The school year has begun, and so has peer advising at the Morgridge Center for Public Service!
Our peer advisor provides students with an undergraduate mentor to find meaningful service opportunities that suit their interests and schedule. Peer advisors engage with students through one-on-one meetings inside the Morgridge Center office, located on the first floor of the Red Gym.
Unlike traditional academic advising, our peer advisor is a fellow student who is equipped to answer any and all questions about volunteer opportunities in the Madison area. With the advising form now available, Choua Yang shares insights about her role and explains why students should consider booking an appointment.
Meet this year’s Morgridge Center peer advisor, Choua Yang.
Who is Choua?
Hello! My name is Choua Yang from Stevens Point, WI. I am currently a junior at UW–Madison, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in consumer behavior and marketplace studies and communication arts.
What does a peer advisor do?
As a peer advisor, my main role is to provide guidance to students who are interested in being involved in the community. This includes volunteer opportunities and internships that are both on and off campus.
During our appointments, I allow students to lead the conversation, because it helps me understand their interests, schedule, and motivations for volunteering. With this insight, I can more effectively suggest opportunities that align with their goals!
Why should students utilize peer advising at the Morgridge Center?
Peer advising is a unique experience because it enables students to interact one-on-one with a peer, providing them with the chance to explore and ask questions about service opportunities in the Madison area. While the first appointment might feel intimidating, it’s a low-stakes meeting where the student ultimately shapes what they gain from the experience.
How can students get involved if they are interested?
They can visit the Morgridge Center website and click on the “Students” tab! From there, select “Meet with a Peer Advisor” to read more about the process, find information on drop-in advising hours, and see my office hours. If a student wants to schedule an appointment, they can fill out a survey to choose a date and provide information that will help me prepare for the meeting.
What do you enjoy most about being a peer advisor?
I love getting to know the students. It’s interesting to learn about their background, the classes they’re taking, and their future goals. It’s a fulfilling experience that actually inspires me to stay actively engaged with the community. Despite their busy schedules, many students are dedicated to serving the Madison area, which I find truly amazing.
Interested in meeting with a peer advisor? Check out the Morgridge Center website to kickstart your volunteer journey!