• “I am hoping to learn more about how to use my leadership skills to aid me in my transition to college. I also look forward to establishing connections with like-minded peers and having the support of my peer mentor. My hope is that QUEST will serve as the starting point for my involvement on campus. I am curious about how I will be able to apply the leadership education I received in high school in my time here at UD. I also want to learn about the many ways to get involved on campus that will allow me to feel comfortable and welcomed within the UD community.”

• “I want to participate in the QUEST program because I am interested in creating friendships with some of my fellow freshmen as well as upperclassmen with similar interests to help make my transition to college life easier and more enjoyable. My main hope is to gain friends through this program, but I would also like to develop my leadership skills. I want to get involved in lots of interesting clubs/societies while in college, so my hope is that this program will help me to develop the skills that will make it easier to gain leadership roles within these clubs/societies. Lastly, I hope to learn how people manage their time while at college. Being on your own for the first time, I am curious about methods people use to help manage their time.”

• “Toward the tail end of my club volleyball season, I noticed a kid that didn’t get much play time or much recognition from our coach at all. He wasn’t the best player on the team, but I noticed that he always stayed late to work on his game. During one of our tournaments that season, I decided to go up to my coach and suggest that we put him in as a serving specialist and I noted that he had been working hard to get better. As a captain of the team, my coach told me that if I thought it was a good idea, he would do it. He went in the game and made his first serve, scoring us the points. It felt good to help out this kid on his journey to better himself. This taught me that everyone deserves a chance and It helped me value the opportunities I’ve been given.”
• “In the spring of eighth grade, I was selected to be one of sixteen Campus Congress representatives for my class. In my freshman year of high school, I attended every meeting, eager to share my opinions and ideas. I was elected treasurer in my sophomore year, then vice speaker and, lastly, speaker. From these roles, I’ve learned how to hold the attention of a group of over sixty students, communicate with the administration and student body, and find innovative ways to make meetings more productive and worthwhile. This past year, my biggest challenge was figuring out how to bring the pre-pandemic energy back into Campus Congress. Throughout the year, I have worked to revitalize traditional standards and enforce new community-building practices. This challenge was very much out of my comfort zone because I was working to create something that I had not witnessed before. I was afraid of how others would react to the changes, and it was nerve-wracking to approach a group with so much enthusiasm when I was unsure if the feeling was mutual. However, I dove in head first and the changes were met with the same enthusiasm that I presented them with. Since the beginning of the school year, the group has truly transformed, teaching me that the passion a leader holds for their community is just as important as the ideas that are brought to the table.”

My name is Natalie Baysinger (she/her/hers) and I am a senior Public Policy major from Catonsville, MD with minors in Women and Gender Studies and Statistical Data Analytics! I’m also a Community Engagement Scholar and a World Scholar. When I’m not studying, you can often find me relaxing in the sun outside, with my friends in a dining hall or the library, or in Perkins playing games! QUEST gave me a safe space, amazing friends, and so much growth! I am so excited to be a QUEST Student Coordinator! I hope to bring all of you loads of laughter and joy, and the development that this opportunity offers. If I could offer you a piece of advice for the transition to college and UD, I would say to appreciate every moment you’ve got, and use this chance to become that person you’ve always wanted to be.

Hi everyone! My name is Jasmin Bioteau (she/her/hers) and I am from Abington, Pennsylvania, which is about one hour from UD. I am an honors senior chemistry and Spanish major. On campus I am involved in American Chemical Society Student Affiliates (ACS), University of Delaware Alternative Breaks (UDaB), and, of course, the Office of Leadership and Service. My favorite pastimes are reading, running, and watching Netflix. The Leadership and Service program has been a great experience for me, and I even met some of my best friends through QUEST. You can almost always find me in the Office of Leadership and Service if you want to chat. I am excited to meet you all and watch you grow as leaders!

Hi! My name is Lola Babalola and I’m from Malvern, PA. I am an honors sophomore studying Economics & Music Management. On campus, I founded a songwriting club called Music Makers and I am also a member of Concert Choir and The Women’s Network. Outside school, I am a Grammy U member of the Recording Academy, a summer camp counselor, a singer songwriter, and I love spending time with friends and family. QUEST was one of the most incredible experiences of my first year and I’m so grateful for the friends, leadership skills, and memories this program brought me. I cannot wait to be a Peer Mentor and bring QUEST to a new entering class. I’m so excited to meet you all and help you transition into UD!

Hi everyone! My name is Danielle Blachar (she/her/hers) and I am a sophomore from Westchester, New York. I’m majoring in Elementary Education with a concentration in English as a Second Language and minoring in Leadership. Here at UD, I’m in the Honors College, the Access: Ability Scholars program, and Tier 2 of the Blue Hen Leadership Program (BHLP). Outside of BHLP, I’m involved on campus as a Site Leader for UDaB (UD Alternative Breaks), the Student Engagement Chair for UDance Dance Marathon, and a Blue Hen Ambassador/Diversity Enrichment Leader. I love having picnics on the green with my friends, listening to music, and watching the sunset. Participating in QUEST was the highlight of my first year on campus and the relationships I established made my transition to college so much smoother. I am so excited to be part of this experience with the incoming group of QUESTers and I can’t wait to get to know all of you!

Hey! My name is Lukas Demskis and I am a sophomore from Newtown, Pennsylvania. I am a Sports Health major in the 3+2 program for Athletic Training and I plan to study Physical Therapy. On campus I am currently involved in the Blue Hen Leadership Program, Athletic Training Student’s Association, and I am a member of the Men’s Volleyball Team. In my free time I enjoy rock climbing, going to the gym, playing all types of sports, learning songs on the guitar, and hanging out with friends. The QUEST program made my transition to college a super smooth experience and helped me find a great group of friends early on. I’m super grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in the program and I can’t wait to meet you all!

