PEER and WISE

STEM MythBusters Series: You Can Have a Social Life in STEM

In an orange blazer, Serita Acker, PEER WISE Executive Director, poses with the Clemson Tiger in a white #1 jersey next to the PEER WISE banner.

By Serita Acker, Executive Director, PEER WISE at Clemson University

One of the most common myths I hear from students—especially first-years—is this: “If I’m in STEM, I won’t have a social life.”

Let me say this clearly: that’s simply not true.

I’ve worked with thousands of students over the years, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that success in STEM is not just about studying long hours and grinding through labs. It’s also about connection, community, and taking care of yourself.

Our PEER WISE mentors are living proof. They’re studying engineering, computer science, math—you name it. They’re passing tough classes and showing up for their friends. They’re attending office hours and planning movie nights, game nights, and study sessions that turn into friendships.

The key? Balance.

STEM is rigorous, no doubt. But when students build in time to recharge, laugh, and connect with others, they don’t fall behind—they thrive. I’ve seen students do better academically because they had people around them cheering them on. A coffee break with a friend, a walk around campus, or even just sitting with someone in silence while working—it all adds up.

At PEER WISE, we don’t just focus on grades. We care about your whole experience. That’s why we offer community circles, mentorship, and spaces where you don’t have to choose between being a serious student and a whole person. You’re allowed to do both.

So if you’re just starting out and you’ve been told to buckle down and disappear into your books, I’m here to tell you: Make time for joy, too. Join a club. Call your mom. Go to that cookout. Celebrate your wins—big or small.


Because the truth is, the best engineers, scientists, and innovators aren’t just smart. They’re well-rounded, compassionate, and connected. And those qualities are built as much outside the classroom as in it.

You belong here—and yes, you can bring your whole self with you.

In your corner,
Serita Acker, Executive Director

STEM MythBusters: Only Straight-A Students Survive Engineering

Serita Acker poses for the camera while looking off into the distance.

By Serita Acker, Executive Director, PEER WISE at Clemson University

Let’s clear something up right now: You don’t need to be a straight-A student to succeed in engineering.

This is one of the biggest myths I hear, and it holds too many brilliant students back. Engineering is challenging, yes—but it’s not about perfection. It’s about perseverance, problem-solving, and finding your own rhythm.

Over the years, I’ve seen students graduate and go on to do amazing things in the world of STEM—not because they never made a B (or a C), but because they didn’t give up when things got tough. They asked questions. They got help. They learned how to learn.

What matters most in engineering—and in life—is grit. The ability to get back up after a hard test. The humility to go to office hours. The courage to raise your hand when something doesn’t make sense. Those are the things that carry you through.

I want students to know: Your GPA doesn’t define your potential. It’s just one part of your story. If you’re passionate about building things, solving problems, or helping people through innovation, you belong in engineering.

At PEER WISE, we surround our students with support, community, and the belief that they are capable—no matter where they start. We believe in meeting you where you are and helping you grow from there.

So if you’ve ever felt like you weren’t “good enough” for engineering because of a grade, let this be your sign: You are more than a number.

Stay focused. Stay curious. Keep showing up.


We’re here for you—every step of the way.

Serita Acker
Executive Director, PEER WISE
Clemson University

STEM Mythbusters Series: Tutoring Is Just for People Who Are Failing

Serita Acker, Executive Director of PEER WISE
Serita Acker, Executive Director of PEER WISE

By Serita Acker, Executive Director of PEER WISE at Clemson University

Let’s go ahead and bust this myth wide open: Tutoring is not just for students who are failing. In fact, some of our strongest and most successful students use tutoring regularly. Why? Because smart students know that asking for help is not a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of wisdom.


At PEER WISE, we see tutoring as a tool for growth, not a rescue plan. It’s a space where students sharpen their skills, ask big questions, and deepen their understanding. It’s where good students become great students.

Think about it like this: elite athletes still have coaches. They don’t wait until they’re injured or off their game to train—they work with experts all the time to stay at the top of their field. Tutoring works the same way.

Some students come to tutoring to get unstuck on a tough assignment. Others drop in weekly to stay on track and build confidence before exams. And many come just to talk through a problem out loud, because sometimes hearing yourself think makes all the difference.

