From Gerardo Ruiz, Veteran Services Coordinator, Johnson County Community College: “Melody has been an outstanding Peer Advisor, consistently reaching out to her cohort and providing timely follow-ups. She has developed strong, meaningful relationships with her peers, offering both guidance and support. Her fellow Peer Advisors and peers frequently commend her dedication to PAVE. Melody has truly embraced her role, and her compassionate nature and proactive approach have positively impacted our students and the PAVE.”

From Melody Molina: “I’ve always loved helping others, so being a Peer Advisor has been really meaningful to me. My favorite part is that I not only get to support my peers, but I also get to connect with them on a real level. We go through a lot of the same things, and it’s comforting to know we’ve got each other’s backs. Plus, my PAVE peers are truly awesome people, and I’m happy to serve and be there for them. I think it helps students feel more comfortable and less alone. Navigating college, especially as a first-time student, can be overwhelming, especially when balancing other life responsibilities. That’s why I think it’s really nice and important for student veterans to have someone they can go to for support, resources, or even just to talk things through.”