Student Mentors | Lehman College

Bryana Reyes
Major: Health Service Administration

Bryana Reyes joins the CREAR Futuros team as the new Mentor at Lehman College, driven by a deep passion for community service. Originally from Ecuador, Bryana brings a unique perspective shaped by her experience as an international student and her background in healthcare management. Through her experience with CUNY Explorers as a college visit guide, she has had the opportunity to connect with students, share her college experience, and help them feel more comfortable navigating higher education. For Bryana, supporting others means providing the keys for each individual to design a purposeful path. No matter where you are starting from, feel free to reach out and talk to her, she is always ready to listen and help you take the next step.

Bryana's Advice to Students

“Feeling left out in college can happen, but you can make a difference in your own experience. Finding a community like CREAR Futuros helped me understand that I can find a family here, too. Being surrounded by people who work hard and fight for their goals makes me feel supported and reminds me that I am not alone. Take risks, make mistakes, fail, cry, and fall, but never give up on yourself. People may laugh at you or talk about your mistakes, but those experiences can help you grow stronger. Remember, you do not have to be perfect to succeed. Keep learning and keep working toward your goals. Your mistakes do not define you; how you rise from them does.”

Aldeuris Vargas
Major: Business Administration

Better known around campus as “Chewy,” Aldeuris is passionate about marketing, content creation, and helping others succeed. As a mentor, he strives to be the extra hand he wishes he had when navigating college himself. With experience as a Peer Mentor and Social Media Manager, he enjoys supporting students, building connections, and creating engaging campus content. He hopes to build a career in business marketing and media, combining his creativity, leadership, and passion for connecting with people.

Aldeuris' Advice to Students

“Don’t be afraid to color outside the lines and think outside the box. College will give you a blueprint, but you still get to design the life that comes after it. Try things, create things, make mistakes, and leave your own signature on every opportunity you touch."

Ashley Peguero
Major: Business Administration and Data Science

Ashley, also known as "Ashh" is a Bronx-born technologist, innovator, and community builder using civic-tech and data to create equity in underserved neighborhoods. After 10 years away from college, she made her way to CUNY and built herself into an Honors student, USS Alternate, founder of Lehman's Women's Club, and CUNY PIT Fellow, all while launching CityLens NYC a platform to make complex open public data accessible and understandable for everyday people She mentors because she knows what it takes to come back stronger, build all over again, and lift others while you climb. She's here to help you realize what she's learned: you are never too much, but you are always more than enough just as you are.

Ashley's Advice to Students

“You are never too much, not your questions, your background, your uncertainty about what comes next, or your different way of seeing the world. You are more than enough, exactly as you are right now, and you belong here. Don't build these years from imposter syndrome or the fear you're not ready. Build from the absolute certainty that you are. Your voice matters. Your perspective adds something. Your struggles are valid. Your dreams are worth pursuing. You are never too much. You are always more than enough just as you are. Trust that. Build from that.”

Jarlyn Suarez
Major: Computer Information Systems

Jarlyn is a junior at Lehman College majoring in Computer Information Systems. He is passionate about technology, engineering, leadership, and helping other students succeed. As someone who has experienced the challenges of navigating college and finding the right opportunities, he understands how important it is to have support and guidance along the way. As a CREAR Futuros Peer Mentor, Jarlyn hopes to be someone students can feel comfortable reaching out to for advice, encouragement, and support. He enjoys connecting with others, sharing helpful resources and opportunities, and motivating students to continue working toward their goals. He hopes to continue growing as a student and leader while helping other students make the most of their college experience.

Jarlyn's Advice to Students

“Never give up on your goals, even when things get difficult. College is not just about getting good grades; it's also about discovering yourself, building connections, and taking advantage of opportunities. Don't be afraid to ask for help, make mistakes, or step outside your comfort zone. Everyone has their own journey, so don't compare your progress to others. Stay focused, believe in yourself, and remember that every small step brings you closer to your dreams.”

Gabriela Cabrera
Major: Nursing

Gabriela is Ecuadorian and moved to the United States when she was 17. Starting over in a new country forced her out of her comfort zone and challenged her to adapt to unfamiliar situations. Since then, she has made an effort to try new things more often and embrace opportunities for personal growth. She enjoys connecting with others and supporting students as a mentor while continuing to challenge herself through new experiences. Gabriela loves spending her free time outdoors or near the water, but her greatest passion since childhood has always been swimming.

Gabriela's Advice to Students

“Just because something is difficult doesn’t mean you can’t achieve it. When the path becomes tough, view it as an opportunity to push yourself further; reaching your goal will make the reward all the more meaningful. And remember: you don’t have to do it all alone. At Lehman College, you will always find people ready to support you. Lehman is a family that fosters your growth; it is more than just a classroom. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, as the support you find along the way is often what enables you to keep moving forward.”

Bryana Reyes Major: Health Service Administration