Month: March 2025

By: Beth Anne Johnson

Some lessons can’t be learned in a classroom. Just ask Sara Dockins, a senior majoring in Materials Science and Engineering with a minor in Chemistry. While her coursework has challenged and shaped her, it’s her experiences outside the lecture hall that have truly defined her journey at Clemson.

Hailing from Six Mile, SC, Sara discovered early on that the best way to grow as an engineer—and as a person—is to get involved. “Find a technical student organization that you can get plugged into!” she advises. “You will learn a lot in your courses, but there are some things that you cannot learn in a classroom.”

For Sara, that organization was the Clemson University Rocket Engineering Team (CURE)—a decision she calls the best one she made, second only to coming to Clemson itself. Through CURE, she gained invaluable hands-on engineering experience, developed her leadership skills, and found a tight-knit community of fellow students who became more than just teammates—they became friends she could count on.

“I am a better student and engineer because of it,” she says. “I highly recommend everyone find an organization where they can grow, both personally and professionally.”

Sara’s story is a testament to the power of real-world experience and meaningful connections. Engineering is more than equations and problem sets—it’s about collaboration, innovation, and pushing boundaries. And for Sara, those lessons came to life through teamwork, late-night brainstorming sessions, and the thrill of seeing a project take flight—literally.

As she heads into her final year, Sara encourages others to take that leap, get involved, and seek out opportunities that challenge and inspire them. Sometimes, the most impactful learning happens when you step outside the classroom and into something bigger, a community like PEER WISE and organizations like CURE.

By: Beth Anne Johnson

At the heart of the PEER & WISE community is Levi Roach, our Outreach and Operations Manager, whose passion for student success drives everything he does. Whether he’s planning outreach events for future Tigers or supporting the tutors who guide students through their Clemson journey, Levi is committed to helping students thrive in the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences (CECAS).

With a background in student programming and outreach, Levi knows that outreach isn’t just about sharing information — it’s about planting seeds of possibility. Through programs like STEM Day and S.E.E Clemson, Levi believes outreach is essential to recruitment because it shows students that there’s a place for them in STEM — and at Clemson.

“When students see themselves on campus early on, it shifts their mindset — they start to see Clemson as a place where they can be a member of the Clemson Family,” Levi says.
But Levi’s impact doesn’t stop at recruitment — he’s also a dedicated leader to the PEER & WISE tutors and office workers, supporting them as they provide academic guidance to their peers. From training sessions to one-on-one mentorship, Levi is always ready to empower tutors as they grow in their own leadership.

“Tutors and office workers are the backbone of the PEER & WISE experience,” Levi shares. “I’m here to support them so they can support others.”

Whether you’re a first-year student looking for help with a class or someone interested in getting involved with outreach, Levi wants to meet you! Stop by Freeman 158 and introduce yourself — he’s always ready to help you navigate your Clemson journey.

#ClemsonPEERWISE #CECASCommunity #OutreachInSTEM #PeerTutoring #FutureEngineers

By: Beth Anne Johnson

At Clemson, success isn’t just about making the grade—it’s about finding a path that challenges and inspires you. Jynaia Thomas, a senior majoring in Mechanical Engineering, knows this firsthand. Hailing from Columbia, SC, she has spent the past four years pushing boundaries, solving complex problems, and embracing the growth that comes with every challenge.

Her advice? “If whatever you’re studying in school is hard, always give yourself grace and have patience. You got this.”

Jynaia understands that perseverance is key, but so is self-compassion. Engineering is demanding, but she’s learned that progress isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up, learning, and moving forward, one step at a time.

“Sometimes we’re our own toughest critics,” she shares. “But I’ve realized that growth happens when you allow yourself to make mistakes and learn from them. Be kind to yourself—you’re doing better than you think.”

When she’s not deep into her studies, Jynaia is committed to helping others navigate their own journeys. Whether it’s sharing study strategies, offering words of encouragement, or simply being a listening ear, she’s the kind of mentor who reminds you that you’re capable of more than you think.

