PEER and WISE

Academic Coaching—Because Growth Takes Guidance

Posted on by elamar

By: Beth Anne Johnson

Lisa Jackson, Associate Director of PEER, is one of the academic coaches on the PEER WISE staff.

Here’s the truth: no one becomes their best self by accident. Growth takes time, effort, and the right people walking alongside you. That’s why the second pillar of the PWE Success Plan is academic coaching—and yes, it’s required.

Our students meet with certified academic coaches weekly. This isn’t a check-the-box kind of meeting. This is real, intentional growth work. Together, we look at where you are, where you want to go, and what’s getting in the way.


We help you figure out why certain classes feel impossible, why time management isn’t clicking, or why your motivation is low. We dig in, not to judge, but to understand. Then we make a plan—and we walk with you as you work it.

Coaching is where the “aha” moments happen. It’s where students go from overwhelmed to focused, from stuck to steady. It’s one of the reasons our PWE program has a 100% retention rate—because students aren’t left to figure it out alone.

At PEER WISE, we don’t just want you to survive college. We want you to grow through it, so that when you graduate, you’re not just walking across a stage—you’re walking into your future with confidence.

That’s what academic coaching is all about. And once you experience it, you’ll wonder how you ever did without it.

Want to meet with one of our academic coaches? Stop by Freeman 158 to introduce yourself and set up your appointment.


We Call in Your Family—Because You’re Not Doing This Alone

Posted on by elamar

By: Beth Anne Johnson

A group of Summer Bridge students in the PEER WISE Experience (PWE) smile and pose together on the steps of Freeman Hall. During the four-week program, students build strong connections with their cohort, faculty, and PEER WISE staff.

At PEER WISE, we like to say that when you join us, you’re not just gaining support—you’re gaining a whole new family. Our PWE Success Plan starts with the foundation of community, because we know that no one makes it through a STEM degree alone.

That means we don’t just care about your grades—we care about who you are and where you come from. We get to know your people, and we help you bring them into your college experience in a way that supports you. We believe that the family you were born into—and the one you build here—can both play a role in your success.

We also teach students how to have the tough conversations that come with growth. Like how to explain to your parents that an 8 a.m. class isn’t working out. Or how to ask for space when you’re balancing school, work, and home responsibilities. It’s all part of learning to advocate for yourself with grace.

Success in college isn’t just about textbooks and test scores. It’s about knowing who’s in your corner and how to use your voice. That’s why our first tool in the PWE Success Plan is simple—but powerful: we call in your family.

Because at PEER WISE, when we say we’ve got your back, we mean it, as your Clemson Family—every step of the way.

What is PEER WISE Experience?

Posted on by elamar

By: Beth Anne Johnson

The PEER WISE Experience (PWE) is a four-week summer program designed for incoming Clemson students to get a head start—earning college credits before their first fall semester begins. This award-winning program is known for its excellence, with a 100% retention rate that speaks for itself. PWE sets the foundation for success, connection, and confidence—long before classes officially start.

This July, kicked off another great season of the PEER WISE Experience as we welcomed over 30 incredible students to campus—our newest members of the Tiger family!

If you weren’t able to join us in person, don’t worry—this blog series is for you. We’re sharing a few (not all!) of our time-tested tools for success so you can start applying the PEER WISE mindset from wherever you are.

Each post gives you a glimpse into what makes PWE special—and how you can put these strategies into practice, self-application style. And as always, we’re cheering you on every step of the way.

Let’s get started.

STEM Mythbusters Series: Community Just Happens on Its Own—Right?

Posted on by elamar
Serita Acker
Serita Acker, Executive Director of PEER WISE

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.

STEM Mythbusters Series: You Don’t Have to Have It All Figured Out

Posted on by elamar

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

Here’s one myth I wish we could erase from every student’s mind before they even set foot on campus:
“You have to know exactly what you want to do from day one.” Let me tell you something honest and freeing: you don’t.

I’ve watched hundreds—probably thousands—of students walk through our doors feeling unsure about their major, their career, even who they’re becoming. And I want to say this loud and clear: not knowing is not a weakness. It’s part of the process.

STEM can feel very structured. There are plans, prerequisites, and pathways. But what many students don’t realize is that there’s also room to explore. It’s okay to change your mind. It’s okay to start in chemical engineering and discover you love computer science. It’s okay to take a class, realize it’s not for you, and pivot.

Some of our most successful PEER WISE alumni didn’t begin with a perfect plan—they found their passion by trying things. They talked to mentors. They joined clubs. They asked questions. They gave themselves permission to be in discovery mode.

And here’s something else: what you major in doesn’t have to define your whole life. You are allowed to grow, shift, and create your own path. That’s where the magic happens.

At PEER WISE, we believe in walking alongside you—whether you’re confidently charging forward or pausing to figure things out. We’ll connect you with mentors who’ve been there. We’ll help you ask better questions, explore new interests, and gain the confidence to make informed choices.


So if you’re feeling unsure, take a breath. You are not behind. You are not lost. You are just getting started.

And we’ll be right here with you as you find your way.

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

Posted on by elamar
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

Posted on by elamar
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

Posted on by elamar
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

Posted on by elamar

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

Posted on by elamar

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