STEP Mentors

Hello everyone! My name is Tayba Abdalkaby. I am an English major and I am a commuter from Lynn, Massachusetts. I am a first generation student and I am a senior at Salem State University. My main goal is to have the opportunity to teach English as a Second Language and speak the Spanish language fluently. An interesting fact about me is that my first language is Arabic. Also, I love to reach out to people in any way possible to help them, which is the reason why I wanted to join the STEP mentors program. At the beginning of my freshmen year, I was overwhelmed by everything that I had to face such as picking the right major or not knowing how to register for my classes when spring semester arrived. I am thankful for the STEP program that helped me with every step that I took in my first year and I can't wait to be as helpful to everyone as STEP was helpful for me

Hi, my name is Rudy Aviles, I moved to Massachusetts four years ago from El Salvador. I'll be a junior this upcoming fall. I'm studying business administration with a concentration in management information system with a minor in math and information technology. I am passionate about soccer and math. I speak fluent Spanish and really enjoy helping others. In my free time, I like to play the guitar and listen to soft guitar solos. I participated as a mentee in the STEP program and now I'm grateful to have this amazing opportunity to be part of your successful first-year experience as my mentor and coach made it for me.

Hello! My name is Katelen Pangilinan and I am currently a junior at Salem State. I am a nursing major who commutes from Lynn, Massachusetts. My goal for the future is to become a neonatal nurse. An interesting fact about me is that I have a twin sister and we do not look anything alike. Also, my transition from high school to college was very smooth because of the STEP program. Being a part of this had made a positive impact, which is why I chose to become a STEP peer mentor. I can't wait to help many students and give them an experience that I enjoyed very much. I look forward to meeting with all of you!

My name is Stephany Bernadeau and I am currently a sophomore here at Salem State University. I am majoring in nursing, minoring in biology and French. I’m from Boston, Massachusetts but I live on campus during the school year and originally, I am from Port-Au-Prince, Haiti. My goal for the future is to become a forensic traveling nurse. My first-year experience with STEP is something I will treasure for the rest of my time in school. STEP has help me a lot with the transition from high school to college both academically and socially. As a STEP peer mentor, I want to be able to help others have as good of an experience as I did. I’m glad I will have the chance to work with all of you this upcoming year, can’t wait to meet all of you! See you soon!

My name is Keliana Doyle and I’m a sophomore here at Salem State University, majoring in Criminal Justice and minoring in Psychology and Spanish. It is my dream to be a special agent with the FBI. My experience with STEP has been nothing but amazing, helpful, and successful. There is no other program like it here at Salem State and I appreciate every part of it! I can’t wait for you to experience our great programs and excellent mentors and coaches. Being a part of your first year means so much to me as a mentor! Can’t wait to see you!

Hello, my name is Lenn Darla Jean Gilles. I am a Nursing Major and a commuter from Lynn, Massachusetts. I am a first generation student and I am currently a sophomore at Salem State University. I aspire to be a nurse midwife and I have a passion for makeup. This will be my second year being part of the STEP program. I joined the step program because as a first generation student I didn't have the resources and information from my parents regarding what I needed to be a successful college student. With the help of STEP, the program was able to provide me with necessary information and help in order for me to have a smooth transition my first year here at Salem State University.

Hello, my name is Brianna Molten and I am a senior here at Salem State University. I am a healthcare studies major with a minor in American Studies. I have been with STEP for my freshman and sophomore year and I loved every moment of it. With participating in this program, I have gained more confidence and independence in myself that I never thought would’ve came so fast. I wish to share with my future mentees valuable skills so they will be able to take and apply them for the rest of their time here at Salem State.

My name is Suzanne Musema. I am currently a sophomore at Salem State University majoring in Social Work. I have recently declared a minor in women and gender studies. I want a career where I work directly with my community, helping people reach their full potential and succeed in life. I live in Lynn, Massachusetts and commute to school. My involvement with STEP my freshman year made the school year a lot more manageable and less daunting. So as a first-year STEP mentor, I am excited to be given the opportunity to do the same for someone else. I look forward to meeting all of you.

Hi, my name is Elsy Sanchez. I was born in Boston and grew up in Honduras. I moved from Honduras about four years ago and now I live in Chelsea Massachusetts. I’m currently undeclared but I want to be a Biology major. I’m passionate about learning about the different cultures, traveling, volunteering and helping others. I had the opportunity to be part of STEP, it was an amazing and beneficial experience for me because it helped me navigate successfully through my first year in college. Having the support and guidance from my mentor and STEP coach made me realized I was capable and I belonged at Salem State University

Hey everyone! My name is Alexis Sweeney but I prefer Lexie. I’m from Mattapoisett, Massachusetts, but I live on campus during the school year as well as this summer. I’m a junior majoring in education and minoring in English and psychology. I’m a member of a spoken word group in Urban Arts Theatre, and have been in STEP for the past two years. I have a passion for working with people, poetry, and all other forms of art. I’m looking forward to being an extra resource for you as STEP was for me! We’re going to have a solid year, see you in the fall!