Established in 1994, the S.M.A.R.T. (Student Mentors Advising Rising Talent) Mentoring Program offers mentorship opportunties to first-year multicultural students. Upper class peer mentors assist students in making a smooth transition from high school to Elon University. Mentors are also charged with orientating the campus community on the complexity of being a student of diverse populations.
This is Melissa's second year with the SMART program. Melissa brings a wealth of knowledge to the Multicultural Center as an alumni of Elon University herself.
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Year at Elon: Sophomore
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Columbus, O.H.
Other involvement on campus: Equestrian Club, Urgent Message, Gospel Choir Board, Elon Ambassadors
Hobbies or interests: Cooking, music, and playing percussion instruments, learning more about the world, getting questions answered
Living 2011-2012: Danieley Apartments
Plans for summer 2011: “Participating in horse shows and hopefully working.”
Why did you become a mentor: “I had such a wonderful experience with my mentor and I would love to give an incoming freshman the same experience to give them an ‘edge’ on their freshman year by being there for them.”
Looking forward to about being a S.M.A.R.T. mentor: “Developing a relationship with my fellow mentors and my mentees and hopefully helping my mentees avoid some common freshman mistakes.”
Inspirational quote: “Faith is taking the first step without seeing the whole sentence.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
Year at Elon: Senior
Major: Psychology and International Studies
Minor: Spanish
Hometown: Rochester, NY
Other involvement on campus: ROTC, more volunteer work soon to come
Hobbies or interests: Listening to music, writing, traveling, reading, and Latin and African dance, and scuba diving!!
Living 2011-2012: Off Campus House
Plans for summer 2011: “Running a 5K for autism foundation in Indiana, moving to my new home, celebrating the graduation of friends, and habitat for humanity participation.”
Why did you become a mentor: “As a student soldier coming into college was a very exciting but foreign experience, I did not have a mentor at the time, I think having a mentor to help along the way and aid in the adjustment process is an invaluable resource. I wanted to contribute my experience as a freshman and help alleviate some of the tensions they will experience. I believe in being part of the solution, so I decided to dedicate my time to helping the incoming freshman and sophomore.”
Looking forward to about being a S.M.A.R.T. Mentor: “Meeting the new students and getting to know them. I love learning about people and where they come from (hence the international studies), I am also looking forward to being helpful during their freshman year”
Favorite aspect of S.M.A.R.T: “ I think that S.M.A.R.T bringing students that have had college experience and connecting them to incoming students is a GENIUS idea. The best way to learn is from someone that has been through it already. That is my favorite aspect of S.M.A.R.T the unity it builds within the mentee mentor team and ultimately the stronger more prepared mentee it produces.”
Inspirational quote: ““In every field and every activity there is always someone that will be called the best. That means there has to be a best no matter what happens. If they are going to elect someone to be the best anyway, why not let it be you they elect? Work hard and it will happen, I believe in you” ” – from Tamika Taylor (my mommy) : )
Year at Elon: Sophomore
Major: Engineering
Hometown: Baltimore, M.D.
Other involvement on campus: Gospel Choir, Physics Club, Engineering Club
Hobbies or interests: Cooking, music, and playing percussion instruments, learning more about the world, getting questions answered
Living 2011-2012: Colonnades student housing
Plans for summer 2011: “Internship, taking a summer class, and enjoying my time at home.”
Why did you become a mentor: “I became a S.M.A.R.T. mentor because I would like to impact someone’s life the same way my mentor impacted mine. She helped my transition from high school to college to be smooth as possible as well as assist me academically and socially. This is what I plan to do.”
Looking forward to about being a S.M.A.R.T. mentor: “Meeting and spending time with my mentees as well as my fellow mentors. Also, I am looking forward to the new programs installed in the S.M.A.R.T. program.”
Year at Elon: Junior
Major: Human Services
Hometown: Siler City, N.C.
Other Involvement on Campus: Multicultural Student Council, Club Softball, Intramural Softball
Hobbies or Interests: Signing, softball
Why did you become a Mentor: “To encourage diversity on Elon’s campus. Elon has excellent opportunities and I want them to be available to everyone.”
Plans for Summer 2011: “Taking an online class and working.”