Hi everyone! I’m Erin Fitzgerald (she/her/hers), I am a junior from Wilmington, DE. Here at UD, I study Human Services (Pre-Social Work/Counseling) with a Minor in Medical Social Services. I am a part of our programs here in the Leadership and Service Office, Greek Life, the Human Services Honor Society, and a Peer24 Lead over at Sean’s House. During my free time, I love getting coffee, spending time with friends, and going to the gym. QUEST has truly been the most amazing experience, both as a PM and a participant. Not only have I learned so much about myself and how I can grow as a leader, but I have found a family in this program! I cannot wait to meet you all and be a part of your QUEST experience!

Hey everyone! My name is Maddy Lowe and I’m a sophomore medical diagnostics pre-physician assistant major from Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. I just want to start off by saying you can make such an amazing decision by applying for QUEST. QUEST not only exposes you to incredible leadership strategies, but also acts as a time to get you accustomed to college life, establishes amazing relationships, and opens your eyes to the amazing opportunities available on campus. Here at Delaware I’m involved in club volleyball, Christian Challenge, pre-PA club, UD alternative breaks, and I also work as an EMT at Aetna Hose Hook and Ladder company. I love listening to Luke Combs and Noah Kahan, playing football and spikeball on the turf, working out, and getting food on main street! I’m so excited to get to know you guys and see all the amazing things you accomplish!

Hi y’all! My name is Siena Norcross (she/her/hers) and I am a Sophomore in the honors college majoring in Food Science. San Antonio, Texas is my hometown but I am a military kid so I have lived all over. Here at UD I am involved in the Agriculture College Counsel (AgCC), Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources & Related Sciences (MANRRS), Food Science Club, Dsharps Acapella, and I also work at the UDairy Creamery! I am extremely passionate about food and love to cook/learn about food culture and history. In my free time I love playing volleyball (court or sand) and softball. My college experience started with QUEST and I highly recommend it. My best connections with friends/university resources came from QUEST. I cannot wait to meet the new round of QUESTers. I’m rooting for all of you already!

Hey! My name is Jason Puza and I am a Junior Biology major, Neuroscience minor on a pre-med track. I’m from Dallas, Pennsylvania, which is a small town about 20 minutes away from Scranton. Besides being a member of the Blue Hen Leadership Program, I am involved in UDANCE, a member of the Making Doctors Club, an Undergraduate Researcher, and a member of the UD Men’s Rugby Team. When my time isn’t occupied by school and extracurricular activities, I am usually playing video games, reading, hanging out with friends, or watching anything Star Wars related. The QUEST program made the transition to college light years easier, and I am so thankful I was given the opportunity to participate in it. QUEST was an incredible experience and I can’t wait for you all to experience it!

Hi! My name is Jadah Ricks (she/her/hers) and I am from Upper Marlboro, Maryland. I am a Women’s and Gender Studies, Human Services double major, with a minor in Domestic Violence Prevention. Around campus, I am a Mental Health Peer Educator for the Well-Being Center, and love to participate in events at the Center for Black Culture. Outside of campus life, at home I work at the International Spy Museum in the retail store and love to spend time with friends and family whether it’s going to the beach, eating good food, or watching comedy movies. I love to cook and bake, my favorite food to eat is tacos or french fries and I always enjoy reading a good book. BHLP and QUEST have introduced me to amazing people that have become my support system, even meeting my best friend through this program. I am so excited to be your mentor and give you the room to grow, speak your mind, and be your authentic selves as you transition into your lives at UD!

Hi Everyone! My name is Casey Schaeffer and I am beyond excited to be one of your QUEST Peer mentors this year! I am a Junior from Yardley, PA majoring in Leadership with a minor in Event Management. On Campus, you can find me in The Women’s Network Club, traveling within our alternative breaks program, and sailing on our club sailing team. I also serve as the Leadership representative within the Biden School and a member of the Community Engagement Scholars program. I love listening to music, playing volleyball, and going on drives with friends in my free time! I cannot wait to see what comes next in the Blue Hen Leadership Program as I am entering my third year in the Fall! QUEST has provided me with a sense of family and lifelong friends and truly eased my transition when entering college as a freshman. I cannot wait to meet all of you and share laughs, joy, as we grow together as people.

Hey everyone! I’m Marykate Sharkey (she, her, hers) and I am from Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey. I am currently a sophomore majoring in Leadership and hoping to double minor in Public Policy and Medical Social Services. On campus, I work as a Creative Leadership, Innovation, and Service Ambassador and participate in UDAB and certificate programs through the Lead & Serve office. During my free time, you can find me lost in a good book, hosting movie marathons, or whipping up something good in the kitchen. I love quality time with loved ones and soaking up the sunshine whenever possible. My journey with QUEST has been transformative, shaping me into the leader I am today and helping me find my community here at UD. I am so excited to meet you and have an absolute blast! This is a fresh start, so I encourage you to dive right in and enjoy every moment! 🙂

Hi, everyone!! My name is Maddy Thompson (she/her/hers), and I’m so excited to be a peer mentor this year! I’m a junior from Pittsburgh, PA and an Honors Human Physiology major pursuing minors in Leadership and Spanish for Healthcare. On campus, I’m involved with the Leadership and Service office, Writing Fellows, and Greek Life (both Panhellenic and professional). When I’m not studying at ISE or the library, you can find me grabbing coffee with friends, going on walks, reading, or listening to music. I love bagels, hugs, and all things pink! My favorite leadership memory is traveling to Puerto Rico for an Alternative Winter Break Program and forming meaningful connections with new friends there. QUEST has provided me with a safe space to grow as a leader, build confidence, celebrate the little wins in life, and find a family away from home. I can’t wait to meet all of you!