How I Went from Student to Peer Advisor: The Journey That Changed Everything

By Amanda Lee, Peer Advisor

When I first started college, I had no idea what to expect. The sheer volume of information coming at me — from deadlines to professors to course material — was overwhelming. I struggled with self-doubt, and I often felt like I was barely treading water. Then I found myself talking to a peer advisor, someone who’d been in my shoes just a year earlier. That conversation shifted my entire college experience.

I never imagined that one day, I’d be the person offering that same guidance to other students. But that's how it started — a conversation that changed my perspective, and eventually, my path.

When I became a peer advisor, I had no idea how rewarding it would be. I thought the job would be simple — offer advice, help with basic questions, and guide others through the college maze. But what I discovered was something much more profound: it was about creating connections, offering empathy, and being someone who could help others see beyond their immediate struggles.

The Power of a Peer Advisor

The first time I helped a student with their registration process, I had an “aha” moment. She was a freshman, wide-eyed and stressed out about choosing courses. She had questions about prerequisites, about balancing workloads, about whether she was even on the right track. I remember being in her shoes not long ago, when I had to navigate that same uncertainty.

In that moment, I didn’t just offer answers; I gave her something more. I shared my own experience — how I struggled with choosing courses in my first year and how I later learned the importance of balancing academic and personal growth. By just listening and guiding her through it, I helped her see that she wasn’t alone. The anxiety about registration wasn’t a crisis, but just one of many small steps toward a bigger picture.

That's when it hit me: being a peer advisor was about so much more than answering questions. It was about being a source of support in a space where students often feel isolated.

Navigating the College Experience

What made the experience even more meaningful for me was seeing the bigger picture. As a peer advisor, I didn't just offer academic advice; I became a sounding board for students navigating their own self-doubts, social challenges, and the pressure to perform. College isn’t just about coursework — it’s about figuring out who you are, building resilience, and learning how to adapt. And I learned this first-hand as I helped others.

For example, I helped one student who was struggling with homesickness and isolation. She had just moved to the U.S. from a small town in India, and the cultural differences were overwhelming. She was anxious about making friends and fitting in. I shared my own experiences as an international student and how I struggled with similar feelings when I first arrived. I told her it’s okay to feel out of place and that it’s a process — one where every small step counts. By the end of our conversation, she was more at ease. We even found an on-campus cultural club that she could join to meet people with similar experiences. That’s the power of peer advising — it’s not just about solving a problem; it’s about fostering a sense of belonging.

What I Wish Students Knew About Peer Advisors

Looking back, there are a few things I wish more students knew about peer advising:

We’ve Been There. Peer advisors are not just here to “tell you what to do.” We’ve walked the same path and faced the same challenges. We’ve had to navigate the confusion of choosing courses, handling stress, and finding a community. We understand because we’ve been in your shoes.
You Don’t Have to Have It All Figured Out. So many students come to us feeling like they’re failing because they haven’t figured out their career path or what they want to study. But trust me, most of us didn’t figure it all out in our first year. It’s okay to take time to explore and find what resonates with you.
It’s Okay to Ask for Help. You don’t have to go through college alone. There’s no shame in reaching out for help. Whether it’s about course selection, adjusting to campus life, or finding your career path, we’re here to help you navigate it. We can’t give you all the answers, but we can help you find your way.
It’s a Two-Way Relationship. Being a peer advisor isn’t just about me giving advice — it’s also about learning from the students I help. Every conversation offers me new perspectives and insights, and I get to grow too. It’s a mutual exchange that benefits both the advisor and the student.

Why I Keep Doing It

Why do I continue being a peer advisor, even after I’ve gotten the advice I needed? Because I’ve seen firsthand the impact it has on both students and myself. The connections I’ve made, the students I’ve helped, and the lessons I’ve learned — they’ve shaped my college experience in ways I never imagined.

If you’re a student who’s struggling, or even just wondering if you’re on the right track, don’t hesitate to reach out to a peer advisor. We’re here for more than just answering questions — we’re here to help you feel seen, heard, and supported. The journey might be tough, but you don’t have to walk it alone.