Tag: Student Success

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 Preston thinks back on his Clemson story, he can trace it to a single moment—before he was even a student.

“My mom and I were on campus visiting my brother, Kendal, when I met Mrs. Lisa. She already knew who I was and told me about PEER & WISE. She invested in me before I even stepped on campus, and that was really special,” he remembers. Preston also credits Mrs. Serita, as a lifelong mentor and a community leader from his hometown, with showing him what it means to serve others.

Those introductions set the stage for Preston’s Clemson Experience. Through the PEER WISE Experience (PWE)—even though it was online at the time—he began building friendships. “It was super nice to meet folks virtually, and even better when I saw them in person for the first time. Some of us are still friends today.”

Finding His Place at Clemson
Like so many Tigers, Preston says some of the most memorable moments came from simply being part of the community. “Experiencing Clemson in all its grandeur—sports, the cheers, the way the whole community comes together—that unity is something you never forget.”

Welcome Week was another milestone. Even though his first year looked a little different, he encourages current students to show up, no matter what. “Even if it’s your second year, keep going. You never know who you’ll meet or what connections you’ll make.”

Through PEER & WISE, Preston discovered opportunities to lead and serve. He remembers helping run the LEGO competition during Next Engineers, working STEM Day, and serving on student panels. “I loved seeing younger students’ curiosity—watching how their brains worked when they tinkered with something new. It reminded me why I chose engineering in the first place.”

Challenges that Shaped Him
One of the accomplishments Preston is most proud of is learning to code in MATLAB, something that didn’t come easily at first. “It was tough. I used the tutoring service from 7 to 10 every night to get the hang of it,” he says. “But once I figured it out, it gave me confidence. Later in my senior design project, and even now in my career, I can use that skill to solve real problems.”

If he could change one thing about his Clemson journey, it would be how he approached the career fair. “I had my list of target companies, and I stuck to it. This kind of research is important, but looking back, I wish I had branched out and talked to more employers. You never know what opportunities you might find.”

Building Skills for What’s Next
Preston credits PEER & WISE with sharpening the skills that set him apart after graduation. “Planning, organizing, public speaking—those soft skills matter. They’re what make you stand out when it’s time to step into the professional world.”

Listening to guest speakers, working in groups, and learning to lead with empathy also shaped his outlook. “Hearing other people’s stories taught me a lot about understanding where others are coming from. That’s something I use every day.”

Life Now
Today, Preston works in Charlotte as a Junior Reliability Engineer with JLL, where he focuses on asset validation and maintenance systems for various client accounts. “It’s exciting to see how the concepts I learned in school translate into real-world problem solving.”

When he’s not at work, Preston makes time for the people who matter most. “Family comes first. I love being able to spend time with them and finding community here in Charlotte.”

He also finds joy in watching his older brother Kendal thrive in his own career journey. “Seeing Kendal succeed has been incredible. He’s a tremendous networker, and I’ve been able to learn from the way he makes decisions and tries new things.”

Words of Advice
For current and future Tigers, Preston keeps it simple: “Try new things. Push yourself to go to one more event on campus. Go by yourself if you need to. You’ll be surprised by the connections you make and how much you’ll grow.”

Ready to experience the same award-winning program as Preston? Drop by Freeman 158 and meet the team!

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.