Your First Year Starts Here!

 

Starting college is exciting, but it can also feel like a lot. Brookdale’s First Year Experience connects you with the people, resources, events, and support you need to feel confident, get involved, discover your “why,” stay motivated, and succeed.

 

Make the Most of Your First Year

Your first year is about more than just classes. It’s a chance to explore new opportunities, build connections, and discover what matters most to you.

Through First Year Experience, you can:

 

 

Meet the Peer Mentors

Meet the Peer Mentors

A Peer Mentor is a current Brookdale student who can help you navigate college life, answer questions, connect you with resources, and offer support throughout your first year. They understand what it is like to be a new student and are here to help you feel more comfortable, confident, and connected.

Delayne is a Social Science major and is currently in her third year at Brookdale. She also holds an associate degree in Business Administration. Outside of academics, Delayne is actively involved in two clubs at Brookdale and is a member of the Women’s Volleyball team. One of her favorite Brookdale events to attend is Bingo! Outside of Brookdale, she enjoys going to the movies, playing volleyball with her friends, and making dirty sodas at Wawa. Lastly, a fun fact about Delayne is that she is left-handed!

Emma is currently studying Psychology at Brookdale, with a special interest in Forensic Psychology.

A little about Emma: she has two cats and a dog, and she loves crime shows, coffee, fall, and spending time outdoors. When she is not studying, she usually hangs out with friends, reads, or works on a craft.

Emma is very excited to be a part of the Peer Mentor team, as she has felt at home since her first semester at Brookdale and has wanted to give back to and support the school community ever since.

 

Julianna is a second-year General Math and Science major who enjoys the arts and loves creating things. However, her true passion lies in the sciences, particularly biology. She is currently conducting research for the National Institutes of Health through the New Jersey Biomedical Bridge Program, a collaboration between Brookdale Community College and The College of New Jersey. Julianna plans to become an Assistant Pathologist in the future. For now, she is focused on learning everything she can while supporting those in need. Brookdale Community College has had a profoundly positive impact on her life, and she hopes to bring that same positive change to others.

Peer Mentor Myles with the Brookdale Student Life and Activities logo background

Myles is an international student at Brookdale Community College pursuing a degree in Nursing to earn an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing. He has been a proud member of the Brookdale community for nearly three years and has enjoyed building meaningful relationships both inside and outside the classroom. Christopher actively participates in campus life as a member of the Student Nursing Association, the Asia Society Club, and as a Student Peer Mentor.

When he is not attending classes or campus events, he can often be found in the many fishbowl study spaces around campus, spending time with the friends he has made throughout his journey at Brookdale. Myles is also proud to be multilingual, speaking English, Arabic, Spanish, Japanese, and Filipino. His ability to communicate in multiple languages allows him to connect with and support people from diverse backgrounds.

Peer Mentor Rose in front of the Student Life and Activities Splat background
Rose is entering her second year at Brookdale Community College as a Health Science major with a strong interest in the arts. Although she has only been at Brookdale for a year, she has quickly developed a deep appreciation for the college and its community. Her positive experience inspired her to take on leadership roles as a Peer Mentor, President of the Arts Society, and Vice President of the Student Life Board. Outside of Brookdale, Rose likes to listen to Goth and Metal music in her free time, as well as paint, draw, and make jewelry and clothes. Rose is proud to be multilingual, speaking English and Polish.
Peer Mentor Uche in front of the Student Life and Activities Splat background
 Uche is a nursing student at Brookdale Community College and a Peer Mentor with Student Life Activities. As a fellow student, she understands that navigating college can sometimes feel overwhelming. Having experienced many of those moments herself, Uche knows how much it helps to have someone you can ask questions, talk to, or turn to when you are unsure where to start. As a Peer Mentor, she hopes to help students feel more comfortable, connected, and confident throughout their time at Brookdale. Outside of school, Uche enjoys cooking, traveling, reading, and spending time outdoors. Uche is proud to be multilingual, speaking English, Thai, and French.
Peer Mentor Vanessa in front of the Student Life and Activities Splat background
Vanessa is a second-year Psychology major at Brookdale Community College with an anticipated graduation date of Spring 2027. She plans to continue her education at a four-year institution to pursue a career as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Outside of her studies at Brookdale, Vanessa stays busy supporting her four children and their many activities. In the rare moments when she is not focused on family responsibilities or coursework, she enjoys reading and spending time outdoors, often attending concerts. Vanessa is excited to be part of the First-Year Experience program and looks forward to connecting with new students while providing guidance, encouragement, and support throughout their transition to college life. Vanessa is proud to be multilingual, speaking English and Spanish.

Semester Events

Campus events give you opportunities to meet new people, get involved, explore your interests, and feel more connected to the Brookdale community. From workshops and social activities to cultural programs and career events, there is something for everyone to enjoy while building skills, confidence, and lasting connections.

 

Make sure to grab your First-Year Experience Passport at Orientation or from the Student Life Office

FYE Fall 2026 Events Poster