Meet the 2024-25 Peer Academic Coaches

Yuleisy Aguirre

Hello! My name is Yuleisy Aguirre, and I am a sophomore at Rhodes. While I love the learning process, I understand how intimidating being a student can often be. Subject-wise, I tend to float around the humanities, which means I’ve taken various writing, reading, and discussion-heavy courses. (EDUC, ENGL, PHIL, HIST, & MST). I also juggle several extracurriculars (Rhodes Student Government, LSA E-board, Posse Scholarship, volunteering & Peer Coaching). I am familiar with all things time management/organization and have unique academic strategies I am ready to share. Success requires that you seek help from others! Allow me to make your time at Rhodes a bit smoother, and let’s both get motivated by booking an appointment with me.

Schedule an appointment with me

Esther Ballesteros
Hello, I am from Dallas, TX and currently navigating my senior year at Rhodes. As a dedicated Psychology major with a passion for Educational Studies, I’ve delved into courses like PSYC 150, 200, 211, 224, 229 and EDUC 222, 201, 310, 320. I know firsthand, the challenges that come with juggling academics, extracurriculars, personal well-being, and fun! Having learned from my mistakes, I have discovered strategies that have allowed me to flourish and thrive and I want to help you do the same! So come on, let's meet and together let’s unlock the strategies that’ll set you up for academic success and so much more! 
Schedule an appointment with me.

Jackie Boyanchek
I am a junior from Columbus, GA majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in French on the pre-med track. As a pre-med STEM major, I have taken a variety of pre-med classes (CHEM 120/125, CHEM 211, PSYC 150), as well as French classes (FREN 102+201) to ensure a blend of course disciplines in my schedule. Being active in multiple on and off-campus commitments like diplomats, acapella, Greek life, and volunteering, I've had lots of experience juggling academics and life, and learning how to prioritize. Like any student, I have had to overcome many challenges in my academic career thus far, but I have gathered valuable strategies and solutions that make each new challenge easier to conquer. I learned that with the right amount of planning, organization, and time-management, I can enjoy being a college student to the fullest extent, and I would love to help you find that balance in your own life. I am excited to work together and discover the best strategies for navigating your academic career.

Jackie is abroad for Fall '24!

Evie Drescher
My name is Evie (they/them) and I am a junior majoring in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from the Franklin, TN area. I have taken primarily humanities classes, including RELS 101-102, SPAN 201, PHIL 105, ECON 100 and 202, and PPE 110. Through committing myself to a variety of on and off-campus organizations as well as my involvement in the Bonner program, I have learned how to organize my schedule and study effectively, so I am able to spend time on all my different interests. I also studied abroad in the Spring of 2024, so I understand how stressful managing your time can be while you're also preparing to leave the country. Additionally, I am the Rhodes Student Associate for the Academic and Learning Resources Office, so I have lots to share about the resources and programs we offer that could be useful to you. I would love to help you figure out how to work more efficiently through what you are obligated to do so you can spend more time doing the things you love! :)
Schedule an appointment with me 

Chris Karhol

Hello, my name is Christopher, and I am from Houston, Texas. I am a sophomore deciding between a biochemistry and molecular biology major with a chemistry minor or a biology major with a chemistry minor. Additionally, I am on the pre-med track and have taken courses such as BIOL 130, BIOL 131, BIOL 140, BIOL 141, MATH 122, and ANSO 103. At my time at Rhodes thus far, I have gained experience managing a busy schedule filled with academics, involvement in clubs and extracurriculars, and being a residential assistant. Through these activities, I have gained invaluable knowledge on how to structure my weekly schedule so that I never miss out on academic events and still have plenty of time on the weekends to hang out with friends. As a pre-med student, I understand the stress imposed upon us due to our academic track and the impending MCAT and Med-School applications. I hope I can help alleviate some of it by assisting you in planning out your weeks and making the immense workload appear less daunting and more manageable. In addition to preparing for large-scale projects such as taking on the MCAT, I look forward to collaborating with you to tackle and succeed at day-to-day assignments. See you soon!
Schedule an appointment with me

Ella Luking

I am a Sophomore from Frankfort, KY, and I am thinking of majoring in Physics and Spanish, as well as obtaining a certificate in Pre-Engineering. I have taken courses such as PHYS 112/114L. MATH 122, ECON100, and SPAN305, as well as being involved with research through Rhodes’ Physics Department, the Engineering Club, and Greek Life. Before coming to Rhodes, I didn’t have much experience taking STEM courses (specifically those involving a Lab), so I know how daunting they can feel - especially when balancing a challenging course load with other on-campus involvements. Thankfully, I have discovered some strategies that can break down these intimidating courses into manageable steps, helping to quell my anxiety and get rid of procrastination. Please book an appointment with me, and I would love to share these strategies with you!