Looking forward to most about being S.M.A.R.T. Mentor: “New faces and applying things that I learned from being a mentor last year.”
Favorite aspect of S.M.A.R.T: “Having S.M.A.R.T. nights – I felt like it brought some mentors and mentees together as a group.”
Year at Elon: Senior
Major: Finance
Minor: Political Science
Hometown: Bowie, M.D.
Other involvement on campus: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Elon Sales Competition Team, Judicial Honor Board, Student Government Association, and more
Hobbies or interests: Music and helping others
Living 2011-2012: Alpha Phi Alpha House (Loy O)
Plans for summer 2011: ”Working for the Federal City Council, where I will be working to improve job readiness, reduce congestion, and stabilize and improve the condition of the budget of the District of Columbia.”
Why did you become a mentor: “To provide the same guiding light that was given to me my first year that allowed me to thoroughly love my experience as a diverse student here at Elon.”
Looking forward to about being a S.M.A.R.T. mentor: “Meeting and creating friendships with all first-year students.” Inspirational quote: ““He who loses wealth loses much; he who loses a friend loses more; but he who loses courage loses all.” – Miguel de Cervantes &
“No passion so effectively robs the mind of its powers of acting and reasoning as fear.” – Edmund Burke
Year at Elon: Senior
Major: Human Service Studies
Hometown: Lenoir, N.C.
Other involvement on campus: Watson & Odyssey Scholar, Civic Engagement Scholars, HEART
Hobbies or interests: Anything science-oriented, cooking, taking road trips (especially to anywhere historic), anything with friends!
Living 2011-2012: Off-campus housing
Plans for summer 2011: “Working at the Bookstore, Admissions Tour Guide and Watson & Odyssey Orientation.”
Why did you become a mentor: “I wanted to be more involved; build better connections with incoming freshman and help ensure a great freshman experience.”
Looking forward to about being a S.M.A.R.T. mentor: “Getting to know freshman, getting more involved in the Multicultural Center, and showing new students the best about Elon.”
Year at Elon: Senior
Major: Broadcast Communications
Minor: Spanish
Hometown: Upper Marlboro, MD
Other involvement on campus: President of the Omicron Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. & University Guide
Hobbies or interests: Entertaining and listening to music
Living 2011-2012: University Point
Plans for summer 2011: “Working and Interning with the radio station 93.9 WKYS in Washington, DC.
Why did you become a mentor: “To share my Elon experiences with first year students in order to help them adjust and become acclimated to Elon.”
Looking forward to about being a S.M.A.R.T. mentor: “Spending time with my Mentees, as well as learning from them.”
Favorite aspect of S.M.A.R.T: “Being able to assist first year students, while also building relationships with them.”
Inspirational quote: “When you are tough on yourself, life is going to be infinitely easier on you” Zig Ziglar.”
Year at Elon: Junior
Major: Communications with a concentration in Broadcast-Journalism
Hometown: Reidsville, N.C.
Other involvement on campus: Women’s basketball, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, Exercise Sceince Society, SAAC (Student Athlete Advisory Council)
Hobbies or interests: Shopping, basketball, volunteering, hanging out with friends, anything active
Living 2011-2012: Colonnades
Plans for summer 2011: “Working and taking class, going to Europe with Elon’s basketball team.”
Why did you become a mentor: “I want to be that person to inspire first-year students to remain apart of the S.M.A.R.T. program and that it will help them grow.”
Looking forward to about being a S.M.A.R.T. mentor: “Building relationships and a strong community.”
Inspirational quote: “If you think you can’t, you’re right. If you think you can, you’re right.” – unknown
Year at Elon: Sophomore
Major: Undecided
Hometown: Gastonia, NC
Other involvement on campus: Elon Women’s Basketball team, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc
Hobbies or interests: Playing and watching any sport, singing, reading
Living 2011-2012: Loy Center K (Greek Houses)
Plans for summer 2011: “Taking a summer class at Elon during first summer session, and going to Europe with the basketball team in August!
Why did you become a mentor: ““To help incoming freshman adjust to college life and have a great freshman experience like I did!”
Looking forward to about being a S.M.A.R.T. mentor: ““Meeting new students and making a difference.”
