Mentors
Academic Mentors
Rafia Authoi
Achiever, Analytical, Developer, Strategic, Competition
Schedule an appointment with Rafia
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Munshiganj, Bangladesh
Major: computer information systems
Minor: cybersecurity
Year in school: sophomore
Interests: cooking, painting, meeting new people, discovering new cuisine and culture
Why I want to be an academic mentor: As an international student, I understand firsthand how overwhelming it can feel to adjust to a new environment, culture, and academic system. When I first arrived in the U.S., I often felt lost and alone. But over time, I realized the difference it makes when someone simply offers guidance, reassurance, or a listening ear. I want to be that support system for others. Whether it's academic, social, or emotional support, I want fellow students to know they’re never alone in this journey. My leadership philosophy is rooted in both servant and transformational leadership. I genuinely find purpose in serving others and helping them grow, even in small ways. As a mentor, I hope to make life just a little bit easier for those I work with, by being present, approachable, and dependable. Mentorship also allows me to connect with people from diverse cultures, age groups, and experiences- something I deeply enjoy. I believe these connections not only help others grow, but also help me grow as a more empathetic, understanding, and well-rounded person.
Career goals: Maybe get into academia or work as a security analyst.
Advice: Academics and job prep are important, but networking is even more important. Engage with people. They don't always have to be from your major or community. Interact with everyone. Make that connection. Join all kinds of events. Be active on campus. Join RSOs, get an on-campus job. Go to office hours of professors, join TA/LA sessions. Utilize the peer mentoring programs that are available on campus. Make a study group. If you need help, do not hesitate to ask for it. Be there for others, and build your own community.
Quote: “Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.” – Simon Sinek
Macy James
Achiever, Responsibility, Ideation, Arranger, Developer
Schedule an appointment with Macy
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Calico Rock, Ark.
Program: music performance
Year in school: graduate
Interests: music, books, coffee, animals
Why I want to be an academic mentor: I want to provide a judgment-free space for anyone who seeks support. I am also disabled and want to make sure that other students who need campus resources have access to mentors who utilize them as well.
Career goals: My ultimate goal is to become a collegiate music professor.
Advice: Keep an open mind, and never accept that you know everything there is to know.
Quote: “There is a defiance in being a dreamer.” – V.E. Schwab
Conor Johanson
Relator, Achiever, Positivity, Arranger, Learner
Schedule an appointment with Conor
Pronouns: he/him/his
Hometown: Bloomfield Hills, Mich.
Major: human resource management
Minors: nonprofit administration and general business
Year in school: junior
Interests: Fantasy movies, books, and tv, professional wrestling, disc golf, and the outdoors.
Why I want to be an academic mentor: I want to help as many people as I possibly can.
Career goals: I want to be a human resources generalist at a nonprofit organization.
Advice: Try as much as possible and don't be afraid to fail.
Quote: “Take chances, make mistakes, get messy!” – Miss Frizzle, Magic School Bus
Anna Nobouphasavanh
Relator, Individualization, Futuristic, Adaptability, Restorative
Schedule an appointment with Anna
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: St. Joseph, Mich.
Major: marketing
Minor: general business
Year in school: senior
Interests: photography, videography, cameras, listening to different music, working out, food
Why I want to be an academic mentor: I want to be a mentor to improve my communication skills and be a resource to others.
Career goals: My career goals include aiming to become a better leader, networking to broaden my opportunities, and having creative freedom.
Advice: Be open to change and let it be.
Quote: “Success is how high you bounce when you hit bottom.” – George S. Patton