Tutoring is also about connection. It’s a chance to meet upper-level students who’ve taken the course before and can offer not just content help, but real advice on how to manage the workload, talk to professors, or organize your time. Sometimes, what students need most is someone to say, “You’ve got this. I’ve been there too.”


So if you’re sitting in a class that’s moving fast or feels overwhelming, don’t wait for a red alert to ask for help. Step into a space that’s built to support you—before the stress sets in.

Our tutoring sessions are free, welcoming, and open to everyone. Whether you’re aiming for a passing grade or a perfect score, PEER WISE is here to walk with you.


Because learning is never a solo sport. And you don’t have to do this alone.

— Serita Acker
Executive Director, PEER WISE
Clemson University

A Strategic Mindset, A Servant’s Heart: Daphne Gomez Escudero Honored at CECAS Awards Ceremony

By: Beth Anne Johnson

Daphne Gomez Escudero poses with her award at the CECAS Honors & Awards Ceremony, April 2025.
Daphne poses with the Clemson Tiger at the 2025 CECAS Honors & Awards Ceremony.

With her color-coded Google calendar in hand, junior biomedical engineering student Daphne Gomez Escudero is building her future one strategic decision at a time.


On Thursday, April 10, Daphne was honored at the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences (CECAS) Honors and Awards Ceremony as one of only twelve students recognized. She received the prestigious Robert W. Snelsire Service Prize, which celebrates the legacy of Dr. Bob Snelsire—an electrical engineering professor remembered for his dedication to students and his passion for service.

“Daphne is an outstanding mentor, researcher, and student,” said Stephanie Henry, Associate Director of WISE. “She represents the heart of PEER WISE—always serving the Clemson Family with grace and conviction.”

Daphne describes receiving the award as a moment she’ll never forget.

“When I got the email, my jaw dropped,” she said. “I serve the Clemson community because it’s the most meaningful way I can give back to a place that’s given me so much. It was unbelievable to be recognized for something that brings me so much purpose.”

Behind her success is a disciplined approach to her time and her growth. Daphne is quick to credit the PEER WISE Experience Program for helping her evolve from a quiet first-year student into the confident leader she is today.

“The program has a 100% retention rate—and I know why,” she said. “The weekly professional development and academic coaching sessions helped me find what works for me, while also giving me the tools to succeed.”

Daphne’s journey is a reminder that success is rarely accidental. It’s built through intentional habits, a strong support system, and a willingness to lead with purpose.


Ready to find your purpose with PEER WISE? Stop by Freeman 138 to become a member of our student community. As a student service center, we support all members in the Clemson Family!

Summer is More Than a Season — It’s a Strategy

By: Serita Acker

Serita Acker, Executive Director of PEER WISE
Serita Acker, Executive Director of PEER WISE

Each summer, I think about how the rhythm of campus life shifts. The energy is quieter, but that doesn’t mean it’s idle. In fact, I believe summer is one of the most strategic seasons for growth — not just for students, but for alumni and educators too.


Whether you’re about to step onto campus for the first time or reflecting on your journey as an alum, summer offers one critical gift: space. Space to prepare. Space to explore. Space to give back.
Here’s how I encourage our students, staff, faculty and extended PEER WISE family to make the most of it:
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INCOMING STUDENTS:
Use this time to get curious. Learn your campus culture, connect with mentors, and build your confidence before your first day. These early steps are often where belonging begins.


CURRENT STUDENTS:
Don’t wait for the school year to build your résumé. Intern, volunteer, start a creative project, or rest intentionally. Growth doesn’t always happen in a classroom — sometimes it happens at a community center, a summer job, or in the quiet of reflection.


GRADUATING STUDENTS:
This is your moment to transition with purpose. Revisit your goals. Seek out alumni. Sharpen your professional presence. And yes — celebrate how far you’ve come.

ALUMNI:
We need you. Students don’t just need advice; they need to see what’s possible. Whether it’s mentoring, speaking, or simply checking in — your presence matters more than you know. Your story is someone else’s blueprint.
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We often treat summer like a pause. I see it as both a pause and a pivot — a season where intentional moves set the tone for what’s next.


To our students: take initiative.
To our alumni: stay engaged.
To my colleagues in education: let’s continue creating the conditions for thriving, not just surviving.