Favorite aspect of S.M.A.R.T: ““Promoting diversity at Elon and building relationships that will last a lifetime!”
Inspirational quote: “Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world” – Margaret Mead
Year at Elon: Junior
Major: Business Administration specializing in Management
Minor: Accounting
Hometown: Durham, NC
Other involvement on campus: Latin American Student Organization (LASO)
Hobbies or interests: Singing, basketball, and traveling
Living 2011-2012: Danieley
Plans for summer 2011: “Working on public job/volunteering at church.”
Why did you become a mentor: “To be a positive role-model for first-year students. Someone they can go to for advice during this crucial part of life.”
Looking forward to about being a S.M.A.R.T. mentor: “Looking forward to meeting the first-year students and further developing my leadership skills
Favorite aspect of S.M.A.R.T: “The opportunity to develop lasting friendships that will help propel us to excellence.”
Inspirational quote: “Am I not destroying my enemies when I make friends of them? –-Abraham Lincoln.”
Year at Elon: Senior
Major: Public Administration
Hometown: Teaneck, N.J.
Other involvement on campus: Elon 101 TA, 2010 Student Programmer for the Academic Enrichment Program, facility manager at Campus Recreation, member of Multicultural Student Council
Hobbies or interests: Traveling, outdoor activities, community service, dancing
Living 2011-2012: Off-campus housing
Plans for summer 2011: “Class at Elon, working at Campus Recreation, babysitting the children of a professor, hopefully an internship, and of course having fun!”
Why did you become a mentor: “I had a difficult time as a freshman getting used to being in a new environment different than my home. But, I have been able to grow through the S.M.A.R.T. program. I now love Elon and all of my friends, mentors, and faculty / staff who have become my family here. I want to provide that to first-year students.”
Looking forward to about being a S.M.A.R.T. mentor: “Supporting the freshman academically, socially, and in any other way they need it.”
Favorite aspect of S.M.A.R.T: “Getting to know all of the mentees in the program and building relationships with them.”
Inspirational quote: “If you want to be happy, be.” – unknown
Year at Elon: Senior
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Durham, N.C.
Other involvement on campus: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc, Student Program Coordinator through the Multicultural Center, Fire of the Carolina’s Marching Band
Hobbies or interests: Cooking, music, and playing percussion instruments, learning more about the world, getting questions answered
Living 2011-2012: Greek Courts (Loy Center)
Plans for summer 2011: “An internship through a marketing firm, a few road trips and spending time with family and friends.”
Why did you become a mentor: “I wanted to help any first year student with the struggles and hardships that come from the transition from high school to college.”
Looking forward to about being a S.M.A.R.T. mentor: “Meeting all first-year students and getting to know their families”
Favorite aspect of S.M.A.R.T: “Watching the first-year students grow and develop into their own groups and personalities.”
Inspirational quote: “Be the change that you want to see in the world.” “Imagination is power.” – unknown
Year at Elon: Senior
Major: Psychology
Hometown: East Providence, RI
Other involvement on campus: Urgent Message Dance Troupe, Elon University Gospel Choir, Affinity
Hobbies or interests: Dancing, Choreographing, Singing, & goofing around :)
Living 2011-2012: Colonnades B
Plans for summer 2011: “(June) Multicultural Center Assistant and Undergraduate research in dance. (July-August) Summer Camp Director of Crayons & Lollipops Daycare.”
Why did you become a mentor: “To help get students acclimated to their new Elon experience.”
Looking forward to about being a S.M.A.R.T. mentor: “Getting to meet the new first year students!”
Favorite aspect of S.M.A.R.T: “Helping students get familiar with their new environment and establishing meaningful relationships with them.
Inspirational quote: “The LORD is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life- of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1”
Year at Elon: Senior
Major: Ecological and Environmental Studies
Hometown: Durham, NC
Other involvement on campus: Spectrum Vice President, Black Cultural Society
Hobbies or interests: Cooking/Baking, Amateur Drag, Dancing, Listening to Oldies, Reading Fantasy or Comics, Random Information and making people try new things
Living 2011-2012: Partner’s Place (off-campus)
Plans for summer 2011: “Going to UNCG Summer School and finding a job waiting tables, as well as working on new recipes.”
