Meet the MAPS Peer Mentors

Abu (he/him)

Photo of a person with dark hair wearing a black shirt, shown in a Polaroid-style portrait labeled “Abu.”


Major: Pre-Allied Health

Hello, my name is Abu and I’m a third-year student at College of Marin studying allied health and exploring a future career in health care. When I first started college, I wasn’t completely sure what direction I wanted to take, and over time I’ve learned how important it is to ask questions, explore different opportunities, and use the resources available on campus.

I also work as a Student Ambassador at the Welcome Center, where I’ve had the chance to meet students from many different backgrounds and help them navigate the college. I’m excited to be a MAPS mentor because I want to help students feel like they have someone they can come to with questions, whether they need help finding a resource, planning their next steps, or simply adjusting to college. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone and helping make COM feel a little easier to navigate.

Languages I speak: English

My top strengths: Patient, resourceful, and dependable

My friends would describe me as: Friendly, curious, and easygoing

My hobbies: Playing and watching sports with friends, spending time with family, going to the park with my nephews, hiking, and going out for ice cream

Favorite music/movies/TV shows: Pop and hip-hop, Planet of the Apes, Modern Family, Ted Lasso, Peaky Blinders


Haider (he/him)

Polaroid-style portrait of a person wearing a gray hoodie, labeled “Haider.”


Major: Economics

Hello, my name is Haider. I was born and raised in Marin County and have lived here my whole life. I’m a first-generation student whose parents immigrated from Iraq. I’m a second-year student at College of Marin and graduated from high school in 2025. I plan to transfer to a four-year university next fall to continue my education. Losing friends you’ve known your whole life and teachers you’ve built bonds with can be hard to adjust to, especially while you’re figuring out what you want for yourself. I’m a MAPS mentor to help be that guidance for you, whether you’re entering a new chapter in your life or just need a little help finding the resources that can get you where you want to go. I’m very excited to get to know all of you and wish everyone success!

Languages I speak: English, Arabic

My top strengths: Problem solving, self-determination

My friends would describe me as: Confident, outgoing, extroverted

My hobbies: Nature walks, hanging out with friends, working out

Favorite music/movies/TV/video games: War Dogs, Snowfall, NBA 2K, FIFA

Favorite foods: Chicken, steak, sweet potato


Meba (she/her)

Meba MAPS


Major: Sociology

Hi! My name is Meba and I’m a first-generation college student here at COM. I’m in my third year studying sociology, with goals to transfer to a four-year institution and pursue a master’s degree in social work to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. On campus, I also work as a Student Assistant at Umoja and am deeply involved in the learning communities. If you ever need to find me, I’m probably on the third floor of the CSS building.

As an older student who took some gap years before coming to COM, I know how hard it can be to navigate this space and find your place in higher education. That’s why I’m excited to be your MAPS mentor! I hope I can make your transition into college easier when things feel overwhelming and show you how accessible the resources on campus are.

Languages I speak: English

My top strengths: Patient, receptive, strong listener

My friends would describe me as: Calm, wise, and silly

My hobbies (how I spend my free time): Reading, learning, exercising

Favorite music/movies/TV/video games: Afrobeats, R&B, reggae

Favorite foods: Ethiopian food


Diego (he/him)

Diego MAPS


Major: Materials Science and Engineering

Hello COM community, my name is Diego. I was born in San Francisco but have lived in the East Bay my entire life. I am a first-generation college student and the son of Guatemalan immigrant parents. I am a materials science and engineering major interested in functional materials for energy storage and semiconductor devices. My career goals are to earn a PhD and eventually work in industry developing these materials. Over the past three summers, I have conducted scientific research at UC Davis, the University of North Dakota, and most recently, Binghamton University in New York. I did not know about these opportunities at first, and it took tremendous effort to get them while managing my coursework. Learning communities like MESA and MAPS helped me gain the independence and confidence I needed to reach my goals. I am now a MAPS mentor looking to return the favor and connect students to their academic and career goals. Aside from being a MAPS mentor, you can find me tutoring physics, chemistry, and math in the Tutoring and Learning Center. I am also president of the Physics Club, a STEM community focused on developing technical projects. I am excited to meet you, my future mentees.

