Category: Resources

By: Beth Anne Johnson

Finals are around the corner, and we know this season can feel like a sprint and a marathon all at once. That’s why PEER WISE is opening our doors all month long with something simple that makes a big difference: snacks, community, and a place to breathe.

Throughout December, swing by the PEER WISE space during your study sessions and fuel up with free snacks to keep your energy steady and your mind sharp. Whether you’re reviewing notes before an exam, putting the finishing touches on a project, or just need a moment to reset, we’ve got you covered.

Think of this as your home base—somewhere you can settle in, recharge, and know you’re not doing this alone. Bring a friend, grab a granola bar or a cup of something warm, and get back to your work feeling a little lighter and a little more supported.

We’re proud of the hard work you’ve put in this semester, and we want to help you finish strong. So stop by, take a break, and let us cheer you on as you close out the year.

See you in December!

By: Beth Anne Johnson

As we approach the busy stretch of the semester, students are working hard to stay on top of their classes, projects, and exams. At PEER WISE, we know that having the right study tools can make all the difference—especially when you’re tackling tough engineering and computing coursework.

That’s why we’re hosting a Supplemental Materials Drive, and we’d love your help.

If you have old exams, study guides, worksheets, or review packets from previous semesters, consider passing them forward. These materials give future students a clearer picture of what to expect, how to prepare, and where to focus their time. Something that once lived at the bottom of your backpack could be exactly what helps someone else feel confident walking into their next test.

How to Participate:
Simply drop off your materials at Freeman 158 anytime during office hours. Our team will organize and share them with students who need extra support in their classes.

Your contribution—big or small—helps strengthen our community of learners. Thank you for taking a few minutes to make someone else’s academic journey a little easier.

Let’s keep lifting each other up, one exam at a time.

By: Beth Anne Johnson

For Scout Hamrick, a Biomedical Engineering graduate from Georgetown, South Carolina, Clemson was more than a university—it was the place where her path to a career in medicine took shape. A spring 2025 grad, Scout will begin medical school at the Medical University of South Carolina in fall 2026.

“I came in as a first-year student a little unsure of what college life would bring,” Scout admits. “But through the PEER WISE mentorship program, I really found my way. I learned how to plug into my resources.”

That early support lit a spark that carried her through her time at Clemson. By her junior year—technically her last—Scout was giving back as a PEER WISE tutor, helping other students navigate not just tough coursework but the ups and downs of college life. “As a tutor, I realized that helping people goes way beyond class material,” she says. “Sometimes the struggles are about balance, confidence, or believing in yourself outside the classroom. That experience helped shape the kind of doctor I want to be.”

Now working as a medical scribe during her gap year, Scout is preparing to start medical school, where she hopes to specialize in orthopedic surgery. “I love working with my hands and solving puzzles,” she says. “Surgery excites me—it’s detailed, precise, and deeply rewarding.”

Her time at Clemson gave her more than a foundation in biology, chemistry, and psychology. From bioengineering capstone projects to the BEACH Summer Program at MUSC, she discovered how theory meets practice—and how passion turns into purpose. “That summer program confirmed where I wanted to be for medical school,” she says. “It helped me see that I was right where I needed to be.”

Her advice to current students? “Keep your head down and power through toward your goals. Don’t compare your path to anyone else’s. Everyone’s journey looks different, and that’s okay. Just do your best—and remember, med school applications look at who you are as a whole person, not just your grades.”

With heart, grit, and a steady belief in herself, Scout is proof that finding your way often begins with showing up, working hard, and caring deeply.

By: Beth Anne Johnson

For Brad Buncomb, Industrial Engineering Class of 2017, Clemson has always felt like home. Growing up in North Augusta, South Carolina, Brad spent countless weekends attending Clemson games with his family. But it wasn’t until a spring visit for SEE Clemson—a campus tour and mentorship day—that he felt the true pull of the Clemson Family.

“I remember Mrs. Sue being there,” Brad recalls with a smile. “Everyone was so warm and welcoming. It really helped me feel like I belonged.”
Sue Lasser served as PEER & WISE Executive Director for many years and mentored Serita Acker, who later followed in her footsteps as Executive Director. That legacy of mentorship and community became a cornerstone of Brad’s Clemson Experience.

Brad joined the Math Excellence Workshop—now the PEER WISE Experience (PWE)—where he found both friendship and focus. “There were only about 12 of us, and we became really close,” he says. “That experience helped me come out of my shell, manage my time, and learn how to use the many resources Clemson offered.”

Through his years in PEER & WISE, Brad built habits that continue to serve him in his career. Now an Operations Strategy Manager at Home Depot, he works on implementing new technology in stores and improving operational processes. “If I can make something better, I want to,” he says. “What excites me most is seeing the impact—not just on the business, but on people’s everyday experiences.”

Outside of work, Brad finds joy in sports, family, and maintaining the friendships that shaped his Clemson journey. “There’s always more work to do,” he reflects, “but it’s important to set boundaries and prioritize what matters—family, friends, and community.” Brad also gives back through Emerging 100, a mentoring and leadership organization in the greater Atlanta area.

His advice to current students? “Stay connected. Keep your network strong. That Clemson Family lasts well beyond graduation.”

By: Beth Anne Johnson

When Chemical Engineering alumna Kenetra Johnson (‘21) packed her bags for New York City, she carried more than her Clemson degree. She brought with her the encouragement, resilience, and sense of community she found at PEER & WISE. Today, as she celebrates four years in the city that never sleeps, Kenetra reflects on the moments that shaped her—and the risks that paid off.

