Tag: PEER

By: Beth Anne Johnson

This summer, members of the GE Next Engineers PEER & WISE team at Clemson University traveled to Lisbon, Portugal, for a global gathering of educators, industry partners, GE volunteers, and implementation managers from FHI 360. The training and collaboration event united colleagues from South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the University of Cincinnati—all committed to advancing the GE Next Engineers curriculum and inspiring the next generation of innovators.

The sessions focused on the vital link between K–12 education and workforce development, highlighting how early exposure to engineering can help meet the growing global demand for skilled professionals. The Clemson team was proud to share lessons learned from our own programs while also gaining insight from the successes of international peers.

“This work is so important because it creates a pipeline of young people who see themselves in engineering and have the confidence to pursue it,” said Serita Acker, Executive Director of PEER & WISE. “By collaborating globally, we ensure our students are better prepared to step into careers that drive innovation and strengthen communities.”

The GE Next Engineers program continues to be a powerful catalyst, connecting classrooms to careers and giving students the tools they need to imagine—and achieve—a future in engineering.

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.

Big exams can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to prepare alone. PEER & WISE is here to support you with Common Exam Study Sessions—designed to bring students together, share resources, and build confidence before the big test.

If you’re enrolled in CHEM 1010/1020, MATH 1060/1080, or PHYS 1220/2210, these sessions are for you. Held in Freeman Hall, our study nights are led by experienced tutors who know the material inside and out. You’ll have the chance to review key concepts, work through practice problems, and learn strategies that make exam time less stressful.

More than just tutoring, these sessions are about community—cheering each other on and reminding every Tiger that success is within reach.

Location: Freeman Hall 102
Time: 7:00–10:00 PM
Dates: See the poster below for this semester’s schedule

Bring your notes, your questions, and your determination. We’ll take care of the rest. Let’s tackle common exams together—because when Tigers study as a team, we all win.

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: 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.

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 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

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

By: Beth Anne Johnson

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!