Peer mentorship guides first-generation engineering students

For first-generation students, the first year of college can be a daunting task. Navigating class schedules, professors and new living situations often leave them feeling lost and overwhelmed. But at the Texas A&M University College of Engineering, first-generation students are met with the support they need through the First-Generation Engineering (FGEn) Students Mentoring Program. Administered by Student Engagement for Academic Success (SEAS), the program guides hundreds of students every year.

Shanta Stiles, a senior double-majoring in electrical engineering and microbiology with minors in computer science and mathematics, has served as a peer mentor for FGEn students for two years.

When Stiles started at Texas A&M, she received group mentorship but lacked a one-on-one connection with a peer mentor. Now, through the FGEn Mentoring Program, she is helping provide students with a more well-rounded experience. During the Fall 2025 semester, Stiles had three mentees, who, she met with biweekly.

“I love being a mentor,” Stiles said. “I love taking all of the information I’ve gathered and sharing it with other students who are trying to figure stuff out. Plus, the experience of double-majoring allows me to share a wider perspective to my mentees.”

As a mentor, Stiles wants to create a space for her mentees to take a deep breath, ask questions and remain grounded. For first-generation students, this can be incredibly beneficial.

“I get to hear about what is going on in their life, what they’re struggling with, and their successes. They learn from me, and I learn from them,” Stiles said. “As a senior, I don’t have much time to keep up with campus life, but I get to hear from my mentees about their stories and experiences, which helps me stay connected.”

Han Nguyen, a freshman general engineering student, was mentored by Stiles during the Fall 2025 semester. She highlighted her approach as extremely helpful for his first year of college.

“Shanta emphasized the importance of maintaining high academic goals while balancing personal time, which has prevented me from experiencing heavy work fatigue and helped me push through my coursework,” Nguyen said. “Through Shanta, I’ve become exposed to the different resources Texas A&M offers and the whole process of choosing a major, giving me reassurance in my academic journey.”

While mentoring has many positives, it can sometimes be difficult. Stiles highlights a lack of motivation as the biggest obstacle she encounters in mentees, but does her best to guide them through it.

“I give them resources and make sure they are aware of events and opportunities on campus, but it’s ultimately up to them to take the information and use it,” Stiles said. “I often tell them, ‘I can’t go for you, but you should go.’”

All FGEn mentors and SEAS staff meet once a month, and the feedback from other mentors and leadership gives Stiles help when necessary. This includes guidance from Dr. Samuel Merriweather, SEAS senior director.

“I had one mentee who was very unmotivated to explore campus life. I was able to talk to Dr. Merriweather about it and get advice from him on how to help the student,” Stiles said. “I also gain valuable perspectives from the other mentors and sometimes adapt the ways they helped their mentees to help my own.”

Ultimately, Stiles finds that honesty is the best policy when mentoring, for the mentor and the mentee.

“If you’re honest with your mentees, it helps build a bond and makes them feel comfortable being honest, too,” Stiles said. “I offer them my experience, tell them to take it with a grain of salt, and ask that they share their experience with me.”

Exhibiting the Aggie Core Values of leadership and selfless service, Stiles’ work speaks for itself. One mentee highlighted her tutelage as a lifeline for their first semester of college. 

“Shanta has been amazing this year,” Briana Zelaskowski said. “She took the time to teach me how to build a strong resume and always offered practical, personalized advice. Her guidance has made my freshman year feel so much more manageable.” 

As the program enters a new mentoring period, Stiles encourages upperclassmen to consider becoming a peer mentor.

“Mentoring is the perfect place to share your experience with someone who has no roadmap for college,” Stiles said. “It’s been really rewarding to give back to the Aggie community by helping my underclassmen.”