Mentors
Jordan Bates ‘23 (he/him/his)
Position: 2022-23 Academic Year Mentor
Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
Major: Chemistry (minors in Education and REMS)
Why I wanted to be a part of Stroud: I remember first reading about Stroud and being amazed at how much was being offered to the scholars. As a Black person, the fact that Stroud is all in the name of two spectacular Black individuals is particularly heart-warming, and as someone who is invested in equitable education, Stroud represents an educational opportunity that is so amazing and rare and beautiful. I knew that I had to be a part of it in whatever way I could.
Favorite thing about CC: Campus Activities has been giving out a lot of free stuff recently, and I'm a huge fan of not paying for things.
One piece of advice I'd give to high schoolers: Keep a journal. It's a great way to learn more about yourself, and looking back is a good reminder that you can always change.
Avery Carrington '24
Position: 2022-23 Academic Year Mentor
Hometown: Springfield, Massachusetts
Major: English- Creative Writing
Why I wanted to be a part of Stroud: I want to offer myself as a guide to incoming college students that share a similar background to me!
Favorite thing about CC: My favorite thing about CC is participating/ watching the Dance Workshop performances that happen every semester
One piece of advice I'd give to high schoolers: Is to always communicate with your professors!
Alexandra Flores '26
Position: 2022-23 Academic Year Mentor
Hometown: Brownsville, Texas and Matamoros, Tamaulipas Mexico
Major: Undeclared but leaning towards Psychology
Why I wanted to be a part of Stroud: I wanted to become a Stroud Mentor because I love the opportunities the Stroud Program gives students. I did not come into this program thinking I was going to be the best mentor. Instead, I saw this mentorship as an opportunity to grow as a person, to provide insight of college life, the pros and cons of Colorado College, and give advice I wish I would have received my high school years.
Favorite thing about CC: Spanish House
One piece of advice I'd give to high schoolers: Not everyone is going to like you, so instead of pleasing other, focus on pleasing yourself.
Jessa Granata '23
Position: 2022-23 Academic Year Mentor
Hometown: Pueblo, Colorado
Major: Psychology
Why I wanted to be a part of Stroud: I am so passionate about its mission! There are so many intelligent, creative, hardworking students out there who would excel in college, but face barriers due to their circumstances. This is a loss to us all, but especially to those individuals.
Favorite thing about CC: The amount of support and opportunities available
One piece of advice I'd give to high schoolers: Don't take things too seriously, you can make mistakes, learn from them, and come out alive.
Isabella Hageman '24
Position: 2022-23 Academic Year Mentor
Hometown: Tea, South Dakota
Major: Psychology, Education Minor
Why I wanted to be a part of Stroud: I wanted to be a Stroud Mentor because I love working with students and being a resource for them if they need help/advice on anything. I also believe in the in the goal of the Stroud Scholars Program, which is to make college more accessible. As a first-generation student myself, I am very passionate about making higher education more accessible.
Favorite thing about CC: Clay Club! And all of the extracurricular arts opportunities
Piece of advice: My advice to students is to not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, whether that is talking to new people, taking a harder class, moving to a new place, or starting a new job. Doing things that make you uncomfortable is a skill. You have to start small but the more you do it the better you will be at stepping outside your comfort zone.
Kalani Korok ’24 (she/her/hers)
Position: 2022-2023 Academic Year Mentor
Hometown: Portland, OR
Major: Sociology (Minor in Education)
Why I wanted to be a part of Stroud: As someone who had a lot of support in my own transition into college, I wanted to be a part of Stroud to connect and work with students in the same position. Being a person of color navigating the world of academia can be particularly daunting at times, and offering my experiences and knowledge was something I wanted to be able to share with others, while also learning from their stories as well.
Favorite thing about CC: I love the people at CC! I have made some lasting friends and some unforgettable memories and even outside of my own cohort, there is almost never a day I walk on campus and don’t run into people I know or see and say hi to!
One piece of advice I’d give to high schoolers: At the end of the day, you’re doing the best you can.
Vladimir Palma '26
Position: 2022-23 Academic Year Mentor
Hometown: Saipan, Northern Marianas Islands
Major: Computer Science
Why I wanted to be a part of Stroud: I wanted to help incoming college students grow with a similar knowledge my previous mentors provided me to develop my readiness for upper-level education and my career. Like those that aided me in the past, I strive to become a resource for these younger individuals; to continue the cycle of mentor-tutor bonds.
Favorite thing about CC: My favorite thing about our campus, despite what others might say, is the people you can find. Although our campus' population is not very diverse, there are still others that share the same background and interests as you. Such was the case for me, and I have found some of the best people I have met.
One piece of advice I'd give to high schoolers: Try things; get out of your comfort zone because this space allows it. Many resources and facilities enable students like me to open new perspectives (and even ideas).
Danielle Ryans ‘26 (she/her/hers)
Position: 2022-23 Academic Year Mentor
Hometown: Rose Hill, Mississippi
Major: Undeclared
Why I wanted to be a part of Stroud: Stroud's mission aligns greatly with my future goal as an educator. Being able to support students on their academic journeys brings me joy.
Favorite thing about CC: I really like all of the wonderful people I get to work with!
One piece of advice I'd give to high schoolers: Make a plan, whether that be self or academic wise. Your plan can always be adjusted as it is just there to help guide you along.
Julissa Torres '24
Position: 2022-23 Academic Year Mentor
Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada
Major: Psychology
Why I wanted to be a part of Stroud: A program like STROUD is exactly what I wish I could have had back in high school. I know how beneficial a program like STROUD can be for students with underrepresented backgrounds, and this is exactly why I wanted to help out in any way! I’m excited to have been given the opportunity to be a mentor and I hope to be able to support students in any way I can.
Favorite thing about CC: My favorite thing about CC is the trees and the view of the mountains in the back. When I need a study break, I just take a walk around campus and take in the beautiful sight of nature.
One piece of advice I'd give to high schoolers: One piece of advice I’d give to high schoolers: Don’t be afraid to set high and risky goals because you might surprise yourself.