The Role of An Owl Access Peer Leader: Empowering Future FGLI Scholars for Success
Being an Owl Access Peer Leader is a vital and rewarding role, central to the success of incoming first-generation and/or limited-income (FGLI) students as they navigate their first year at Rice University. Peer Leaders serve as dedicated mentors, guides, and supporters, helping to shape the transition experience for new students, both during the Owl Access program and throughout their first two semesters on campus.
Mentorship & Guidance
As a Peer Leader, they are the go-to resource for incoming FGLI students, providing them with the essential support they need to adjust to college life. Their role is not only about answering questions but also offering personalized guidance as students explore the academic, social, and interpersonal aspects of their new environment. They help demystify the college experience by sharing their own journey, offering advice, and creating a welcoming space for students to express their concerns, hopes, and ambitions.
Building a Supportive Community
One of the most important aspects of being a Peer Leader is fostering a sense of belonging and community. Transitioning to college can be overwhelming, especially for students who may be the first in their family to attend a university or come from limited-income backgrounds. Peer leaders play a key role in helping these students feel connected and confident by cultivating relationships with them and their fellow FGLI peers. Through small group discussions, social activities, and one-on-one check-ins, they help them build friendships and networks that will last far beyond their first year.
Sharing Resources & Knowledge
They also serve as a bridge to the many resources available at Rice, ensuring that new FGLI students are aware of the support systems they can access. Whether it’s introducing them to the Student Success Initiatives (SSI) team, helping them navigate financial aid, or guiding them toward academic advising and wellness services, their role is to make sure students are empowered with the knowledge they need to thrive.
Facilitating Key Workshops & Panels
As a Peer Leader, they will have the opportunity to facilitate workshops and events that address the unique needs of FGLI students. From tackling imposter syndrome to navigating campus culture, their role is to help equip new students with practical tools and strategies for overcoming challenges and building confidence. By sharing their own experiences and moderating discussions with faculty, staff, and fellow students, you provide invaluable insight into how to successfully navigate life at Rice.
Continuing Support Beyond Owl Access
Their role as a Peer Leader doesn’t end with the Owl Access program. They'll continue to be a resource and mentor throughout the first two semesters, providing ongoing support and helping students adapt to the evolving challenges of their first year. Through regular check-ins, monthly group meetings, and involvement in campus activities, they’ll maintain a strong connection with their cohort, ensuring that no student feels isolated or unsure of where to turn.
Why Become a Peer Leader?
Becoming an Owl Access Peer Leader is not only a chance to make a difference in the lives of new FGLI students but also an opportunity for students to grow as leaders. You will develop strong communication, problem-solving, and mentoring skills, all while forming lasting relationships with both students and fellow Peer Leaders. It’s a meaningful way to give back to the Rice FGLI community, and the impact you make will resonate for years to come.
By helping FGLI students navigate their transition to Rice, you’ll be contributing to their success in college and beyond, playing a crucial role in shaping their future.
For more information or questions about becoming a 2027-28 Peer Leader, please contact Associate Director of FGLI Student Support, Ariana Hudson, ah225@rice.edu
2026-2027 Owl Access Student Director
Stacy Couillard
Senior
Majors: Sports Medicine & Exercise Physiology, Public Health
Minors: African & African American Studies, Sociology
Croydon, PA
Duncan College
2026-2027 Owl Access Peer Leaders
Steven Burgess
Senior
Major: Media Studies: Film/Photography
Minors: Politics, Law & Social Thought, Latin American and Latinx Studies
Glendale,AZ
Chao College
Jenny In
Junior
Major: Psychology
Minors: Statistics, Business
South Korea
Martel College
Rocio Vides
Junior
Major: Political Science
Minor: Politics, Law, and Social Thought
Chester, VA
Wiess College
Zeiona White
Junior
Major: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Minor: Engineering Design
Laveen, AZ
Wiess College
Mariam Elsharkawy
Senior
Majors: Biochemistry and Chemistry
Minor: Data Science
Houston, TX
Chao College
Rachel Jeong
Sophomore
Majors: Cognitive Sciences, Media Studies
Minors: Religion, Spanish Certificate
Saint Paul, MN
Baker College
Eowyn Thornhill
Sophomore
Major: Mathematics
Minors: Data Science, Creative Writing
Plainview, TX
Chao College
Nailah Pierre
Junior
Major: Psychology
Minor: Business
Miami, FL
Brown College
Alivia-Rae Green
Junior
Major: Business - Finance
Minor: Spanish Certificate
Houston, TX
Chao College
Joshua Adegoke
Senior
Majors: Political Science, Sociology
Minors: Politics, Law & Social Thought
Houston, TX
Duncan College
Zaira Moreno
Sophomore
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Minor: Engineering Design
Labelle, FL
Chao College
Bryan Ibarra
Senior
Major: Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Houston, TX
Lovett College
Mark Tarkany
Sophomore
Major: Business
Minor: Economics
Clifton, NJ
Brown College
Jenny Sohn
Senior
Major: Economics
Flower Mound, TX
Martel College