A Starting Point in Community
Kenetra first learned about PEER & WISE through her sister, a 2012 graduate in Industrial Engineering. “She told me about PEER & WISE, and I just started hanging out in the office. I studied there, and eventually, Mrs. Lisa encouraged me to share my story. I would attend tutoring, volunteer at events, and really found a community.”

Those early days gave her the confidence to lean into both her academic and personal interests. “I even worked with Girl UP Greenville, combining my love of cosmetics with hands-on experiments, like making lip scrubs and learning what consumers really look for.”

Defining Moments at Clemson
Like many students, exam weeks tested her stamina—but PEER & WISE became her anchor. “I would go there for the pep talks, the reminders that I could do this,” she says. “The tutors met you exactly where you were. There was no judgment, no shame—just people who wanted to see you succeed.”

One pivotal conversation came when she confided in Mrs. Lisa about her dream of working in cosmetics. At the time, she had a job offer in another industry. “She told me to believe in myself. To go introduce myself to recruiters. To go seek and do. That changed everything for me.”

Gratitude in Action
Looking back, Kenetra is most proud of how PEER & WISE inspired her to give back. “It really cultivated gratitude into practice,” she reflects. “It’s that network that helps you rise.” She also wants students to remember that Clemson is filled with resources: “There is a service for YOU, no matter what you’re trying to achieve. You just have to take advantage of it.”

Building Skills for a Career
The skills Kenetra honed at PEER & WISE now shape her career as a Technical Process Manager in product development. “It built my work ethic, my public speaking, and my networking,” she says. Today, she helps launch new products, delving deep into formulas, ingredients, and the processes that transform an idea into something customers can hold in their hands. “Reading the reviews on products I helped develop is one of the best feelings.”

Joy in the Everyday
In a fast-paced city, Kenetra makes room for what matters most. “Rest is essential,” she says. “I connect with my body, I exercise, I cook. Cooking is creative for me—it’s mindful and it feels like home.”

Her mom’s advice continues to guide her: take risks on yourself. “Do it even with doubt,” Kenetra says. “Keep putting yourself out there. You are always worth betting on.”

From Hollywood, South Carolina, to the heart of New York City, Kenetra Johnson continues to prove just that.

At PEER & WISE, we know that success in engineering and science comes with the right support. That’s why our free tutoring program is open Sunday through Thursday, 7:00–10:00 p.m. in Freeman 102. Whether you’re tackling a tough homework set, preparing for an exam, or just need a fresh way of looking at a problem, our tutors are here to help you find your stride.

Tutoring is open to all students in the College of Engineering, Computing, and Applied Sciences. You’ll find a welcoming environment, patient guidance, and peers who understand the challenges of your coursework. It’s not just about solving equations — it’s about building confidence, finding community, and knowing you don’t have to figure it all out alone.

Check out our tutoring schedule below to see when help is available for your classes. Bring your questions, bring a friend, and let’s work through it together.

Freeman Hall | Sunday–Thursday | 7–10 p.m. | Open to Everyone!

By: Beth Anne Johnson

Let’s be clear: tutoring isn’t a punishment. It’s a power move.

At PEER WISE, every single student in our PWE Success Plan attends tutoring. No shame. No stigma. It’s just how we do business—and it works.

Why? Because tutoring isn’t just for students who are “failing.” It’s for students who are serious. Serious about learning. Serious about getting ahead. Serious about understanding the material so well they can teach it.
We pair you with tutors who get it. They’ve been in your shoes. They know the classes, the professors, and the pressure. And they’re here to help you not just pass—but thrive.

Some students come in thinking tutoring is a sign of weakness. We flip that narrative real quick. Tutoring is a tool smart students use before things fall apart. It’s built into the culture of excellence we’re creating here at PEER WISE.

When you sit down with a tutor, you’re doing more than reviewing notes. You’re building confidence. You’re sharpening your problem-solving. You’re turning confusion into clarity.

And guess what? Students in the PWE program who take tutoring seriously walk away with stronger GPAs, better habits, and a whole lot more peace of mind.

Tutoring is part of the plan. Not because you’re behind—but because we want you to be ready for whatever comes next.

PEER WISE Tutoring Opens Monday, August 25, 2025. Join us in Freeman 102 from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm to better hone your academic skills and rigor.

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

Let’s tackle a myth that trips up even the most outgoing students:
“Community just happens organically.”

The truth? Sometimes it does. You might meet your best friend in a lab, at a study session, or walking across campus. But more often than not, real community doesn’t just “happen”—it takes intention.

One of the things I always tell our PEER WISE students is this: You have to show up. Not just for class or for grades, but for people. Community is built when you take the risk to say “hi” at a club meeting. It’s built when you stay after an event to help clean up and end up laughing with someone who becomes a friend. It’s built when you come back, again and again, even when you feel unsure.

Yes, there are organic moments—those unexpected connections that make you feel like you belong. But those moments often start because someone made a move: they invited, welcomed, asked a question, offered a smile, or created a space.

That’s what we do at PEER WISE. We don’t leave community to chance. We plan gatherings, mentor meetups, workshops, and study groups on purpose. We send the emails. We open the doors. We encourage students to invite a friend. We create space so those organic moments can actually happen.

So if you’re sitting on the sidelines wondering when your people will find you—this is your nudge. Show up. Say yes. Try again. The students you’re looking for? They might be looking for you, too.

Community takes time. But it’s worth the effort. And you don’t have to build it alone.

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!

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