Heather Hayes moved to South Bend to pursue her bachelor degree in human resources management at the Leighton School. She was looking for a school that would not only help her achieve her career goals, but also offer affordable tuition. “It’s been a good choice for me,” she said. “I’ve been able to provide for my family, and I feel like I’m engaged in the campus and in my coursework, too.”

To help students succeed and develop connections early, the Leighton School pairs student cohorts with a peer mentor for three introductory business classes. The experience helped Heather quickly feel comfortable on the new campus. “It helped me build relationships with other business student,” explained Heather. “And, it was nice to see friendly faces around campus.”

In turn, the following year, Heather found time to volunteer as a peer mentor for incoming business students. “It’s been a very rewarding experience,” she commented. Peer mentors provide a bridge for new students, helping them navigate their early business classes, and directing them to resources as needed. “It helped me build confidence in myself,” Heather commented. “And, I was able to be a friendly face and a mentor to new students on campus.”

Heather also appreciates the diversity of the Leighton faculty, and their open, helpful attitude. “The professors reach out to connect students with resources---recommending classes and clubs, helping and advising students as they move through their academic coursework,” Heather explained. “You can’t put a price on that!”