Student Mentors

Would you like to be a student mentor for 2025 UConn First Summer?

2025 Student Mentor Form

Who are the Student Mentors?

Student Mentors (SM) oversee the day-to-day community building aspects of the First Summer program and support the social, academic, and personal development of our students. They are every student’s first point of contact and are available to talk with students before and during the program. SMs support students as they make the jump to college-level learning and facilitate workshops and social programs that help students feel comfortable and confident as they prepare for their lives as Huskies.  These mentors are familiar with the nuances of college life and our students can rely on their expertise. We are thrilled to have some of the best and brightest students on our staff. You can learn more about them below.

Justyn "Jus" Kong (he/him)

Justyn is a rising senior majoring in Economics, proudly repping his hometown of Windsor, CT. Around campus, you might hear friends call him "Jus"—and when you meet him, you'll probably be one of them! Justyn chose UConn for its rich history, big-school energy, and endless opportunities to try new things. A future business owner with a passion for travel, wrestling, and experiencing life to the fullest, Justyn brings energy and curiosity to everything he does. Whether he’s diving into a new sport (soccer’s his favorite), showing off his sneaky-good Photoshop skills, or enjoying a perfectly cooked steak, he’s always game for fun and connection.

Justyn was part of the First Summer Program last year, and now he’s back as a student mentor—excited to pay it forward. His best advice for first-year students? Be present. Soak in the moments, the community, and the classroom vibes—college flies by faster than you think! This summer, Justyn’s looking forward to meeting new Huskies, helping them feel at home, and making memories right alongside them.

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Mekhi Awuah (he/him)

Born and raised in Connecticut, Mekhi is a proud UConn alumnus who is now continuing his academic journey at Mercy University. Currently enrolled in a 4+1 program, he is working toward earning a bachelor's degree in Behavioral Science and a master's degree in Education. Passionate about education, Mekhi aspires to become a high school social science teacher and, eventually, a college professor. Though no longer a UConn student, Mekhi holds his time there close to his heart, cherishing the lifelong memories and experiences it provided. Outside of academics, he is a talented photographer and videographer. Excitingly, Mekhi is in the early stages of creating his first short film, For The Love of The Game, set to begin production within the next year. A former participant in UConn's First Summer program, Mekhi is thrilled to return as a Student Mentor. One of his most memorable First Summer experiences was an unforgettable flag football game played on the field next to Werth Tower — a moment that still brings a smile today. For incoming college freshmen, Mekhi offers this piece of advice: "Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone — some of your best memories and biggest growth moments will come from trying something new." Mekhi looks forward to meeting you all this summer!

Alexzandra “Alex” Lindo (she/her)

Alex is a first-year student in ACES on the pre-physical therapy track. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, she was raised in St. Catherine, Jamaica—an experience that shaped much of who she is today. Drawn to UConn’s strong sense of community and pride, Alex is excited to be part of the Husky family. She dreams of working in the sports world, combining physical therapy with sports psychology to support athletes’ mental and physical wellness. She also hopes to step into public speaking one day, using her story to inspire and empower others. Whether on the field or in front of a crowd, Alex is passionate about helping people become their best selves. Her top advice for new students? Don’t overlook campus resources! Places like the AAC, Q Center, and Writing Center were game changers during her first year, and asking for help made all the difference. A fun fact about Alex—she played on Jamaica’s U17 national soccer team! Now she’s looking forward to meeting new students, sharing her journey, and helping fellow Huskies thrive from day one.