First year students are paired up with more experienced upperclassmen as they enter their first fall semester of college. NASS peer mentors provide support and guidance for first year students in order to promote the success and retention of Native American students.
Meet the 2022-23 NASS Peer Mentors
Ana Carbajal
Hello! My name is Ana Carbajal I am a first gen 2nd year music education major and the Co-chair to CNIA! I’m Latina and Ojibwe. A little about me; I play guitar as my main instrument and I wanna be a k-12 teacher! I love making friends and talking to people so feel free to reach out and I’m sure you’ll see me running around campus!
William Chinana
I was born in Bemidji, Minnesota but I grew up in Jemez Pueblo, New Mexico. My mother is White Earth and my father is apart of the Pueblo of Jemez. This is my 5th year and I'm an environmental studies major. On campus I work in the Equity, Diversity, and Intercultural office and enjoy helping set up the many cultural programs they have throughout the school year. Outside of university life I enjoy calling home to talk with friends and family, camping and watching pretty much any sports on TV.
Jasmin Gray
I was born in Minnesota, and my tribal affiliation is Muscogee Creek Nation. I am a sophomore currently majoring in Biology Pre-Vet. I work with TRIO and NASS as a peer mentor, and I work in International Student Programming (ISP). In my free time, I play video games and watch TV shows.
Gabe Long
Gabe is from Moenkopi Arizona and is a part of the Hopi Tribe. He is majoring in Elementary Education. Gabe takes part in NASS, leader in Campus Ambassador, and a CA in Indy Hall. In his free time he likes to go fishing, spend time with his golden retriever, and family.
Mariah Thesing
Mariah (she/her/hers) is affiliated with the White Earth Nation and majoring in Financial Management and a minor in French. On campus, Mariah is also involved as the President of the Entre Nous French Club, President of Laser Club Initiative, Secretary of the AFRC Committee, and an Office Assistant in the Student Activities Office. In Mariah’s free-time, she loves reading, music, movies, crafts, and being with friends and family.
Dylan Young
Dylan currently serves as the student body president. After graduating this Spring, Dylan plans on pursuing a career in making higher education accessible and equitable for students from Native American communities, starting with earning a dual master’s degree in public policy and higher education.