UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS - URBANA CHAMPAIGN - COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

Dominic is a graduate student in the College of Education at the University of Illinois studying to become a high school teacher. He completed his undergraduate studies in History and French in May of 2023 and will enter the classroom full-time in the Fall of 2024. Born in Springfield, IL and growing up in the south suburbs of Chicago, he is familiar with a variety of living environments that can influence decision making about schooling and careers. His personal interests include billiards, fitness, and reading history. Dominic has experience in leading small groups and in organizing volunteer efforts. He hopes to one day run a school chess club and give students a healthy environment to learn and grow. He wishes to be a reliable mentor for his students in the years to come, both in and outside the classroom.

DEPAUL UNIVERSITY - Political Science and minoring in International Studies

Sydney is currently a Senior at Depaul University, studying Political Science and International Studies. Having recently returned to Chicago following a six-month study abroad exchange in Paris, France, at Sciences Politique, she is more passionate than ever about Politics and International Relations. Following graduation, she hopes to pursue advanced education.

As someone who knows how daunting the application process can be, she hopes to provide a fun, creative, judgment-free, stress-free (well, as stress free as possible) environment where students can focus on all the amazing experiences that are to come as they begin their college journeys! She would love to work with mentees when it comes to picking college majors, scholarship application, finalizing school choices, and proof-reading application materials. She can also provide insight and advice on the study abroad application process and experience. Ultimately, no matter what challenge might be causing stress, Sydney will act as just one more person on your team, at your side, helping you through these next few months.

She looks forward to working with you!

URBANA CHAMPAIGN - ACCOUNTANCY AND FINANCE

My name is Aiki Suzuki. I am currently a student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in the Gies College of Business. I am pursuing a double major in Accountancy & Finance and hoping to attend law school upon graduation in May 2025. I am from Darien, IL, but I was born and raised in the Philippines and moved to the United States when I was in sixth grade. Growing up in the Philippines, I was able to witness many students not reaching their maximum potential because of the lack of resources available to them—which is why I want to serve as a mentor. I wish to become a resource for other students who desire to have additional assistance when it comes to the college application process. Furthermore, some of the activities I enjoy doing are writing, reading autobiographies, playing video games, and editing videos and essays. All of these are the activities I do during my free time. I hope that I get to inspire others to reach their full potential, and I also am excited to serve other people.

URBANA CHAMPAIGN - UNDECLARED

I am a freshman at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign. As of right now, I am undecided. I have been taking classes that I’m interested in to see what I want to major in. In high school, I was a part of many different clubs like the National Honors Society, the S.H.E program for women, and the choir. I also plan on joining organizations and programs here at uiuc. In my free time, I enjoy helping people, hanging with friends, and spending time with family. I like to watch supernatural/superhero shows. I’m a big Marvel and dc fan. In high school, I didn’t have as much help with college applications, scholarships, and personal statements, and I know how challenging it can be. I hope I can be helpful to you, encourage you, and guide you through this process so it won’t be as challenging as it was for me.

URBANA CHAMPAIGN - ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

My name is Elizabeth Arias and I’m a rising sophomore at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign. I am majoring in Engineering Technology and Management of Agricultural Systems with a concentration in Energy and Environment and minoring in Environmental Economics and Law. I plan on going to grad school for energy and sustainability and hope to become an energy and environmental specialist or consultant. I started to get involved in the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) at UIUC and over the summer I worked on campus assisting with research on agronomy and water quality. Im excited to help my mentees showcase all their qualities and achievements as they begin their higher education era.

UIUC - ACCOUNTANCY SCIENCE

My name is Lisa Patel, and I recently graduated from UIUC in May 2023 with a degree in Accountancy and Finance. I will be going back to campus this fall to pursue a Master of Accountancy Science and will be working as a Teaching Assistant. After completing my master’s I hope to obtain a CPA license and work in the public accounting sector. I’m from Naperville, IL, and in my free time, I love to read, draw, and watch lots of tv. As the oldest child in my family, and a first-generation college student, the college application process was very new and challenging to navigate. I had no clue what colleges to apply to, much less what the application process entailed. Recently, my sister entered college (also at UIUC), and I took on the role of her mentor, providing her with advice and feedback as she applied to colleges. My sister had a much smoother experience with college applications, as I was there to guide her through the steps and answer her questions. Seeing how beneficial it was for my sister to have someone helping her through the process, I would love to give that experience to other students as well. I’m excited to work with my mentees in this program and hope to be a valuable resource that they can rely on.

LOYOLA UNIVERSITY AT CHICAGO - NEUROSCIENCE

Sola is an undergraduate student at Loyola university studying to become a pediatric surgeon. She is currently a junior and working at a lab that focuses on physical therapy for both kids and adults. Following graduation she is hoping to enter medical school and begin her journey from there.

She is excited to help the mentees get through the process of applying and impressing the colleges of your choice. She wishes to make this process something less stressful and instead enjoyable. When it comes to picking college majors/minors, applying for scholarship, proof-reading application materials she is ready for it. Anything college related Sola is ready to assist you.

UIUC -ORGANIZATIONAL AND INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION

Petiya is a recent University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign graduate. She completed two specializations within her major during her Bachelor's degree - Organizational Communication and Interpersonal Communication. While at the university, Petiya also pursued a leadership certificate. She was a part of a multiple student organizations, including one called LAS Leaders. LAS Leaders acted as ambassadors between for LAS alumni. Petiya was also involved with an organization called Raising International Scholars Online, which had a goal of helping teachers in Nicaragua learn English. Another organization she valued was Honest Tea, which was a seminar-structured weekly discussion of social issues. Apart from having an interest in social issues, education, and leadership, Petiya also enjoys ice skating, socializing, and traveling. She is an avid learner and has a goal of inspiring others to be curious of the world - so she might share random facts she has learned over time. Petiya's interest in learning and value of education is her motivation to be a part of an organization like Summit United. When she applied for college, she identified as a first-generation college student and realizes the importance of having someone willing to help during that seemingly overwhelming process. Petiya looks forward to being a resource for those who will soon pursue a higher education. She promises to do her best as a mentor and hopes to make a positive difference for those she has the opportunity to work with.