Peer Mentor Staff

For questions about TSLC peer mentors, contact Chuanyao (Yao) Zheng at zhengc1@unk.edu or (308) 865-8364.

Bodhi Jelinek

bodhijelinek

Class Standing: Junior

Major: Chemistry with a Health Science emphasis (Pre-Medicine)

Hometown: Kearney, NE

What makes UNK a great choice for students?
UNK is a great choice for students because it has a tight knit community feel that will make any student feel right at home and has some of the finest educators in the Midwest.

What have you enjoyed the most in being a student at UNK?
The most enjoyable part about being a student at UNK is being a part of the Thompson Scholar Learning Community family that has given me some of my closest friends.

Interests/Hobbies/Involvement at UNK/In Community:
Hobbies/Interests: Shooting, Music, Video Games Involvement: Thompson Scholar Learning Community, Honors Program, Undergraduate Research (on hiatus this fall), KHOP

Catherine Arias

catherinearias

Class Standing: Sophomore

Major: Pre-Law and Social Work

Hometown: Lexington, NE

What makes UNK a great choice for students?
What makes UNK a great choice for students is that people truly care for your success here. You get more one on one options that I probably wouldn’t have got at a bigger school. 

What have you enjoyed the most in being a student at UNK?
What I’ve enjoyed the most in being a student at UNK is meeting new people in all the organizations I’ve become a part of because everyone is so encouraging.

Interests/Hobbies/Involvement at UNK/In Community:
I’m a part of a sorority on campus, a couple organizations in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion: Sister to Sister and Hispanic Student Association, I volunteer for the Arc of Buffalo County and Central Elementary with homework club.

Charlotte Okraska

charlotteokraska

Class Standing: Sophomore

Major: Biology

Hometown: Clay Center, NE

What makes UNK a great choice for students?
I believe that UNK is a great choice for students because it is the perfect size. It's big enough to provide almost all of the same opportunities as a larger university, yet small enough for strong, personal connections to form with students and faculty. It also has a great connection to the community, and I love the support that the campus and town provide for each other.

What have you enjoyed the most in being a student at UNK?
I come from a small town, so I have really enjoyed being able to meet new people and get out of my comfort zone without feeling too overwhelmed. I've created so many relationships that have given me a lot of direction in both my academics and personal life. 

Interests/Hobbies/Involvement at UNK/In Community:
Some of my interests/hobbies are reading, art, science, and I like doing almost anything outdoors. At UNK I've been involved in Chemistry Club and Circle K, which is a community service group.

Chloe Barkow

chloebarkow

Class Standing: Sophomore

Major: Political Science

Hometown: Superior, NE

What makes UNK a great choice for students?
I think UNK is a great choice for many reasons. The staff and professors genuinely want what is best for you and are super friendly all around campus. Also, the campus itself is small enough that you will always have a familiar face when walking around but it is still large enough that there are always new people that you have the opportunity to meet.

What have you enjoyed the most in being a student at UNK?
I really enjoy my classes and getting to know the Kearney area. I come from a small town, so for me, Kearney is the perfect step up.

Interests/Hobbies/Involvement at UNK/In Community:
I love reading (both books and just keeping up-to-date in the news), art, and music, but mostly I love anything that I can learn from. On campus, I am part of Alpha Xi Delta, Model UN, and the TSLC Community.

Corinne Bredthauer

corinnebredthauer

Class Standing: Sophomore

Major: Exercise Science

Hometown: Lincoln, NE

What makes UNK a great choice for students?
The community and the opportunities that it provides for students. Everyone is accommodating for whatever needs a student might have and the opportunities are endless; it is a place where you will be successful if you desire to be.

What have you enjoyed the most in being a student at UNK? The size of the school makes it easy to get involved, and not only be involved, but actually feel as if you are important and serve a purpose on campus. It is awesome to see familiar faces everyday and know that these people are supporting you, whether it be friends, peers, or professors.

Interests/Hobbies/Involvement at UNK/In Community:
I am involved in UNK Peer Health Education, Exercise Science Club, TSU Educational and Service Committee, and Real Truth Ministries (First Baptist). I enjoy spending time in the outdoors, working out on a regular basis, knocking the soccer ball around, and having a good time with friends.

