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Louis Chavey(he/him)

Computer Science, Class of 2026

What Louis brings to coaching: "I think my East Asian cultural background led to demanding success out of myself no matter what. Through my time at Northwestern, I've learned to disentangle mentally unhealthy and/or unsustainable strategies of motivation from success in and out of the classroom."

What you wish you'd known as a first year:  I wish I knew to explore more, whether it be different subjects, clubs, or just meeting more people through different means.

Favorite thing about Northwestern: The diversity of my peers! Whether it be their backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures, experiences, or even hobbies, they never fail to amaze me in how unique they individually are.

Favorite Evanston restaurant: Chicken Shack hands down.

Sabrina El-Gamal(she/her)

Chemistry, Class of 2028

What Sabrina brings to coaching: "One of the main perspectives I bring to mentoring is being a genuinely attentive listener. I’ve learned that sometimes what people need most isn’t advice right away, but instead it's someone who will fully hear them without judgment. Whether a friend is dealing with academic stress, uncertainty about their path, or personal challenges, I try to make space for them to feel understood first. I also consider myself very flexible and responsive to different situations. I have learned to meet others where they are rather than assuming one approach fits all. I believe that every person brings their own story, and I try to respond in a way that aligns with their needs, not just what worked for me. This flexibility, combined with empathy and a calm presence, enables me to build trust and support others in a way that feels personalized and genuine."

What you wish you'd known as a first year:  I wish I had known that it's okay not to have everything figured out right away. I wish I had given myself more grace to be uncertain and more freedom to try new things, whether that was taking a class outside my comfort zone, joining a club just for fun, or simply taking a break when I needed it.

Favorite place to study: Kellogg

Best advice I've ever received: "You don't have to be getting the highest grade in the class to accomplish great things in life."

Katelyn Gau(she/her)

Biological Sciences & Global Health, Class of 2026

What Katelyn brings to coaching: "I am a first-generation college student and recognize the challenges and pressure that come with navigating and succeeding in college. I recognize the difference it makes to have a strong community and network to support you through every success and challenge."

What you wish you'd known as a first year: I wish I had known that there is no perfect timeline to learn or achieve something--everyone is moving at different paces!

Favorite place to study: Inside of Kellogg facing the skyline or lakefill!

Favorite thing about Northwestern: As cliché as it sounds, the people!

Ashley Guo(she/her)

Cognitive Science & Learning and Organizational Change, Class of 2026

What Ashley brings to coaching: "Having lived and studied across several countries (including China, the U.S., the UK, and Italy), I understand the challenges of moving to a new place: the initial struggle to adapt, the feeling of uncertainty, adjusting, and coming to the sense of eventually feeling at home. I use this understanding to help others embrace their own identities and find confidence in their paths at Northwestern."

What you wish you'd known as a first year:  I wish I had known that it’s okay to feel uncertain, and that finding your friends/community takes time. When I first started, moving to a completely new school and area made everything feel overwhelming. It wasn't until later when I realized how important it was to ask for help and lean on others. I learned to give myself time & permission to make mistakes, and know that it's ok to not know all the answers right now.

Favorite place to study: Norris and Kellogg!

Fun fact: I studied abroad in Milan, Italy

Taera Kaka(she/her)

Psychology & Data Science, Class of 2026

Irene Lazanyi(she/her)

Neuroscience, Class of 2026

What Irene brings to coaching: "As a first-generation college student, I’ve had to figure out a lot on my own—from applying to college to now preparing for medical school. Getting into a prestigious institution like Northwestern was challenging, but through hard work, perseverance, and a deep belief in my goals, I made it here. I know how isolating and overwhelming it can feel to navigate these unfamiliar systems without a roadmap, which is why I’m passionate about supporting others. I want to remind students that they’re not alone—and that with determination and the right support, they’re capable of achieving more than they may think possible."

