Meet the FYE Coaches
The First Year Experience coaches are here to help new students make the most of their first year at university. Coaches from different backgrounds and academic disciplines, these experienced coaches assist students in developing strategies to make the most of their freshman experience. They are equipped to help students plan their courses, offer advice on campus resources, and provide mentorship throughout the year. Coaches are dedicated to helping you find strategies to succeed in college and make conversations with professors, peers and faculty members easier. Leverage this free resource to assist with the transitions and transitions of your university experience.
FYE Coaches 2023-2024
Melody Nnadi
How long as an FYE coach?This is my first year as an FYE coach.
Why did you become an FYE coach?
I became an FYE coach because I was drawn to the opportunity to support and guide students during their transition to college life. I have a passion for helping others succeed and thrive academically and personally, and being in this position allows me to make a positive impact on students' lives during this period.
Fun fact:
I aspire to be president of Nigeria someday.
Lydia Oviedo
How long as an FYE coach?
This is my first year as an FYE coach.
Why did you become an FYE coach?
I joined FYE because I’ve always had a passion for helping people. I started college during the COVID era when everything was online, and while I was a freshman at a different institution, I didn’t get the help I needed, so I want to be that for other students.
Fun fact:
I love yoga!
Andrea Castillo
How long as an FYE coach?
This is my first year as an FYE coach.
Why did you become an FYE coach?
I am from Colombia and as an FYE coach, I want to serve, help, and guide new students to adapt to the university rhythm and improve their experiences on campus. Also, I want to guide and support students in each activity and achievement they have during their first year.
Fun fact:
I love all sports! I’ve played different sports since I was 4, and I love animals!
Hannah Jarrett
How long as an FYE coach?
This is my first year as an FYE coach.
Why did you become an FYE coach?
I became an FYE coach because I wanted to mentor someone else. I was helped by her FYE coach during her freshman year, so I hope to help my students the same way.
Fun fact:
I took ASL for four years during high school, and I want to become fluent.
Ana Romero
How long as an FYE coach?
This is my first year as an FYE coach.
Why did you become an FYE coach?
I am excited for my first year as an FYE coach. I wanted to be a part of the team to help students transition from high school to college, as that can be difficult.
Fun fact:
I love my hometown of Houston, music, and I am a Pisces.
Nicolas Aldana Riveros
How long as an FYE coach?
This is my first year as an FYE coach.
Why did you become an FYE coach?
I want the opportunity to help new students reach their goals and make them feel comfortable while they are on campus.
Fun fact:
I am fluent in Spanish and enjoy hanging out with friends.
Sebastian Romanos
How long as an FYE coach?
This is my first year as an FYE coach.
Why did you become an FYE coach?
I became an FYE coach because, when I was a freshman, I didn't know I had someone to help me, so now I am able to provide that help for someone else. I want to help new students academically and socially.
Fun fact:
I love to watch basketball and soccer!
Ever
How long as an FYE coach?
This is my second year as an FYE coach.
Why did you become an FYE coach?
I became an FYE coach because the program helped me when I first got here, and my goal is to provide the same support that was received by other students.
Fun fact:
I am double majoring in history and political science.
Marcelo Flores
How long as an FYE coach?
This is my second year as an FYE coach.
Why did you become an FYE coach?
I became an FYE coach to heavily influence new students to use all the resources provided by the university.
Fun fact:
I love Star Wars (but not the sequels).
James Robinson
How long as an FYE coach?
This is my first year as an FYE coach.
Why did you become an FYE coach?
I became an FYE coach to inform students about how to balance themselves in their pursuit of higher education, to show inclusively to students, and to guide them through programs offered on campus. His goal is to help all rising scholars adjust to their first year.
Fun fact:
I work at the front desk at the Ace Center, and I am very open to all questions about advising.
Jazmine Phillips
How long as an FYE coach?
This is my third year as an FYE coach.
Why did you become an FYE coach?
I am an FYE coach because I remembers what it was like to be a freshman and be on her own for the first time. Having mentors and resources on campus and readily available reduced the stress of being on my own.
Fun fact:
I love decorating and organizing!
Alyssa Smith
How long as an FYE coach?
This is my first year as an FYE coach.
Why did you become an FYE coach?
I became an FYE coach because when I was a freshman, I needed extra guidance with resources on campus, so my goal is to help incoming students have someone to provide them with that information and give them guidance throughout the year, as well as give them the best freshman experience possible.
Fun fact:
My favorite food is spicy ramen!
Aarya Sethi
How long as an FYE coach?
This is my first year as an FYE coach.
Why did you become an FYE coach?
Aarya Sethi became an FYE coach to help students have a smooth transition to university experience and to help them grow and learn together.
Fun fact:
I love cats and she wish she could pet as many as she can!
Samyam Pyakurel
How long as an FYE coach?
This is my first year as an FYE coach.
Why did you become an FYE coach?
I wanted to be an FYE coach because I understand how overwhelming it can be to drift into college from high school and I saw the opportunity to try and help students in any possible way on their early steps of college life.
Fun fact:
I love drawing and Taylor Swift holds my heart!