Jazmin Matias Trejo

jazminmatiastrejo

Class Standing: Sophomore

Major: Family Studies

Hometown: Wood River, NE

What makes UNK a great choice for students?
UNK provides a large number of organizations that allow students to follow their passions and create new ones while still being able to explore their options. Not only does UNK allow an individual to grow, but this truly is a place where people can feel like they are home away from home!

What have you enjoyed the most in being a student at UNK?
I have really enjoyed being involved in numerous amount of volunteer opportunities and taking on leadership positions because I enjoy giving back the passion I have for UNK.

Interests/Hobbies/Involvement at UNK/In Community:
Some of my interests and hobbies include listening to a wide variety of music, creating DIY projects, and working out. I am actively involved in Define American and Alpha Omicron Pi and I also really enjoy attending LPAC events!

Kaylen Miller

kaylenmiller

Class Standing: Sophomore

Major: Social Work

Hometown: Stromsburg, NE

What makes UNK a great choice for students?
For me personally, UNK was a great choice because of the size of campus and the community. It is not too big but also not too small, it's just right ;). I chose Kearney because I knew that I was not going to just be a number, that my professors were going to know me by my name and actually care about how I am doing not only academically but outside of the classroom as well.

What have you enjoyed the most in being a student at UNK?
I have enjoyed being involved not only on campus but also in the community. During my high school years I was a very active student and I love that I was able to jump right back into things here in Kearney. Another huge blessing from UNK is that I have met my absolute best friends here. They have made college so much easier knowing that I always have them to support me on my best days and my worst days.

Interests/Hobbies/Involvement at UNK/In Community:
I am involved in the Thompson Scholars Learning Community, Christian Student Fellowship, Friends Program and a volunteer for Good News Club. I love the outdoors and my favorite place to be is Covenant Cedars Bible Camp. I enjoy a good blizzard from Dairy Queen, taking walks with my friends, watching the sunset/sunrise, reading my Bible, and a good cup of coffee.

Logan Johansen

loganjohansen

Class Standing: Junior

Major: International Studies, Spanish Minor

Hometown: Utica, NE

What makes UNK a great choice for students?
If you're from a small town like me, UNK is a great fit for those who want the feel of a university without feeling lost within an ocean of other students in a huge campus. It's just the right size to get to know your professors and classmates on a personal level, making connections that will last a lifetime.

What have you enjoyed the most in being a student at UNK?
My favorite part about UNK is the opportunity to get involved all across campus (not just in one area) and seeing familiar faces everywhere I go. I also enjoy the small class sizes and professors that go above and beyond for their students.

Interests/Hobbies/Involvement at UNK/In Community:
I am active in HSA, Nebraskats Show Choir, TSLC, and the Honors' program on campus. I spend most of my free time hanging out with friends, gaming, binge watching Netflix, and traveling wherever I can.

Michaela Hall

michaelahall

Class Standing: Sophomore

Major: Criminal Justice

Hometown: Stanton, NE

What makes UNK a great choice for students?
UNK is a great choice because the staff and faculty are incredible and provide a ton of support for students. Additionally, the smaller size allow students to interact more closely with those around them and form a deeper bond with fellow students and professors.

What have you enjoyed the most in being a student at UNK?
My favorite part about being a UNK student is that there have been so many great opportunities to make friends, take interesting classes, be involved in the community, and prepare for the future.

Interests/Hobbies/Involvement at UNK/In Community:
At UNK, I am involved in the Honors Program, the Criminal Justice Club, the International Justice Mission, the Thompson Scholar Learning Community, and various church organizations.

Paige Ketteler

paigeketteler

Class Standing: Sophomore

Major: Elementary Education

Hometown: Petersburg, NE

What makes UNK a great choice for students?
UNK is a great choice for students because it offers many opportunities for its students. They will get a great education, meet a lot of new people, and feel right at home.

What have you enjoyed the most in being a student at UNK?
I have enjoyed the friends I made especially through the TSLC, getting to take classes that interest me with amazing professors and being involved in clubs!

Interests/Hobbies/Involvement at UNK/In Community:
My interest includes playing intramural's mostly in softball and basketball, getting to be apart of LPAC, and doing activities for TSLC.