PEGASUS serves as a buffer for First Generation College students, and as such, it would not work were it not for the dedicated Mentors that help participate in the program and keep it active. This year's Mentors are some of the finest yet, each one bringing forth their personal experiences to the program and helping others get closer to achieving their goals.  

 

The UMs

The UMs, as we call them, are Universal Mentors. They are the people the Mentors turn to for assistance with any mentoring problems. These ladies are knowledgeable and determined to help in any way they can. Whether it's with communication from Mentor to Member, planning a social get-together for your team, or even transportation to one of the many community service or social events, they are there to help.

 

Ashley Skrobarcek

Age: 21

Major: Public Relations

Hometown: La Vernia, TX

I am a senior, graduating in December, and majoring in Public Relations. After I graduate I will be attending graduate school in San Antonio to obtain a Master’s in Public Administration and hopefully work in the non-profit/public sector….or just win the lottery! I have been a mentor with PEGASUS since January 2008. I enjoy lazy Sundays, socializing, cooking, eating, reading, traveling, photography, knitting and spending money.

 

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Jessica Ezell

Age: 22

Major: Masters in Counselor Education for School Counseling

Hometown: San Marcos, TX

Jessica is a first year graduate student working on her Masters in Counselor Education for School Counseling. She is also working on her teaching certification. She graduated from Texas Tech University in May 2009 with a Bachelors degree in Psychology. After completing her Master�s degree, she hopes to teach at the elementary level and eventually become a school counselor at either the elementary or middle school level. She is from San Marcos, Texas but has lived in Lubbock for 4 years. She has been a mentor for PEGASUS for a year and a half. She enjoys reading, eating, cooking, spending time with her dog, and being outdoors.  

The Mentors

Joe Almaraz

Age: 19

Major: Engineering

Minor: Spanish

Hometown: Fort Worth, TX  

I believe that college is a time to not only be on your own, be in class, and do assignments; instead it's an opportunity to learn, take responsibility, and enjoy the adventures that lead the transition into becoming an adult. During the week, school comes first but on the weekends, one has to take the time to relax and de-stress by spending time with friends.  

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Katie Barnes

Age: 22

Major: double major: Psychology and Anthropology

Hometown: Humble, TX (Houston)

Classification: Senior 

I plan to get my Ph.D. in clinical psychology and become a psychologist either in private practice or in an institution once I finish my education. I spent a semester doing Maya archaeology in Belize. In addition to Belize I have also traveled to Austria, France, Guatemala and the UK. I speak French and I enjoy hiking, camping, music and cooking. This is my second year as a mentor and my team last year won first place both semesters. For team activities, I like to organize ones around food or movies and things like rock climbing or the leisure pool.

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Orlando Espino 

Age: 20

Major: International Business, Spanish, Italian

Hometown: born in Mexico, moved to Burnett, Texas

Classification: Senior  

This would be my third year in Pegasus and so far I have won the best mentee award, and the best team award TWICE (one as a mentee and another as a mentor). I am very involved in Texas Tech and the community; I have been the President of the Spanish Speaking Society and during his term the organization won the best multicultural and most improved organization of the year, I also won the Presidential Diversity Award. I play soccer and basketball at the rec, and also enjoy Latin dancing (he�s really good at it).  

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Chris Forbus 

Age: 19

Major: Looking into it...

Hometown: Littlefield, TX (Best from the best)  

This year I plan on finding a major, so that means a few trips through Discovery and the Career Center. I really want to do too many things and there is any one thing that will cover it all. Aside from the big future plans, I want to buy a motorcycle and ride it everyday even when it is ridiculously cold or rainy. I love every sport, music, hanging out, shopping, movies, some video games, competing, and then i might stop off to do some homework. I'm also in the Honors College, Texas Tech Judo Club, Fitness and Mixed Martial Arts, and will be doing some intramurals this fall 

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Joseph Gifford

Age: 19

Major: Computer Engineering

Hometown: Houston, TX  

I plan to acquire a Master�s degree in Electrical Engineering. Then I want to work in New York or Washington D.C. or Los Angeles just to experience the big marketing world. I do a lot of music production in my spare time. I am a huge sports person, from basketball to golf. I have seen probably over 400 movies. I like to be around funny and spontaneous people and I like to have a good laugh about every hour or two! I love a bowling...even though I am not very good.  

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Francisco "Cisco" Gonzalez

Age: 20

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA  

I plan to live in a successful future as a mechanical engineer that owns a big house and a lot of cars. Some interesting things about me are that I really love cars and I also enjoy sitting outside to relax and gather my thoughts.    

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Bianca Ibarra

Age: 19

Major: Pre-Med Nutritional Sciences

Minor: Chemistry, Biology (Maybe also Spanish)

Hometown: Comanche, TX  

I am proud to be a Red Raider! I love Texas Tech and even though Lubbock loves to flood randomly, Tech is worth the stay. I have the worst Texan drawl of all time! I justify this because I grew up in the town of Comanche, Texas, which is located in the middle of nowhere. I love to learn and am open to have intellectual discussions. In the years that are to come, I plan to live, love, and learn (cliche, I know). I am currently during undergraduate research and love every moment of it. I am hoping to take what I learn now, and use it in the near future when I go into medicine. I hope to become a physician and practice the art of giving and helping forevermore.  

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