Peer Leaders are undergraduate students that work in conjunction with a Lead Instructor to guide discussions within a section of FYS 101. Discussions are anchored around increasing the sense of belonging on the Syracuse University campus. Peer Leaders will lead two FYS 101 class discussions throughout the semester and will directly communicate with students throughout the semester.
To learn more about the Peer Leader position, please feel free to review the FYS 101 Position Flyer or register for one of the FYS 101 Information Sessions, hosted throughout the month of March. The application for the FYS 101 Peer Leader position is currently open through Handshake and will close on Monday March 20 at 5:00pm (ET).
Tyler Aitken (he/him/his)
Tyler is a sophomore Broadcast and Digital Journalism student from Jamesville, New York. When he isn’t helping with FYS 101, he’s helping out with one of SU’s many student media organizations.
“I chose to be a peer leader with FYS 101 because I wanted to help make sure that I leave the SU community better than I found it. The start of college is a challenging time, so if I can make it easier on first year students, I will.”
David Griffin (he/him/his)
David Griffin is a rising junior from Newark, New Jersey, with a double major in Business Analytics and Management at the Whitman School of Management. He is an FYS 101 Peer Leader, treasurer for the Puerto Rican Student Association, contributing writer for the Daily Orange, and a Global Data Analytics Intern for MetLife. Outside of school, some things David enjoys are hiking/traveling, video games, baseball, chess, and animals!
“I wanted to be an FYS Peer Leader because I wanted to not only create an inclusive environment for those around me, but I also wanted to assist first-year students with navigating their journey with identity and growth at Syracuse. I am very passionate about contributing to things greater than myself and hope that all the experiences and lessons that I have accumulated during my time at Syracuse will allow first-year students to comfortably matriculate into the Syracuse community!”
CloudySky Khazraishokatkhou (they/them/theirs)
An incoming junior majoring in psychology from Bronx, New York, CloudySky Khazraishokatkhou is a first-generation student who comes from a large Puerto Rican family. They are eager to meet and guide first-year students through FYS 101.
“I wanted to be an FYS Peer Leader because I wanted to offer my lived experience and advice to first-year students who needed support. I am passionate about community and aim to create a welcoming environment where students can connect with one another.”
Motolani Oladitan
Motolani Oladitan is a rising junior, studying Psychology and Innovation, Design and Startup, from Lagos, Nigeria. She is also a FYS 101 Peer Leader, a DEI Peer Leader and a Student Ambassador on the Dean’s Team.
“I wanted to be a FYS 101 Peer Leader because I want to help first year students navigate the transition from high school to college. I believe that FYS 101 is integral to this transition because it provides students with a safe space to tackle complex issues as they arise.”
Grace “Gray” Reed (they/them/theirs)
Grace “Gray” Reed is a current sophomore majoring in Magazine, News, and Digital Journalism, and double minoring in Political Science and Classical Civilization. They are involved in various organizations, such as The OutCrowd Magazine, the Daily Orange, Perception Literary Magazine, and Newhouse Ambassadors. They are passionate about subjects regarding various forms of diversity, such as but not limited to LGBTQ+ issues and neurodiversity.
“I remember my FYS Peer Leader helped to make the class more engaging, and I want to help provide that experience to other students!”