My name is Carly (she/her) and I am from Rumford, Maine. I plan to major in Gender and Sexuality Studies and minor in Anthropology. I enjoy activism and am on the board of directors for Maine People’s Alliance. On campus, I work at the Harward Center as a Civic Agency Fellow.

Class year: 2027
Pronouns: she/her

My name is James Hillers and I’m a junior from Syracuse, New York. I am majoring in Biology with a minor in Digital and Computational Studies. Outside of academics, I’m co-president of model UN, a SASC tutor, and member of club volleyball. I love all these things for the opportunities they provide me and the communities they offer. I also love going for hikes, runs, and watching movies.

Class year: 2026
Pronouns: he/him

My name is Sheila Robledo, this will be my second year as a peer mentor!  I am planning on majoring in Biology and minoring in Chinese language. I am a Mexican American first-generation student. I was born in Texas and raised in Mexico for a few years of my childhood. Fun fact, I live 20 minutes from the Mexico-U.S. border and I actually cross the border to Mexico walking every other weekend when I’m back home in Texas!

Class year: 2026
Pronouns: she/her

My name is Elizabeth (she/her) and I am a Mexican-American student from northern Colorado. I am a sociology major and an educational studies minor. On campus I work with Purposeful Work as a Peer Advisor, work with the Harward Center as a community Outreach Fellow, participate as a LAMP Fellow, and will begin tutoring Spanish this upcoming fall! I am always down for a sweet treat and a chat, so if you need a buddy for a coffee run I am your gal!

Class year: 2026
Pronouns: she/her

My name is Ross Tejeda and I am an English and Economics double major. I enjoy playing Basketball, going on runs, playing video games, and listening to music. On campus I run Track and field/Cross Country, I am also a member of Investment club and the Students Athletes of Color Coalition. I’m excited to meet you all so feel free to reach out for general questions, advice, or just to say hi!

Class year: 2026
Pronouns: he/him

Being a first-generation student, coming to college is a scary task, taking a big step into the unknown. As an incoming freshman, I was nervous of what was to come, but being a member of the Kessler Scholars Program helped me settle in more than I would have otherwise. Kessler connects you with so many of your peers through games and activities. Through the program, you receive a peer-mentor, someone who is there for you to talk to about literally anything from questions, to advice, to just wanting someone to talk to. Everyone in the Kessler program is someone who genuinely cares about each and every person, their well-being, and is invested in who they are. It is truly an amazing group to be a part of. Having a built-in support system through Kessler has been so beneficial for my college experience.

Class year: 2028
Pronouns: she/her

Hi! My name is Shristi, and I’m from Nepal. I’m a proud first-generation and international student in the Bates Class of 2028. Being a Kessler Scholar has truly been one of the most meaningful parts of my college journey so far. As a first-gen student, I often felt like I had to figure everything out on my own—from registering for classes to understanding financial aid—all while carrying the hopes and dreams of my family back home. The Kessler Scholars program gave me more than just guidance; it gave me a community. I didn’t have to explain why certain things felt so overwhelming—everyone just got it. For the first time, I felt seen, supported, and like I genuinely belonged. That changed everything for me.

Class year: 2028
Pronouns: she/her

Being a Kessler Scholar has helped me acclimate to Bates, both during the pre-orientation program and throughout the academic year! Getting to move in a few days early made transitioning to college life much easier. You get to know where the buildings are, how Commons works, and make a few friends before everyone else gets here — which takes the stress out of moving so much! Plus, getting to campus early means you get to choose which side of the room you want before your roommate!

Class year: 2028
Pronouns: she/her