meet our peer mentors
Peer mentors are carefully selected to assist students during their educational journey at Gavilan College. The peer mentors focus on building a positive relationship with students in the program by sharing their experiences and supporting students to navigate the college campus with confidence.
Peer mentors can assist students with the following:
- Registration for classes.
- Fill out applications and forms.
- Schedule counseling appointments.
- Set up a Gavilan student account.
- Locate campus resources.
- Provide social support and guidance.
- Give tips on how to succeed in college.
Jessica Reed
Major: Social Justice Studies
My name is Jessica. I am truly happy to be working with Higher Aspirations and I am a current student here at Gavilan College. I grew up in the foster care system and had a troubling background that followed me into my adult years. I knew at the age of twelve that I wanted to give back to the community. Although life was rough when I was younger, I learned through my obstacles that my life was my story to tell. I want to share my story to inspire others to reach their goals so they can be the next success story. Sometimes we have to unlearn our old way of living and learn a new way to live in order to become a better version of ourselves so that we can have the capability to live out our dreams. I would really love to meet you. Please stop by and see if our program is what you are looking for. I would love to help you in creating a fresh new start.
"Isaiah 54:17"
Mario Castro
Major: Sociology
My name is Mario. I have the desire to reach at risk youth with a message of hope and redemption. I joined Higher Aspiration because this program supports and represents students that are formally incarcerated such as myself. Becoming a peer mentor has given me the opportunity to give back to the community and this has brought joy to me. As a peer mentor, I will do my best to support and encourage students on their educational journey. My goal at Gavilan College is to get my degree in Sociology with the intent of becoming a Youth Counselor. My inspiration comes from the lack of a guiding presence within my life. God’s Love has been instrumental in renewing my mind and giving me an identity. Galatians 2:20 says “I have been crucified with Christ; It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me."
Skyler Stelcheck
Major: Psychology
My name is Skyler. I am a peer mentor with Higher Aspirations here at Gavilan College. Life led me down a troubled past, which resulted in me adopting a growth mindset and seeking higher learning. Now, I have dedicated a large portion of my life to helping others seek the same growth that I, myself, desire.
Sylvia Gamez
Major: Social Justice Studies
My name is Sylvia. I’m 45 years old and have been attending Gavilan College consistently since fall of 2022. Over the years, I have had lived experiences with the justice system that stems from domestic abuse that I was unable to cope with or face. Education has always been a factor in my life, in and out of incarceration. I chose to learn and use the skills and tools that I have learned over the years, so that I can better myself, my life and future, and create a career that I always felt I was never good enough to accomplish in the past. I am currently studying Social Justice Studies and want to focus on family and criminal law, as well as becoming a child and family social worker to create a bridge for others who are currently or have been affected by the justice system. I realized the importance that Higher Aspirations and my education has offered me. I took those opportunities and am now paving a path for success by being present and available to others who have or continue to experience incarceration.
"#InOrderToChangeYouMustChangeYourThoughts
#IfYouDontFailYoureNotEvenTrying
#ToGetSomethingYouNeverHadYouHaveToDoSomethingYouNeverDid"
-Denzel Washington