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.
Mario Guerra
Administration of Justice
I am a 53-year-old, first-generation college student and recent high school graduate whose journey has been shaped by lived experience, resilience, and transformation. I am formerly incarcerated and was once gang affiliated, experiences that deeply inform my commitment to growth, accountability, and service. Today, I am a circle keeper facilitating men’s healing circles at the South County Reentry Resource Center through Carry the Vision, where I support others as they navigate reentry and healing. My faith is central to my life. I am a devout Christian who participates in several Bible studies. I enjoy drawing as well as reading true crime and religious books.
I am heavily involved in my community and believe strongly in showing up for others. I participate in outreach efforts to feed the less fortunate and plan to remain actively involved with the reentry center, continuing to support formerly incarcerated individuals as they rebuild their lives. Human connection and personal relationships are deeply important to me, and I believe healing and progress happen best when people feel seen, supported, and understood.
Through higher education, I aspire to be a bridge to the community because we build too many walls and not enough bridges. I am especially passionate about supporting Higher Aspirations students and other first-generation college students, particularly those who may feel isolated or unsure how to navigate college without family guidance. I want people to know they do not have to suffer in silence, that it is okay to ask for help, and that they are not alone. My goal is to be a trusted resource and guide for those who need support, encouragement, and hope.
Odalys "Oddy" Gomez
Psychology & Health Science
I am very grateful to be part of Higher Aspirations. When I first joined the program in 2024, I felt lost and unsure of how to navigate Gavilan College. With the guidance, encouragement, and support of my peer mentor and counselor, I gained the confidence, knowledge, and resources I needed to succeed. Their belief in me inspired me to become a peer mentor so that I can provide the same support to other students as they begin their own educational journeys.
As a first-generation college student, I understand how overwhelming college can feel, especially when you are trying to navigate a new environment and may not know where to turn for help. I am committed to being someone students can rely on for guidance, encouragement, and support. My goal is to listen without judgment, connect students with helpful resources, and remind them that they do not have to navigate their college journey alone.
I believe that life can present many challenges, but those challenges do not have to define our future. We are here to learn, grow, and support one another. By showing compassion, offering a helping hand, and believing in each other’s potential, we can overcome difficult times together.
As a Peer Mentor, I hope to help strengthen our community by encouraging students to believe in themselves, recognize their strengths, and continue pursuing their goals and dreams. Sometimes, having someone who listens, understands, and says, “You can do this,” can make all the difference.
John Leblanc
Engineering (Civil)
I am a 44-year-old, first-generation college student whose journey has been shaped by resilience, recovery, education, and a commitment to helping others. I experienced homelessness for 12 years, and my six years of sobriety helped bring me home and gave me the opportunity to rebuild my life. Today, I am a homeowner, have earned my driver’s license, and continue to pursue my educational and professional goals.
In 2008, I earned my GED through Milpitas Adult Education while at the Milpitas Corrections Facility. I have been attending Gavilan College for nearly three years and recently graduated in May 2026 with an Associate Degree in General Education with a focus in HVAC. Through Higher Aspirations, I have also participated as an AEC student with disabilities. My educational journey is not over. I plan to earn another associate degree in engineering at Gavilan College and eventually transfer to Chico State to pursue my bachelor’s degree.
I am proud to serve as a Peer Mentor with Higher Aspirations. My personal experiences with homelessness, recovery, the correctional system, and overcoming difficult circumstances allow me to connect with people who may feel that change is out of reach. I understand firsthand how challenging it can be to rebuild your life, find purpose, and believe in yourself again. My goal as a peer mentor is to listen without judgment, share what I have learned, encourage others, and help people recognize their own potential.
My commitment to service also extends to The Salvation Army. After graduating from the Salvation Army program in St. Petersburg, Florida, I returned home to Hollister and continued volunteering with The Salvation Army of Hollister. I became a Salvation Army Soldier and a member of the Spanish church band. When I am available, I volunteer at the food pantry every Friday from 1:00–3:00 p.m. I also participate in community events, including spring cleanups and holiday bell-ringing.
As a Salvation Army Soldier, I am also able to help connect individuals struggling with addiction to recovery resources, including assistance with accessing a bed at an Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) when available.
My journey has taught me that where you come from does not determine where you can go. I want to use my experiences, education, recovery, and service to help others move forward, believe in themselves, and create a better future.
Jose Chavez
Water Resource Management
I have been a student at Gavilan College since 2024, where I am majoring in Water and Wastewater Management. As a first-generation college student, returning to school after more than 10 years was a life-changing decision. After spending years away from education and feeling uncertain about my direction, I realized that I wanted to build a better future for myself and make a meaningful difference in my community.
Choosing to attend Gavilan College gave me the opportunity to grow both personally and academically. Along the way, I have been fortunate to become part of a supportive community of faculty, staff, and fellow students who encourage and empower students to pursue their education, achieve their goals, and create better lives for themselves.
As a Peer Mentor, I want to give back by supporting students who may be facing challenges or uncertainty in their own educational journey. I understand that returning to school or starting college for the first time can feel overwhelming, and I hope to be someone students can turn to for encouragement, guidance, and support. I believe that sometimes having someone who listens and understands can make a meaningful difference.
I am a hardworking and dedicated individual who believes in giving back and helping others who are committed to creating positive change. My goal is to use my education and experiences to serve my community, protect our water resources, and contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future. As a Peer Mentor, I hope to encourage others to believe in themselves, pursue their goals, and recognize that it is never too late to create a new path forward.