Why did you become a mentor: “I became a mentor because I understand the transitional issues that can occur because I faced them myself; I wanted to be their for first-year students who may experience hardships their freshman year at Elon University.”
Looking forward to about being a S.M.A.R.T. Mentor: “I am looking forward to making people feel like they have family foundation while away from home. I really want to give people the information and support they need to do well or at least just not feel alone.”
Favorite aspect of S.M.A.R.T: ““My mentor graduated early, but the idea of the program and the help she gave me really gave me the taste of wanting to help someone myself. As well there are a lot of people I think S.M.A.R.T. could reach out to, but hasn’t and I see myself as someone who can bridge the gap.”
Inspirational quote: ““Much will be required from everyone to whom much has been given. But even more will be demanded from the one to whom much has been entrusted.” Luke 12:48
Year at Elon: Senior
Major: International Studies & Political Science
Minor: African/African-American Studies & Public Administration
Hometown: Woodbridge, VA
Other involvement on campus: Student Government Association, Isabella Cannon Leadership Program, Periclean Scholars, Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, Multicultural Ambassador, Multicultural Student Council, Model UN, Phi Beta Delta International Education Honor Society
Hobbies or interests: studying abroad, human rights, law, and politics
Living 2011-2012: Phoenix W. Apts (off-campus)
Plans for summer 2011: “I am finishing up my semester abroad in Malta, take 1 online summer course and then beginning a highly selective national scholars program called the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Summer Enrichment Program at Howard University in Washington DC and plus going to Las Vegas.”
Why did you become a mentor: “I became a mentor because I understand the transitional issues that can occur because I faced them myself; I wanted to be their for first-year students who may experience hardships their freshman year at Elon University.”
Looking forward to about being SPC: “I am excited to be this year’s SPC for S.M.A.R.T. because I have devoted countless hours working alongside Ms. Melissa Jordan to assure a 100% successful program and the S.M.A.R.T. program will be my Leadership Legacy Project. I will serve as a mentor too and can’t wait to gain a strong relationship with them and to help them throughout their first year with anything they need.”
Favorite aspect of S.M.A.R.T: “The knowledge, experience, growth, and fruition that a first-year multicultural student matriculates into is the best product of this program.”
Inspirational quote: “A good leader leads to learn, learns to lead, builds to progress, and helps others progress.” Author- Unknown
Year at Elon: Senior
Major: Marketing; Specializing in Sales
Minor: Accounting
Hometown: Roosevelt, NY
Other involvement on campus: Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., Residence Life, Admissions Multicultural Ambassador, Elon University Gospel Choir
Hobbies or interests: Singing, shopping, dancing
Living 2011-2012: Colonnades
Plans for summer 2011: “Working in Admissions as a Tour Guide. Studying for the GMAT. Completing requirements for the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship.”
Why did you become a mentor: “I believe in the goals of the program and support the development of diverse students in our Elon community.”
Looking forward to about being a S.M.A.R.T. Mentor: “Continuing my time here at Elon as a mentor.”
Favorite aspect of S.M.A.R.T: “ Getting to know individuals and their goals and aspirations. I find that it is very motivating knowing that other diverse students are achieving and succeeding.”
Inspirational quote: ““If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. Don’t complain.” ” -Maya Angelou
Year at Elon: Sophomore
Major: Communications: concentration in Broadcast-Journalism
Hometown: Gastonia, N.C.
Other involvement on campus: Pheonix14 News, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc, Orientation Leader
Hobbies or interests: Traveling, spending time with family and friends, swimming, dancing, and sleeping
Living 2011-2012: Oaks Apartments
Plans for summer 2011: “Working on-campus and Orientation Leader training.”
Why did you become a mentor: “This program was very beneficial to me during my first year. I want to be a mentor because I want to help first-year students with the transition from high school to college.”
Looking forward to about being a S.M.A.R.T. mentor: “Meeting and getting to know first-year students.”
