Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved. –Helen Keller
“We shape our own realities.” –Laurence Owens
“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path, and leave a trail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Treat Those As You Would Treat Your Own”
“Cogito ergo sum.” Latin: “I think, therefore I am” – Rene Descartes
"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." -Elenor Roosevelt
Peer Leaders of the Ithaca College Summer Institute are qualified, trained paraprofessional staff members of the Offices of Academic Enrichment Services and Multicultural Affairs. During the Ithaca Summer Institute, Peer Leaders are responsible for assisting pre-first year students with their academic, social, and personal orientation into the college environment. Summer Institute is the bridge from high school to college life. Peer Leaders support this transition.
Name: Chris Brittingham
Hometown: Baltimore, MD
Year: Sophomore
Major: Cinema and Photography
What was your favorite television or cartoon show while growing up, explain?
X-Men because I’m a hardcore X-Men fan.
What is one of your favorite memories so far from Ithaca College?
Being apart of the IC Circus Club as a whole is my favorite memory.
What words of wisdom do/would you give to entering first year students?
Try and make the best of what life gives you.
Name: Jaylene Clark
Hometown: Harlem, New York City
Year: 2010
Major: Acting, Writing minor
What was your favorite television or cartoon show while growing up, explain?
I LOVE “Sister, Sister” to this day! It was always a positive show that featured Tia and
Tamara Mowry who I grew to truly admire for their talent, looks, and personalities. I have also been a
MAJOR “SpongeBob Squarepants” fan ever since it came out. I can still spend a large part of
my day just watching SpongeBob.
What is one of your favorite memories so far from Ithaca College?
One of my favorite memories at Ithaca College was introducing the world renowned poet, Nikki Giovanni,
with a poem that I wrote specifically for her, at a talk she did in Emerson Suites. I also was able to
have dinner with her at Taste of Thai prior to the performance. I was in awe and I felt extremely
blessed to be at a school where that opportunity was presented.
What words of wisdom do/would you give to entering first year students?
Having an organizer is one of the most essential tools to your college experience. With so many things
to do, remember, and plan for, your organizer will be your best friend.
Name: Elizabeth Jan (EJ) Espada
Hometown: White Plains, NY
Year: Senior
Major: Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
What was your favorite television or cartoon show while growing up, explain?
The Price is Right! I was raised on that show and it’s just not the same with Drew Carey.
What is one of your favorite memories so far from Ithaca College?
Wow, this is a tough choice. I’d have to say the first time that IC Muevete (Latin Dance
Company) performed. We were nervous about being a brand new organization on campus. My family and
closest friends at IC were there to support me and seeing them in the audience made me smile the entire
time. Moments when you realize how grateful you should feel about all the special people in your life
are the most memorable!
What words of wisdom do/would you give to entering first year students?
Start off strong academically. It’s always easier to maintain a good GPA than to have to
constantly working hard to raise it.
Name: Marcos Ferrer
Hometown: The Bronx, NY (Castle Hill)
Year: 2010
Major: Business Administration
What was your favorite television or cartoon show while growing up, explain?
I love To watch TV so I Definitely can’t pick a Favorite. I use to love Doug, Simpson’s,
Family Matters, Two angry Beavers, Wonder Years, Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Legends of the Hidden Temple.
What is one of your favorite memories so far from Ithaca College?
My freshman year in the first semester I went looking for a gorge below campus with my roommate and we
found a huge gorge that had a building built right next to it and a few cliffs that we spent all day
jumping off.
What words of wisdom do/would you give to entering first year students?
Wear flip flops in the shower!!!!!!!!!
Limit your D.P Dough Consumption …… LOL
Try everything and get involved in at least one Club ……like A.L.S. ( African Latino
Society) or ACC Asian Culture Club
Don’t let events with Free Food pass you by!
Name: Deni Kassan
Hometown: Binghamton, NY
Year: First – Year (2011)
Major: Physical Therapy
What was your favorite television or cartoon show while growing up, explain?
I loved Wishbone. Something about a dog playing the main character in classic novels intrigued
me. It made the books fun and when I had to read them later in life I had a great visual.
What is one of your favorite memories so far from Ithaca College?
The first big snowfall when everyone was out on the qud making (anatomically correct) snowmen and we
walked around campus until 5:00am.
What words of wisdom do/would you give to entering first year students?
Bring shower shoes…flip flops.
Name: Elizabeth Rodriguez
Hometown: New York City
Year: Sophomore
Major: IMC
What was your favorite television or cartoon show while growing up, explain?
My favorite show while growing up was All That, because it made me laugh and think about going to
acting. The kids were young and doing what they loved so it made me believe that I could to.
What is one of your favorite memories so far from Ithaca College?
The summer institute and being on the ALS executive board.
What words of wisdom do/would you give to entering first year students?
Have fun, but remember that you’re here to learn.