Summer is not a break from learning. It’s a bridge to becoming.

Let’s walk it together.
— Serita Acker
Executive Director


#Leadership #HigherEd #StudentSuccess #CollegeToCareer #MentorshipMatters #MakeTheMostOfSummer


Recruiting the Clemson Family—With the Clemson Family

By: Beth Anne Johnson

Jynaia Thomas stands with her family at the 2025 CECAS Honors & Awards Ceremony.
Jynaia Thomas stands with her family at the 2025 CECAS Honors & Awards Ceremony.

With her parents, Travis and Derreka Thomas, and little sister Carmen proudly by her side, Jynaia Thomas stood on stage to receive the Jacquelwyn Willis Anthony Award at this year’s CECAS Honors and Awards Ceremony.

Established by Clemson alumna Janine Anthony Bowen in honor of her mother, this award recognizes a student who has made exceptional contributions to the PEER program. For Jynaia, a senior in Mechanical Engineering, the recognition was not just for her service—it was a celebration of her commitment to bringing others into the Clemson community.

“Meeting Janine and Jacquelwyn was such an honor,” said Jynaia. “I was nervous at first, but Jacquelwyn made me feel seen and supported. She spoke encouragement into whatever comes next for me. It was powerful to have our Clemson families connect in that way.”

Known for her ability to connect, Jynaia has earned a reputation as one of PEER’s most effective student recruiters. Her presence on panels, campus tours, and outreach efforts made a direct impact on who chooses Clemson—and why.

“Jynaia is a woman of many talents,” said Lisa Jackson, Associate Director of PEER. “She spoke on student panels, followed up with prospective families, and truly went the extra mile. One student she personally encouraged ended up choosing Clemson, joined our summer program, and now, Jynaia mentors her as she continues her own Clemson journey.”

At PEER WISE, we believe students are our strongest ambassadors. They don’t just tell the story—they are the story. And leaders like Jynaia help build a lasting community rooted in support, belonging, and purpose.
As for what’s next, Jynaia plans to apply her engineering skills to sustainability efforts in the energy sector. And wherever that path leads, she’s taking with her the confidence, community, and care that shaped her at Clemson.

Want to be part of a student community that supports your goals? Visit us in Freeman 138 and learn how you can get involved with PEER WISE.

From the Desk of Serita Acker: Finish Strong—You’ve Got This

By: Serita Acker

As we enter the final stretch of the semester, I want you to hear this from me, loud and clear: I believe in you. With every fiber of my being.

I’ve walked alongside students at Clemson for over three decades, and I’ve seen firsthand what you’re capable of. I’ve seen students push through long nights, bounce back from setbacks, and achieve things they once thought were out of reach. So if you’re feeling the pressure right now, that’s okay—but don’t let it convince you that you can’t finish strong. You can. You will.

Now is the time to double down on the habits that serve you. Stick to a routine. Get enough sleep. Reach out to your professors, coaches, and mentors. If you’re struggling, speak up. The help is here—but no one can support you if they don’t know you need it.

Take breaks. Drink your water. Say “no” when you need to protect your time. Most importantly, remember why you started. Your goals matter, and every assignment, exam, and study session brings you closer to them.

At PEER WISE, we’re not just cheering you on from the sidelines—we’re right here with you, every step of the way. My door is always open, and this community was built to support you through moments just like this.

So take a deep breath, square your shoulders, and finish what you started.

You were built for this.

With pride and belief in you always,
Serita Acker
Executive Director, PEER WISE
Clemson University

Meet the Staff: Brittany Sanders-Bell

By: Beth Anne Johnson

If you ever walk by the PEER WISE offices and hear Disney music floating through the hallway, chances are you’re near Brittany Sanders-Bell’s workspace. A proud Clemson Tiger through and through, Brittany has been part of the PEER WISE family since her first year on campus—as a mentee, mentor, WISER resident, and now, a leader behind one of our most impactful programs.

Today, she serves as the Associate Director for Next Engineers Greenville, where she combines her passion for people, education, and engineering into a role that’s as dynamic as she is.

“I love making a difference in our community,” Brittany says. “Thanks to the support of GE and FHI 360, we’re able to bring engineering to life for students across the Upstate. It’s the perfect blend of everything I’ve trained for—as an industrial engineer and as a researcher focused on engineering education.”

