About Us

Meet The PALs

Peer Advisor Leaders (PALs) are your go-to upperclassmen at USF St. Petersburg, here to support you as part of the New Student Connections team! They work alongside professional staff to create educational and leadership development opportunities for all students. Whether you're a first-time college student or a transfer, PALs provide personalized guidance through one-on-one coaching, outreach, and engaging programs to help you thrive during your first year.

You’ll have access to either the First-Year, Second-Year, or Transfer Peer PAL team, ready to assist you in navigating your new adventure at USF St. Petersburg. Join us during Week of Welcome for exciting events where you can meet your PALs and kickstart your college experience! If you have any questions or want to reach out, feel free to email stp-newstudent@usf.edu. Interested in becoming a PAL yourself? Keep an eye out for when we open positions on handshake!

Stop by HWH 101 anytime to connect with your First-Year, Second-Year, or Transfer PAL!

Not a part of the Transfer Peer Coach program? Click here to sign up for the program!

Meet your First-Year PALs

Student sitting on chair talking on phone and holding stuffed animal.

Chloe Duncan

  • Hometown: McDonough, GA
  • Major: Information Assurance and Cybersecurity Management
  • Hobbies: Reading, Watching TV, 3D Printing, Gaming

 

Photo of Keira near trees

Keira Blakey

  • Hometown: Palm city, FL
  • Major: Marine Biology
  • Hobbies: Reading, Hiking, Thrifting, Making Puzzles, Listening to Music

 

Student posing on brick bridge over canal.

Victoria Phan 

  • Hometown: Naples, FL

  • Major: Biological Health Sciences

  • Hobbies: Scrapbooking, Journaling, Photography, Collecting Pins

 

Student holding up double peace signs while on a high rock with blue water behind her.

Paige Wilkins

  • Hometown: Winchester, TN

  • Major: Marine Biology

  • Hobbies: Scuba Diving, Reading, Museums, Walking

 

Student posing in city plaza holding up both arms.

Stacy Francois

  • Hometown: Pembroke Pines, FL

  • Major: Biology

  • Hobbies: Drawing, Trying New Food, Baking, Cooking, and Painting

 

Student wearing green shirt looking over shoulder at camera.

Nicole Benjamin

  • Hometown: Scranton, PA

  • Major: Digital Communications and Multimedia Journalism

  • Hobbies: Crochet, Sewing, and Roblox

 

Student posing next to low wall with arm on wall.

Anna Burns

  • Hometown: Apollo Beach, FL

  • Major: English

  • Hobbies: Reading, Writing, Listening to Music

 

Meet Your Transfer PALs

Student taking selfie in mirror covered in vines.

Ava Moody

  • Hometown: Homosassa, FL

  • Major: Biology

  • Hobbies: Baking, Paddle-boarding, Going to Concerts

 

Student wearing yellow shirt taking a selfie.

Olive Smith

  • Hometown: Tampa, FL

  • Major: Environmental Science

  • Hobbies: Painting, Crocheting, Snorkel/Scuba, Dancing

 

Student wearing green shirt and blue necklace looking directly at camera.

Estefania Rodriguez

  • Hometown: Caracas, Venezuela

  • Major: Marine Biology

  • Hobbies: Dancing, Crocheting, Playing Video Games