Schedule an appointment with me.

Colin McCown
I am a senior double majoring in History and Religious Studies from Memphis, TN. While there is not truly any pre-law track, I am planning to attend law school after undergrad. As someone specializing in two humanities, I have taken a variety of classes including: HIST 271, HIST 283, RELS 276, HIST 255, HIST 288, HIST 105, ENG 190, RELS 101, and RELS 102. In addition to this, I have taken electives in PSYC 150, ANSO 103, and have credits for Biology and Calculus. Though I am comfortable working in STEM fields, I would probably say I am more experienced with the classic Liberal Arts courses. I hope I get the opportunity to help you with creating a successful plan for any and every class possible and look forward to meeting. Thanks!
Schedule an appointment with me.

Dylan Morris
I'm a senior and I intend to major in Biology or Environmental Science. I have taken a variety of intro STEM classes (BIO 130, 140, 120; CHEM 120; ENVS 150) in addition to humanities coursework. As a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity, Kinney Co-Director, Rhodes diplomat and a regular community volunteer, I understand how difficult it can be to balance a rigorous academic course load and still be able to enjoy extracurricular activities and social events. College is not easy; I’ve faced a variety of academic obstacles during my time so far at Rhodes and have come out a better student. Meet with me and we can work together to figure out how to make your academic experience as manageable as possible. 
Schedule an appointment with me.

Lila Saunders
I am a junior majoring in neuroscience and minoring in chemistry from Gloucester, VA. Being on the pre-med track, I have taken a variety of STEM classes (BIO 130, 140; CHEM 120, NEURO 270, and the corresponding labs), as well as courses such as HUM 101, 102; SPAN 102, 201; and PSYCH 150. Being a member of Rhodes College Dance Company (RCDC), and a volunteer at St. Jude, I have learned how to perfect time management so that I am able to spend time doing things I enjoy outside of academics. During freshman year, I learned that college took a little time to adjust; therefore, when meeting with me I will share strategies with you to better prepare for possible challenges in the academic year. I look forward to meeting with you!
Schedule an appointment with me.

KK Sowers

Hi! I am KK Sowers, a junior from Frisco, Texas, and a psychology major with a double minor in education and anthropology/sociology. I have taken various psychology courses like PSYC 451, 229, 224, 211, 200,150. I also took EDUC 222, 220, 201, NEUR 270, and ANSO 103, 352. Outside of academics, I am captain of the Rhodes Volleyball team, a research lab manager, a member of Greek Life, and a student worker in the athletic department. Being a stem major, a varsity athlete, and heavily involved in other activities, I have learned many skills to help navigate college. I understand firsthand the struggle of time management and learning how to juggle multiple passions. Throughout my first two years of college, I have experimented with study strategies and organizational skills that allow me to thrive at Rhodes. Now, I want to help other students pursue all their interests while having a balanced college experience! I would love to chat with you and help you discover how you can enjoy your time at Rhodes with less stress surrounding academics and managing a full schedule. I am excited to meet you and start working towards helping you cultivate a healthy, enjoyable college experience!

Schedule an appointment with me

Clara Sullivan
I am a senior Computer Science major and Business minor from Jupiter, FL! I came into Rhodes undecided about my major, so I have taken a wide array of courses ranging from CHIN 101, 102, 201 to BIOL 130, 140 and CHEM 120. Since deciding on my major and minor, I have had the opportunity to take other exciting courses such as: COMP 141, 142, 172, 241; BUS 241 and ECON 100. As an active PA leader, RSG member, and participant in Greek life, I understand how challenging it can be to balance a rigorous course load while still enjoying extracurriculars and finding time to unwind. Over the past three years, I have learned a lot about time management and finding the most effective way to spend my time so I can be successful in my academics and feel socially fulfilled. I would love to meet with you to help find the most successful plan for you! 
Schedule an appointment with me.