Advice

Ash Pena
"My advice to Walden students is to stay organized, remain persistent, and have faith in yourself. You never know what you might accomplish until you try, try, and try again."
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About Me
Transcript: Meet Walden's Peer Mentor: Ashley Pena
Current Walden Program: BS, Psychology with a concentration in Addictions
Professional Goals: I would like to attain a doctoral degree in Psychology to help individuals struggling with addiction, particularly high-risk adolescents and young adults.
Location: Texas
Hobbies and Interests: I enjoy spending time with my kids and partner, watching true-crime shows, documentaries, and movies, listening to music, baking, and learning new things.
Family and Pets: I am a proud mom to five children and one 13-year-old chihuahua-terrier, Spunky. My oldest boys are ages 16 and 18, the twins (boy and girl) are 8, and the baby is just over a year old now. I also live with my loving boyfriend, Justin, who supports me every step of the way.
My Academic Journey
My Academic Journey
Why did you choose Walden for your undergraduate degree?
I chose Walden for my undergraduate degree because it allows me the flexibility to continue working and spending time with my family while I continue to pursue my professional goals.
What has been your favorite class at Walden (to date), and why?
Thus far, my favorite class at Walden was Racial and Ethnic Identities in America because it challenged me to reevaluate the way I viewed myself and others as well.
What have you learned about yourself so far on your academic journey?
Along my educational journey, I have learned that it is okay to make mistakes. Instead of striving for perfection, strive for excellence! If an error is made, be sure to learn and grow from it instead of feeling defeated.
What is a fear or anxiety you had about starting school that you no longer have?
My biggest fear when I first started at Walden was my unfamiliarity with online schooling. However, after taking a few classes and learning the ropes, I discovered that I really enjoyed distance-learning, and luckily, the professors and staff are available to help.
My Mentorship Experiences
My Mentorship Experiences
Who is your academic, professional, or personal mentor? Why has this person been so important to you?
My personal mentor is my mother because she has accomplished her professional goals through hard work, determination, and love for herself and her family. She showed me that, although sometimes difficult, my education is the most valuable resource I will attain in life.
Why did you want to be a peer mentor?
I have a passion for attaining knowledge and sharing it with others. I envisioned the peer mentor position as an opportunity to help my colleagues persevere through a new time in their life that might present challenges.
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