By: Beth Anne Johnson

Meet Anthony “AJ” Garret, a shining example of the excellence fostered within Clemson University’s PEER & WISE programs. Recently, AJ had the distinguished honor of representing PEER & WISE at the South Carolina State House during Clemson Day, a testament to his dedication and the impact of these programs on his academic journey.

Reflecting on this experience, AJ shared, “Being able to talk about how PEER and WISE and the Co-Op program have impacted me and shaped me into who I am today — as well as how much it has meant to my mom to know that her son is reaching new heights that at one point in time were just a dream.”

This heartfelt sentiment underscores the transformative power of support systems like PEER & WISE in shaping not only academic careers but also personal growth and family pride.

AJ’s journey is a testament to the mission of PEER & WISE: to empower students in the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences (CECAS) to excel in their fields. Through mentorship, academic guidance, and a nurturing community, these programs have been instrumental in AJ’s development, providing him with opportunities to engage in cooperative education and real-world experiences that complement his classroom learning.

His representation at the State House not only highlights his personal achievements but also brings attention to the vital role PEER & WISE play in supporting incoming students in STEM. By sharing his story with state legislators and the broader community, AJ is helping to pave the way for future students who aspire to reach similar heights.

We at PEER & WISE are immensely proud of AJ’s accomplishments and his commitment to giving back to the community that has supported him. His journey exemplifies the core values of our programs: resilience, excellence, and the pursuit of dreams.

Join us in celebrating AJ’s achievements and the ongoing efforts of PEER & WISE to cultivate an environment where all students can thrive. Together, we continue to build a legacy of empowerment and success within the CECAS community.

By: Beth Anne Johnson

Authentic leadership is more than a title — it’s a way of being. For Serita Acker, the heart behind PEER & WISE at Clemson University, leadership is not simply what you do, but how you show up in every space you enter. Whether guiding students, collaborating with colleagues, or representing Clemson in the community, Serita embodies what it means to lead a mission-driven life — with heart, warmth, and unwavering purpose.

Her secret? It starts from within.

Slow to Speak, Quick to Listen
In a world that often values the loudest voice in the room, Serita reminds us that true leadership begins by listening. She leads by creating space — space for others to feel seen, heard, and valued. Listening isn’t just about hearing words — it’s about hearing the heart behind them. When you’re slow to speak and quick to listen, you cultivate trust. You make room for new ideas and perspectives that might transform the very path you’re walking.

Master Your Body Communication
What we say without speaking can be more powerful than any speech. Serita teaches that leadership shows up in how we carry ourselves — with grace, humility, and confidence. A warm smile, steady eye contact, and open body language invite others in before a single word is spoken. Mastering your body communication is about aligning what’s in your heart with what the world sees.

Write Your Personal Mission — Then Pursue It
The greatest leaders don’t stumble into their purpose — they choose it. Serita encourages everyone she mentors to write down your personal mission. What impact do you want to make in this world? How do you want people to feel when they cross your path? When your career aligns with your mission, everything changes. Jobs come and go — but a mission stays with you, guiding every decision, every conversation, and every opportunity.

Passion + Purpose = Legacy
What sets Serita apart isn’t just what she’s done — it’s how she’s done it. She reminds us that jobs are replaceable, but the passion and purpose you bring to the table is uniquely yours. No one else can offer what you do, exactly the way you do it. When you lead from a place of passion and purpose, you create a legacy that will ripple far beyond your own career.

Keep Going — The World Needs What You Carry
Serita Acker’s leadership teaches us that we don’t have to wait for the perfect job or title to start living our mission. You carry something special inside you — something the world needs. Lead where you are, with what you have, right now.

At PEER & WISE, we are forever grateful for Serita’s example — reminding us that leadership is not just what you do, but who you become.

What’s your mission? Write it down — then go pursue it.

#AuthenticLeadership #PEERWISE #ClemsonCECAS #LeadWithPurpose #MatriarchalMentorship