What you wish you'd known as a first year: I wish I had known that just because someone is older or more experienced doesn’t mean they’re unapproachable. At Northwestern, I’ve learned that people are almost always willing to help, share advice, or just talk. I used to hesitate to reach out, but now I see how much you can learn simply by asking questions and having conversations, regardless of someone’s age, title, or background. Everyone has something to teach you.

Favorite thing about Northwestern: I love meeting all kinds of students here! Everyone is passionate, dedicated, and so unique in what they're involved in. It's always exciting to hear about all the things people are involved in and how they're making an impact.

Best advice I've ever received: Be inspired by others, but don't compare yourself to them.

Asher Moss(he/him)

Economics & Political Science, Class of 2028

Shifa Noor Mohamed (she/her)

Chemistry, Class of 2026

What Shifa brings to coaching: "Growing up, I received a lot of guidance from my older siblings. They were always a source of support that I could go to for help at any inconvenience. Regardless, navigating a US college life became a solo endeavor for me as an international student. I definitely learned a lot in the past two years, although I wish I had someone to guide me through it. Now, I hope to be the person to share and help students seeking for support about their college life/academics/anything!"

What you wish you'd known as a first year: I wish I had cherished my time more instead of worrying too much about the future! If I can turn back time I would compare myself to others less and live in the present more. I didn't realize this when I was cramming for gen chem but time actually flies so fast :)

Favorite place to study: Deering Library 

Fun fact: I love learning new languages! I can speak 4 and currently learning French.

Pablo Restrepo Franco(he/him)

Economics & History, Class of 2027

What Pablo brings to coaching: "As an international student who has lived in Venezuela, Colombia, and Argentina, I know what it feels like to be a “fish out of water.” When I first arrived at Northwestern, I felt overwhelmed and out of place. That experience has made me especially empathetic to students navigating unfamiliar environments or struggling to find a sense of belonging. Having tutored students from ages 6 to 18 in High School, I’ve learned how important it is to listen actively and without judgment, to be patient, and to meet people where they are. These experiences helped shape my values as a mentor: creating a welcoming space and building trust."

What you wish you'd known as a first year:  I wish I had known more effective study strategies and understood that it's encouraged to ask for help. Northwestern offers a wealth of resources and a community full of people who genuinely want to support you.

Favorite Evanston restaurant: Chipotle

Fun Fact:  I love metal music!

Lana Sheng(she/her)

Psychology & Economics, Class of 2026

What Lana brings to coaching: "As a recovering perfectionist, I’ve learned to stop comparing myself to others, especially in an environment like Northwestern, where there are so many talented community members. You can look to others for inspiration, but it’s important to focus on your own abilities and celebrate your growth. Through self-reflection, I understand my strengths and areas of improvement, and use this knowledge to achieve my goals. As a peer coach, I can do the same for you, and I will root for you throughout your whole journey!"

What you wish you'd known as a first year:  I wish I'd known that it is normal to be challenged in a course, as it isn't a sign of failure, rather,  it's part of the learning process! It helps to attend office hours early on to connect with your professors and TAs (they are excited to meet you too!),  and to utilize your peer resources in the course.

Favorite Evanston restaurant: Shang Noodle

Best advice you've ever received: People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

Jocelyn Wang(she/her)

Neuroscience, Class of 2028

Hermon Welde(she/her)

Neuroscience & Global Health Studies, Class of 2026

What Hermon brings to coaching: "Growing up as a first-generation student, I understand the different struggles that come with being one of the first in my family to attend college. With the help and support of my family, I recognize the importance of having a strong support system. I hope to share this sense of community with students interested in peer coaching."

What you wish you'd known as a first year: It's going to be overwhelming, but it is okay to ask for help. There is never any shame in reaching out. Also, time management is crucial. Make sure to schedule in fun things for yourself, even through the intense weeks.

Favorite place to study: Deering Library 

Favorite Evanston restaurant: Elephant + Vine