Languages I speak: English

My top strengths: Persistent, resourceful, and curious

My friends would describe me as: Spirited

My hobbies: Playing the guitar and golf

Favorite music/movies/TV/video games: Linkin Park, The Green Mile, Game of Thrones, OpenTTD

Favorite foods: Mexican food


Gwynne (she/her)

Gwynne MAPS


Major: Applied Math

I am an applied mathematics major who loves math and enjoys challenging myself with new problems. Outside of school, I love creating miniatures, especially handmade historical clothing and accessories. I also enjoy hiking, biking, reading, sewing, and coding. I speak both English and Spanish, and my friends would describe me as patient, caring, determined, and understanding. I’m excited to meet other students and help them feel more comfortable and confident at COM!

Languages I speak: English, Spanish

My top strengths: Enthusiastic, motivated, dedicated

My friends would describe me as: Patient, caring, determined, understanding

My hobbies (how I spend my free time): Hiking, biking, sewing, reading, coding

Favorite music/movies/TV/video games: Jazz, jerk rap, nightcore, I Love Lucy, PUBG

Favorite foods: Lettuce, sushi, chicken


Carter (he/him)

Carter MAPS


Major: Economics, Business

I was born and raised in Marin. I am a business and economics major, and it’s my second year at College of Marin. After finishing my undergraduate degree, I plan to pursue a career in finance. This is my first year working as a MAPS mentor, and I’m really looking forward to meeting everyone. Outside of school, I like going on drives, listening to music, and going to the beach. I’m part of many different communities at COM and am president of the Financial Literacy and Economics Club as well as the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. I’m looking forward to helping make the transition into college easy for you all.


Arthur (he/him)

Arthur MAPS


Major: Business

Hey everyone, my name is Arthur, and I’m an international student from Brazil. I’m a business major starting my second year at COM, with my sights set on transferring to a four-year university once I finish my coursework here. When I first arrived at COM, I felt a little lost. I didn’t know anyone at the college, and I didn’t know MAPS existed, so I went through my first semester without a mentor to guide me. That’s exactly why I want to make sure incoming students know about MAPS from day one. I’m here to help you reach your goals at COM and make navigating campus resources easier. I’m excited to get to know you all!

Languages I speak: English, Portuguese, conversational Spanish

My top strengths: Problem solver, proactive, disciplined, and practical with clear priorities

My friends would describe me as: Honest, straightforward, fun

My hobbies (how I spend my free time): Working out, sports, gaming, and spending quality time with family and friends

Favorite music/movies/TV/video games: Music: Brazilian music, house, rock, hip-hop. Movies: Fight Club, The Odyssey, The Hangover. Shows: Vikings, Peaky Blinders, Narcos. Video games: Red Dead Redemption 2, Rainbow Six Siege, EA Sports FC, God of War, The Last of Us

Favorite foods: Steak, pasta, açaí bowls, Chipotle


Meztli (she/her)

Meztli


Major: Biology and Anthropology

Hi! My name is Meztli, and I’m a second-year student at COM pursuing a path toward becoming a physician assistant. As a community college student, I know how overwhelming it can feel trying to navigate classes, transfer requirements, career goals, and getting involved on campus all at once. Throughout my time at COM, I’ve learned a lot by stepping outside my comfort zone, asking for help, and taking advantage of the opportunities and support around me. I’ve been involved on campus through projects like Coffee and Careers, volunteering, and more. I’m passionate about building community and helping students feel more confident in their own path. I wanted to become a MAPS mentor because having supportive people to turn to has made such a difference in my own college experience, and I’d love to be that person for someone else. Outside of school, I love trying new things, meeting new people, and probably spending way too much time planning out my future!

Languages I speak: English, Spanish

My top strengths: Organization, time management, and reliability

My friends would describe me as: Friendly, trustworthy, and honest

My hobbies (how I spend my free time): Walking my dog, listening to music, going to viewpoints, and watching movies

Favorite music/movies/TV/video games: Rauw Alejandro, Rush Hour, Smiling Friends, Family Guy

Favorite foods: Pozole, ramen, tacos, ratatouille