Peer Coaching

My name is Yasmine Thomas, though I prefer to go by Yaz. I am a senior at Penn State University’s Main Campus, majoring in Rehabilitation and Human Services on the Physical Therapy track, with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies. My goal is to pursue a career as a physical therapist in my home state of Texas.

This year, I am honored to serve as an intern with the Journey Success Center for the 2025–2026 school year. As part of the Journey team, I have the privilege of connecting with fellow Penn Staters who seek support, conversation, and encouragement as they navigate their college experience.

Although my academic focus is on the Physical Therapy track within the RHS program, I am deeply committed to helping all students in our community through peer coaching. I see my role at the Journey Success Center as an opportunity to build meaningful connections, learn from my peers, and support them in overcoming the challenges they face on a daily basis.

Through my life and time as a Penn State student, I have strengthened my self-knowledge as a queer woman of color and developed an understanding of the impact of financial hardship. These experiences have given me unique perspectives on resilience, adaptation, and support.

Hi, my name is Jaedyn Gage, and I am a senior at Penn State University Park, majoring in Rehabilitation and Human Services. After graduating in May, I plan to gain professional experience for one to two years before returning to Penn State to pursue a master’s degree in school counseling.

As part of my senior year, I am interning as a peer coach with the Journey Success Center in the College of Education. I was drawn to Journey because it provides the opportunity to work one-on-one with students in ways that closely reflect the responsibilities of a future school counselor. I have always been passionate about helping others—especially students—and I believe this internship will give me invaluable hands-on experience while also allowing me to make a meaningful difference in the lives of my peers.

As someone who grew up in State College, I bring unique expertise in navigating life in this community. I can connect students to resources outside of Penn State, including opportunities for community engagement, local networking, and organizations that enhance the broader student experience.

Hi, my name is Hannah Bausher, and I am a senior at Penn State University Park, majoring in Rehabilitation and Human Services with a minor in Biology. My goal is to pursue a career as a physical therapist. As part of my coursework, I am interning with the Journey Success Center in the College of Education as a peer coach.

I chose to work with Journey because I believe this organization has the ability to make our university a better place. I love working with people and am passionate about helping others. This internship gives me the opportunity to do both while making a positive impact on the Penn State community.

As a peer coach, I bring several areas of expertise. As an involved student at Penn State, I have developed strong time management and organizational skills that help me balance academics with extracurriculars. My involvement in THON has also given me valuable experience in navigating campus engagement while balancing responsibilities effectively.

My name is Kendra Immel, and I am completing my undergraduate degree in Rehabilitation and Human Services at Penn State. As a mother and full-time working professional, I understand the challenges of balancing work, school, and family responsibilities. This journey has given me a deep appreciation for the experiences many adult returning students face, including time management, self-doubt, and the importance of a strong support system.

This year, I am honored to serve as an intern with the Journey Success Center. Through this role, I look forward to connecting with fellow Penn Staters who are navigating their own unique paths. I am especially passionate about supporting non-traditional students and those balancing multiple responsibilities, helping them find encouragement, resources, and confidence as they work toward their goals.

In addition to my academic pursuits, I bring professional experience in administration and human resources, which allows me to coach students in professional communication, organization, and self-advocacy. I hope to share both practical skills and lived experiences, reminding students that persistence pays off.