But Brittany’s contributions don’t stop there. She’s also a Ph.D. student, a wife, a mom of two, and a recipient of the Clemson Alumni Roaring 10 Award, balancing it all with her signature joy, energy, and attention to detail. Whether she’s coordinating program logistics, mentoring students, or sharing a playlist full of movie soundtracks, Brittany brings heart and hustle to everything she does.

Her favorite part of the job? Watching students discover that engineering is more than just equations—it’s creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving that matters.

“Brittany is the kind of leader who makes you feel seen and supported,” says Serita Acker, Executive Director of PEER WISE. “She understands what it means to walk in a student’s shoes, and she brings that empathy to her work every day.”

As Brittany continues her own journey in academia and leadership, she remains committed to one thing: opening doors for the next generation of engineers.
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Want to see Brittany in action? You can catch her at the next Saturday session with Next Engineers—or just follow the Disney music.


Celebrating Excellence: PEER WISE Honors Standout Students

By: Beth Anne Johnson

Spring has arrived in full bloom on Clemson’s campus. As daffodils brighten the landscape and students gear up for finals, it’s also a time to pause and celebrate the incredible work happening within our community. At PEER WISE, that means honoring students who go above and beyond to support their peers and lead with purpose.

Each year, PEER WISE presents two prestigious awards: the Jacquelwyn Willis Anthony Award and the Robert W. Snelsire Service Prize. These honors recognize students who have made a lasting impact on the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences (CECAS) through leadership, mentorship, and service.

The Jacquelwyn Willis Anthony Award, established by alumna Janine Anthony Bowen in honor of her mother, celebrates a student who has provided exceptional service to the PEER program. This year’s recipient is Jynaia Thomas, a senior in Mechanical Engineering, recognized for her outstanding contributions to student recruitment and outreach.

The Robert W. Snelsire Service Prize commemorates the legacy of Dr. Bob Snelsire, a beloved professor of electrical engineering known for his dedication to student success. This year’s award goes to junior biomedical engineering student Daphne Gomez Escudero, who was honored for her outstanding mentorship of new students while maintaining excellence in undergraduate research.

“Our students work hard all year, but Jynaia and Daphne truly stand out,” said Serita Acker, Executive Director of PEER WISE. “They’ve helped recruit future engineers, support new students, and demonstrate the kind of leadership and professional skills that employers look for. We’re incredibly proud of them.”

Lisa Jackson, Associate Director of PEER, shared, “When Serita asked who should be nominated, Jynaia came to mind immediately. Her conversations with prospective students have made a real impact—one family even said she was the reason their child chose Clemson.”

Stephanie Henry, Associate Director of WISE, added, “Daphne is radiant. She’s a thoughtful mentor who inspires confidence in others. Her example helps students grow into researchers and leaders.”

Both students were recognized by the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences during an awards ceremony held on Thursday, April 10th.

Finals Week in CECAS: You’re Not Alone—Here’s Your Real-World Survival Guide

By: Beth Anne Johnson

As finals week approaches, the energy across campus changes. The pressure mounts, the hours get longer, and the weight of academic and personal commitments can feel like a tidal wave.

At PEER WISE, we know that succeeding in the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences takes more than intelligence—it takes community, and intentional self-care.

So here’s what we want you to remember:

Sleep isn’t optional.
Your brain is doing heavy lifting. Sleep is where it files knowledge and recovers. Pulling all-nighters doesn’t make you a hero—it slows you down.

Work with your strengths.
Some students thrive with strict schedules. Others need creative bursts of productivity. Find your flow and let that guide your finals strategy.

Take mindful breaks.
Walk outside. Text a friend. Stretch. Micro-breaks improve focus and reduce burnout.

Stay connected.
Isolation increases stress. Whether you join a study group or swing by a PEER WISE session, know that your community is here for you.

Ask for help.
From tutoring to emotional support—asking is powerful. It signals strength, not struggle.

This finals season, extend grace to yourself. You are not a machine—you are a brilliant, growing human.

Your PEER WISE family believes in you. Finish strong. We’re with you every step of the way. Remember, everyone is always welcome in 138 Freeman for community and confidence building!