Alberto Acosta of the University of Michigan is our Peer Advisor of the Month! Alberto, an Army veteran, proudly served his country as a pharmacy specialist for 6 years before deciding to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Alberto is now studying evolutionary anthropology and plans to focus on higher education and student affairs once his undergraduate studies are complete. His career goal is to become an academic advisor at a higher educational institution.

Alberto credits PAVE with helping him find his passion for not only helping his fellow student veterans, but all students he comes into contact with.

“Getting the Peer Advisor position and having my first round of students in both fall and winter and learning about their different experiences led me to the moment where I knew this was what I wanted to do,” Alberto said. “This doesn’t feel like a job at all. I absolutely love talking to students and having conversations because I hope my life story can be of use to the students I come into contact with.”

Alberto’s life experiences and warm, easygoing personality give him the ability approach his position as a Peer Advisor from a unique perspective that has proven beneficial to the UM PAVE team. By constantly seeking to help fellow student veterans in whatever ways he can, Alberto demonstrates the power of peer support.

“We couldn’t ask for a better teammate, and I personally think that Alberto defines what it means to be a Peer Advisor,” said Alberto’s Team Leader, Steve Smith. “One of our newer advisors works with us because Alberto was her advisor, and she wanted to help others like he helped her. We’re lucky to have him.” Alberto, we are proud to have you on the PAVE team!