Centennial Honors College > Meet The Mentors
Meet the 2012-2013 Mentors
Kayla T Anderson
Major: Social Work
Minor: N/A
Year in College: Senior
Hometown: Bellwood, IL
Hobbies: I enjoy doing the usual stuff such as going to movies, mall, gym, sleeping, going skating, going out to eat, hanging with friends, talking on the phone, etc. I am now enjoying knitting.
Organizations You Belong to Currently: Social Work Student Association, Alpha Kappa chapter of the National Women's Studies Honor Society (Triota), Phi Alpha Honor Society for Social Work
Favorite part about the Centennial Honors College? I enjoy that members of the Honor College (students and staff) are always willing to help, when I have a question. I enjoy being considered different from the other students on campus, meaning that I have worked hard and the Honor College has acknowledged my hard work.
Favorite part about being a WIU student? I enjoy that Western provides a lot of opportunity for students to get involved. Being a student, I feel that I am comfortable in my classes. I am able to express my feelings and opinions. Western has provided me as a student many resources. As a student I am able to apply what I have learned in my small class sizes to my life now and to my future career.
Why did you want to be an Honors Mentor? I want to be a mentor because I want to me a role model to someone younger than me. I understand the struggle of balancing school work and personal life. Balancing things can be difficult however, it is attainable. I believe that nothing is too hard, when a person apply themselves.
Zachary R Andrew
Major: Biology/Medical Sciences
Minor: Chemistry and Neuroscience
Year in College: Senior
Hometown: East Moline
Hobbies: Being outdoors, video games, extracurricular activities, going out to eat, going to the movies.
Organizations You Belong to Currently: Biological Honors Society (Tri Beta-Gamma Iota Chapter), President and Treasurer; Blue Key Honors Society; Student Honors Association, President; International Honors Society, Student Representative; Pre-Professional Health Club, Vice-President; Mortar Board, Treasurer; WIU Crisis Hotline (Psychology Department); Student TALK; Department of Biological Science Academic Integrity Committee Member; Psychology Club; American Association of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; American Society for Microbiology; Better World Books; Relay For Life; American Cancer Society; Zoology Club; Blood Drive Volunteer; UNITY
Favorite part about the Centennial Honors College? The opportunity to better my education through research experiences.
Favorite part about being a WIU student? Taking advantage of all the opportunities on campus and meeting new people and getting involved on campus.
Why did you want to be an Honors Mentor? To help a fellow student understand some of the things about this University that I needed help with when I was new to the University and the Honors College.
Liz Etta
Major: African American Studies
Minor: Sociology
Year in College: 2nd semester Junior
Hometown: Bolingbrook, IL
Hobbies: Painting, dancing, exercising
Organizations You Belong to Currently: I am the Vice-President of the SHA and have served as a Student Orientation Staff Leader and Honors Ambassador.
Favorite part about the Centennial Honors College? I like the opportunity to not only have a extra set of classes available but being able to meet like-minded students in a small class setting.
Favorite part about being a WIU student? I have a special appreciation for being a student here at Western Illinois University. I like the diversity of the students and faculty best because they have so many different experiences and so much knowledge to lend.
Why did you want to be an Honors Mentor? It's actually pretty simple. I felt like I was underwater my first semester here and know for a fact that success is achievable at this school. I would like to be there for a student that might be feeling the same way that I was.
Paris Hamm
Major: Biology Medical Sciences and French
Minor: Chemistry and Neuroscience
Year in College: Sophomore
Hometown: Macomb, IL
Hobbies: Swimming, karate, and biking
Organizations You Belong to Currently: Pre-Professional Health Club- Treasurer, Student Honors Assoc.- Fundraising Chair, Roteract-Service Chair, Honors Council Representative, Judicial Review Board
Favorite part about the Centennial Honors College? I love all the opportunities and challenging but fun classes.
Favorite part about being a WIU student? I have become so involved and made long lasting friendships.
Why did you want to be an Honors Mentor? I want to share my experiences and help other find their niche at WIU.
Victoria Kappel
Major: Communications of Sciences and Disorders
Year in College: Sophomore
Hometown: Orland Park, IL
Hobbies: play soccer, read, outdoor activities, arts and crafts
Organizations You Belong to Currently: WIU Women's Soccer Team, Phi Eta Sigma, WIUSSHLA
Favorite part about the Centennial Honors College? Great, personal classes with interesting topics!
Favorite part about being a WIU student? The numerous opportunities a student has to become involved with the school and community.
Why did you want to be an Honors Mentor? To help new students adapt to the college atmosphere.
Shanique Ries
Major: Biology
Minor: Chemistry
Year In College: Junior
Hometown: Calumet City, Illinois
Hobbies: Painting and reading
Organizations You Belong to Currently: Learning to Lead, Blue Key Honor Society, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, National Residence Hall Honorary
Favorite part about the Centennial Honors College? The opportunity to do research, it allows me to challenge myself outside of the classroom.
Favorite part about being a WIU student? The wide variety of opportunities, academics, and extra-curricular activities available to me.
Why did you want to be an Honors Mentor? I love helping other people and I would love to share my experiences and knowledge in order to help someone.
Jamela Thompson
Major: Zoology
Minor: Environmental Studies
Year in College: Senior
Hometown: Sugar Grove, IL
Hobbies: reading, exploring forest preserves, longboarding, gardening
Organizations You Belong to Currently: Secretary of the Gamma Iota Chapter of the Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society, Zoology Club, UNITY
Favorite part about the Centennial Honors College? I like that the Honors College encourages students to strive for success and gives recognition to both faculty and students for their accomplishments.
Favorite part about being a WIU student? I love that there are endless opportunities to become involved on campus and in my (Biology) department.
Why did you want to be an Honors Mentor? I want to help other students take full advantage of the great opportunities that are here at Western and in the Honors College. I want to help them build new connections, equip them with various resources in their field, and help them gain experience that will benefit their future educational endeavors and careers.