Inspirational quote: “Make the best out of your time at college. Don’t stress over something that will not benefit your time on campus. You only experience college once.” – me
Year at Elon: Senior
Major: Political Science
Minor: Communications & International Relations
Hometown: Rochester, NY
Other involvement on campus: National Pan-Hellenic Council Executive Board, DEEP, and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated
Hobbies or interests: Reading, Rugby, Writing, and Texting
Living 2011-2012: Oaks E
Plans for summer 2011: “Working with the summer camps and conferences at Elon as a Summer Facility Assistant”
Why did you become a mentor: “I became a mentor in order to contribute to the successful transition of first-year students of diversity into the Elon community.”
Looking forward to about being a S.M.A.R.T. Mentor: “Looking forward to building relationships with first year students.”
Favorite aspect of S.M.A.R.T: “The relationships that are built between mentors and mentees.”
Inspirational quote: “The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows.” Sydney Harris
Year at Elon: Sophomore
Major: Undecided but probably Political Science
Hometown: North Olmsted, O.H.
Other involvement on campus: College Democrats, Academic Enrichment Program, Intramural basketball and football, Elon Volunteers, Orientation Leader
Hobbies or interests: Weight-lifting, reading, basketball, videogames, all intramural sports, collecting playing cards, playing clarinet, and listening to music
Living 2011-2012: Danieley Apartments
Plans for summer 2011: “I am going to work at a clothing store and possible have an internship with a law firm.”
Why did you become a mentor: “I felt that it was really important to give back to the Elon community. I want to help other incoming freshman students so that they can have the best first-year Elon experience.”
Looking forward to about being a S.M.A.R.T. mentor: “Meeting each one of you.”
Inspirational quote: “They say the sky is the limit, but I ask why; because I am looking for something infinite.” – unknown
S.M.A.R.T Mentor: Jasmine Whaley
Year at Elon: Junior
Major: Political Science and International Studies
Hometown: Greensboro, N.C.
Other involvement on campus: Interfaith Intern for the Truitt Center, President of Better Together, Campus Kitchen volunteer, Muslim Student Association, Multicultural Ambassador
Hobbies or interests: Cheerleading, shoes, social activism, reading, politics, tweeting, talking
Living 2011-2012: Oaks Apartments
Plans for summer 2011: “I am traveling to Morocco for two weeks and then I will be working for Elon’s Admissions Office as a Multicultural Ambassador tour guide.”
Why did you become a mentor: “I had a wonderful experience with S.M.A.R.T. when I was a freshman and I would love for the next generation to have a similar experience.”
Looking forward to about being a S.M.A.R.T. mentor: “Being able to help students make the most of their college experience, as well as making new friends and bonding with their old ones.”
Inspirational quote: “Do or do not. There is no try.” – unknown
Year at Elon: Junior (Transfer student as a sophomore)
Major: Elementary Education
Minor: Human Services
Hometown: Lakeland, F.L.
Other involvement on campus: Elon University Gospel Choir, Epsilon Sigma Alpha, Human Services Club, Elon Volunteers
Hobbies or interests: Singing, stepping, teaching, yoga
Living 2011-2012: Crest Apartments
Plans for summer 2011: “Working at a summer camp for kindergarten – 5th grade / high school students.”
Why did you become a mentor: “To encourage diversity on Elon’s campus. Elon has excellent opportunities and I want them to be available to everyone.”
Looking forward to about being a S.M.A.R.T. mentor: “Meeting all first-year students.”
Favorite aspect of S.M.A.R.T: “You build meaningful relationships with knowledgeable people that will always be there for you.”
Inspirational quote: “If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make the change. Start with the woman in the mirror! Oh yeah! Michael Jackson .”
Year at Elon: Sophomore
Major: Communications – concentration in Broadcast-Journalism
Hometown: Baltimore, M.D.
Other involvement on campus: Gospel Choir, Multicultural Student Council, Intramurals, Limelight Records
Hobbies or interests: Basketball, music, and poetry
Plans for summer 2011: “Working for Residence Life and Elon University Admissions.”
Why did you become a mentor: “I wanted to help incoming freshman with a smoother transition into college. I also want to be a support system for incoming freshman.”
Looking forward to about being a S.M.A.R.T. mentor: “I’m looking forward to meeting new people and the opportunity to impact lives.”
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