Cole Bridges

Cole Bridges, a sophomore at Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama, is majoring in Criminal Justice with a minor in Paralegal Studies. He currently serves as a Freshman Forum Mentor, Jax State Ambassador, Honors College Representative and Recruitment Chair, and as President of the Lambda Sigma Sophomore Honor Society. Through his involvement, Cole has developed a passion for mentorship and supporting students as they navigate the transition to college. His experiences working with first-year students have strengthened his commitment to helping others find their place and succeed in their college journey. He hopes to continue expanding his involvement in student leadership and mentorship throughout his college career. 

Following graduation, Cole plans to pursue a Juris Doctor and practice law, furthering his passion for leadership and service. 

Anaiah Bruckner

Anaiah is a junior studying Chemistry with an emphasis in Forensic Science at Lander University. She currently serves two leadership positions on campus. Anaiah is the Student Coordinator for the Peer Leader team, which is an imbedded leadership position within the First-Year Experience program. She is also the Secretary of the American Chemical Society, actively working to support first year science majors succeed. As a first-generation college student, Anaiah strives to model the support and community she received when she was a freshman. Last year, Anaiah was selected as the student speaker for the Lander Launch event, which is a welcoming event for all new students, and emphasized the importance of stepping outside of your comfort zone. Within Lander’s FYE program, Anaiah’s goal is to strengthen engagement with students and help them make the most of their college experience.   

Samantha Hammaker

Samantha Hammaker is a junior Psychology major at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas. She is heavily involved on campus and serves in several leadership roles, including Student Government Association Honors College senator, Feminist Union vice-president, Alpha Lambda Delta first-year honor society secretary, and vice president of Delta Sigma Omicron, which advocates for disability awareness and inclusion. She is an academic tutor for Learning Support Services, where she works primarily with first-year College Algebra students. Samantha also serves as an intern in the A-State Center for Leadership Excellence and a peer mentor for incoming freshmen in the university’s Transition Studies program. Samantha is honored to be awarded this fellowship and hopes to gain much insight into mentoring first-year students in all aspects of college life. 

Nishra Kothari

Nishra Kothari is a Junior at the University of Florida, pursuing a degree in accounting, while also completing a certificate in AI Fundamentals and Applications.  

On campus, Nishra serves as the Director of Operations for Warrington Welcome Peer Leaders – a program where she co-instructs a class of freshman business students and shapes their first semester at the university. She also works as a Student Engagement Ambassador within the university’s Division of Student Life, where she helps students find their place on campus through involvements, extracurriculars, and leadership opportunities.  

Upon graduation, Nishra plans on completing her CPA and working in audit/assurance. Outside of the classroom, she is an avid reader of fantasy novels, is constantly trying new recipes, or embroidering and altering her clothes. 

Mia Landu

Mia Landu is a Pre-Nursing student at Heartland Community College. On campus, she serves as a Student Ambassador and Peer Mentor for the Student Success Center. Her role as a student ambassador includes, but isn’t limited to, co-facilitating orientations, campus tours, and co-developing frameworks for early college students. As a peer mentor, she works one-on-one with first-year students to foster belonging by supporting students with academic, personal, and social transitions—helping them develop vital skills while connecting them to resources. She is also deeply involved in student leadership and honor societies through clubs and organizations. Currently, she serves as President of SkillsUSA, Campus Relations Officer for the Heartland Activities Committee, and an active member of Phi Theta Kappa, Honors Program, the Student Welfare Committee, Student Leaders in Community Engagement, and more. Outside of work and engagements, she'll be found watching movies and crafting.