The TRIO Rising Scholars Peer Mentoring Program is a cornerstone of our support system, designed to foster academic success and personal growth. Required for all first-year participants and optional for returning scholars, the program connects students with experienced peers who provide guidance, encouragement, and practical support.
Each peer mentor works with a group of mentees, developing meaningful relationships grounded in trust and mutual respect. Mentors serve as role models and offer advice on academic strategies, time management, and campus resources.
TRIO Peer Mentors
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Behishta Sayedi
Senior Peer Mentor
Hey there! I’m Behishta Sayedi, a third-year student at Boise State University. I’m majoring in Health Studies with an emphasis in Science. I’m also a certified phlebotomist (yep, I’ve drawn blood before—don’t worry, I’m good at it!). After I graduate, I’m planning to apply to a PA program to continue my dream of working in healthcare. As a First-Gen student, I know how important support is. TRIO has played such a big role in my journey, and I’m excited to be back as a Peer Mentor! I’m always here to help so feel free to reach out anytime! When I’m not studying, you’ll find me volunteering, watching movies, learning new languages, or hanging out with my friends and going for a walk.
Fun fact: I can write in Arabic calligraphy.
Hey there! I’m Behishta Sayedi, a third-year student at Boise State University. I’m majoring in Health Studies with an emphasis in Science. I’m also a certified phlebotomist (yep, I’ve drawn blood before—don’t worry, I’m good at it!). After I graduate, I’m planning to apply to a PA program to continue my dream of working in healthcare. As a First-Gen student, I know how important support is. TRIO has played such a big role in my journey, and I’m excited to be back as a Peer Mentor! I’m always here to help so feel free to reach out anytime! When I’m not studying, you’ll find me volunteering, watching movies, learning new languages, or hanging out with my friends and going for a walk.
Fun fact: I can write in Arabic calligraphy.
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Paul Victoriano
Peer Mentor
Hello! I’m Paul Victoriano, a Junior Biology CMB major with a Psychology Minor. I’ve been part of TRIO as both a student, tutor, and now I’m excited to continue supporting others as a Peer Mentor. I’m passionate about helping students feel connected, supported, and confident as they navigate college life. Outside of school, I work as a CNA, enjoy being outdoors, and spending time with my family.
Fun Fact: I am also a member of the Pre-Med club and am always open to talk anything medical with you!
Hello! I’m Paul Victoriano, a Junior Biology CMB major with a Psychology Minor. I’ve been part of TRIO as both a student, tutor, and now I’m excited to continue supporting others as a Peer Mentor. I’m passionate about helping students feel connected, supported, and confident as they navigate college life. Outside of school, I work as a CNA, enjoy being outdoors, and spending time with my family.
Fun Fact: I am also a member of the Pre-Med club and am always open to talk anything medical with you!
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Noemi Tapia
Peer Mentor
Hola! My name is Noemi Tapia, and I’m thrilled to be starting my second year in the TRIO Program at Boise State. I’m currently double majoring in Business Administration and Entrepreneurship, two fields that really fuel my passion for building ideas and creating opportunities.This year, I’m especially excited to step into my role as a Peer Mentor. I can’t wait to connect, support, and grow alongside you all throughout this journey. When I’m not in class or mentoring, you’ll probably catch me exploring the outdoors, diving into a good book, or unapologetically napping.
Fun Fact: I grew up in Indianapolis, and no matter where life takes me, I’ll always carry my city girl energy with me!
Hola! My name is Noemi Tapia, and I’m thrilled to be starting my second year in the TRIO Program at Boise State. I’m currently double majoring in Business Administration and Entrepreneurship, two fields that really fuel my passion for building ideas and creating opportunities.This year, I’m especially excited to step into my role as a Peer Mentor. I can’t wait to connect, support, and grow alongside you all throughout this journey. When I’m not in class or mentoring, you’ll probably catch me exploring the outdoors, diving into a good book, or unapologetically napping.
Fun Fact: I grew up in Indianapolis, and no matter where life takes me, I’ll always carry my city girl energy with me!
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Isabella Toledo Lawson
Peer Mentor
Hey! My name is Isabella Toledo Lawson, and I’m from Washington State. I am a Junior, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Family Studies. My end goal is to become a school psychologist! In my free time, you can find me trying new coffee shops, thrifting, and exploring the outdoors.
Fun fact, I can teach you how to do flips.
Hey! My name is Isabella Toledo Lawson, and I’m from Washington State. I am a Junior, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Family Studies. My end goal is to become a school psychologist! In my free time, you can find me trying new coffee shops, thrifting, and exploring the outdoors.
Fun fact, I can teach you how to do flips.
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Melanie Lizardi
Peer Mentor
Hi! My name is Melanie Lizardi. This is my third year at Boise State University. I’m majoring in Human Resources and Business Administration. It’s my second year in the TRIO program and my first year as a Peer Mentor. I enjoy spending time with my friends, reading when I get a chance, cooking, baking, watching movies/shows, and listening to music. If you need anything at all, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I can’t wait to get to know you and work with you.
Fun Fact: I can make piñatas.
Hi! My name is Melanie Lizardi. This is my third year at Boise State University. I’m majoring in Human Resources and Business Administration. It’s my second year in the TRIO program and my first year as a Peer Mentor. I enjoy spending time with my friends, reading when I get a chance, cooking, baking, watching movies/shows, and listening to music. If you need anything at all, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I can’t wait to get to know you and work with you.
Fun Fact: I can make piñatas.
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Jillian Reynolds
Peer Mentor
Hi! My name is Jillian Reynolds, I’ve lived in Idaho for about 4 years now and have adored exploring the beautiful state. I’m in my second year at Boise State, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Legal Studies. This will be my first year as a Peer Mentor for TRIO, but I’ll be building on previous mentoring experience. If I’m not hiking or reading, you’ll find me volunteering! I love giving back to our community, and other communities as well.
Fun fact: I volunteer abroad through GIVE, and recently returned from Costa Rica! If you also have a passion for traveling and volunteering, let me know!
Hi! My name is Jillian Reynolds, I’ve lived in Idaho for about 4 years now and have adored exploring the beautiful state. I’m in my second year at Boise State, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Legal Studies. This will be my first year as a Peer Mentor for TRIO, but I’ll be building on previous mentoring experience. If I’m not hiking or reading, you’ll find me volunteering! I love giving back to our community, and other communities as well.
Fun fact: I volunteer abroad through GIVE, and recently returned from Costa Rica! If you also have a passion for traveling and volunteering, let me know!