Testimonios

Let us see what our mentors and mentees have to say. Read on...

female sitting in front on the stairs

Why should incoming freshman/transfer students apply to be mentees?
“Becoming part of the mentoring group of LAS GANAS is an amazing first step when starting college. Being a freshman again can be scary since you are basically starting a new chapter of your adulthood. Being part of this group brings a lot of benefits which include scholarship opportunities, various events you can attend, a personal mentor who can help you with anything and so much more! Don’t be scared to be part of something that will be a good head start to your college career! Being part of this group is a good way to make friends, be part more involved at UIC and get to know more about the university!”

Cindy Vilchiz - L@S GANAS Mentee  |  Major: Biological Sciences
man smiling with a grey sweater

How has being a mentor helped you, and what have you gained from this program?

“Ever since I joined the program I have felt a sense of fulfillment knowing that my experiences at UIC have helped others make better choices. Helping newcomers, just like I was, have a sense of community at UIC and know someone is there for them. Having a system of support for myself was really helpful in knowing that someone is there to listen to my own struggles as well.”

Ramon Diaz-Ruvalcaba - L@S GANAS Mentor  |  Major: Biological Sciences
Man smiling with grey shirt
How has being a mentor helped you, and what have you gained from this program?
Being a mentor has helped me become more confident in the things I do. I used to be shy and would refrain from talking to others because I believed people wouldn’t care what I had to share. Upon becoming a mentor, I learned that every single piece of advice you have goes a long way in helping someone else who might be going through a similar experience you had in the past. Mentorship is enriching for both the mentor and mentee. I would definitely, without a doubt, participate in any mentoring opportunity offered because it’s not just about building your own career path but about leaving the door open for others to follow your steps and reach their goals any way they wish.”
Jaime Sosa - L@S GANAS Mentor  |  Major: Biological Sciences
Girl sitting on a chair

How has being a mentor helped you, and what have you gained from this program?

“Being a mentor has not only given me the experience of a tight-knit community at UIC, but it has also made me feel validated and heard as a Latinx student. The department does an amazing job at putting together events and seminars where we can all interact, even online with COVID-19 impacting our lives. They also did an amazing job at pairing me with a mentee… We have so much in common and get along great! She feels more like a friend to me than anything else.”

Alyssa Redini Ramos - L@S GANAS Mentor  |  Major: Biological Sciences
male wearing a black t shirt with a cross and another necklace around his neck. Wearing wireless headphones, holding a phone in front of a mirror which displays himself.

What one thing about UIC do you wish you had known before you started?⠀
“I wish I had known sooner about all the support programs offered to pre-health students, I feel like I would have gotten more out of my college experience if I had accessed them earlier in my undergrad.”⠀
What do you enjoy doing during your spare time?⠀
“Outside of my studies I like to work out regularly, I find it to be a really good way for me to destress and clear my mind, especially during exam season. Aside from that I’m into photography, watching Netflix, and trying new food places.”

Andres Gascon - L@s GANAS Mentor  |  Majors in Criminology, Law and Justice, & Integrated Health Studies
woman with curly hair sitting in a cream couch wearing jeans, a black long sleeve with her arms crossed and a tan cardigan over her long sleeve.

What one thing about UIC do you wish you had known before you started?⠀
“I wish I had gotten involved sooner with organizations on campus! My freshman year I wasn’t involved at all, but after exposing myself to more orgs and becoming more involved on campus my sophomore through senior years, I wish I had joined them sooner. I have met some of my best friends through different orgs and I highly encourage everyone to step out of their comfort zone and be more involved throughout college!”⠀
What do you enjoy doing during your spare time?⠀
“I love to workout and stay active! I love going for runs by the lakefront or just spending time outside along with trying new foods!”

Yasmeen Ali - L@s GANAS Mentor  |  Major in Biological Sciences | Minor in Spanish
male with a white shirt, curly hair with volume, glancing at the camera.

What one thing about UIC do you wish you had known before you started?⠀⠀⁣
“I wish I knew how fast classes fill up, I’d stay up to sign up at 12:00 am if I knew.”⁣
⁣What do you enjoy doing during your spare time?⠀⁣
“One of my favorite things to do in my free time is hiking. Hiking allows me to be in nature and it relieves any stress I may have had and clears my mind. In addition to this, I love music. I listen to almost every type of music and enjoy them all. I play basketball and embroider as well.”⁣
⁣

“P.S – I could beat Freddy in a 1 on 1 basketball game.”

Lorenzo Ramirez - L@s GANAS Mentee  |  Major in Biological Sciences
male wearing ccache shorts, a black t-shirt, and a bookbag with yellow straps, sitting on a brown bench in front of some plants

What one thing about UIC do you wish you had known before you started?⠀
“I wish I had known about the importance that it is to create a community. UIC is a big school and you can sometimes feel lost in it all, but if you find that community then it won’t seem that big because you’ll have people to keep you centered.”⠀
What do you enjoy doing during your spare time?⠀
“I love listening to music. I have my headphones on almost the whole time I’m on campus. From Anderson .Paak to Aventura, you’ll find me bopping my head.“

Alejandro Gomez - L@s GANAS Mentor  |  Major in Integrated Health Studies