Meghan Amarante
Hello! My name is Meghan Amarante. I am a sophomore marine science major and biology minor. I am from Branford, Connecticut and I have lived there most of my life. I am a member of Student Government Association, as well as a member of the Green Team on campus. My favorite book is Diary by Chuck Palahniuk, and my favorite movies are Gladiator and Fight Club. Some of my favorite hobbies include knitting, recycling, and watching movies.

Hillary Ballantine
My name is Hillary Ballantine and I am a sophomore from Ohio double majoring in marine science and biology. I am a member of the Honors Program and a member of Phi Eta Sigma. I love whales, reading, music, playing the piano and French horn, singing, and hanging out with friends. My favorite movie is Finding Nemo and can recite every line. My favorite band is Earth, Wind & Fire and I absolutely love their song September. I aspire to be a whale researcher and possibly a college professor.

La'Quisha Bell
Hello I am La'Quisha Bell from Cheraw SC. I am a sophomore majoring in Early Childhood Education seeking to become a Kindergarten or First grade teacher. I am a member and hold the position of treasurer for C.I.A. Gospel Choir, SNAP Mentoring Program, Sophomore Class Representative for SGA, and Leadership Challenge. I have also participated in various volunteer activities on and off campus. I love talking, meeting new people, traveling, and shopping. I love spending time with my family and friends. I am excited about being a peer leader for this upcoming year and ready to meet the new freshman. My first piece of advice for incoming freshman is to always see it through, this is a new and fresh start for you to make a positive change!

Christine Brown
My name is Christine Lashon Brown. My close friends and family all call me Chrissy. I am from a small town in South Carolina called Walterboro. I graduated from Colleton County High School with an honors diploma in 2009. I am a sophomore psychology major. I am also a Jackson Scholar and a member of the Coastal Inspirational Ambassadors Gospel Choir. My favorite books are Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neal Hurston and Women of Brewster Place by Gloria Naylor. The quote that I live by is "The golden rule is valuable, so remember to take it everywhere you go." I am an easygoing, compassionate and helpful person, so if you ever need anything, do not be afraid to come to me.

Jamil Brown
My name is Jamil Brown. I am a sophomore education major. I am a part of the Life Program, where I am a mentor and will hopefully participate with the Dalton Family mentoring program again. In the future, I would want to become a teacher for a number of years and then go back to school for child psychology. Eventually, I want to start a charity or work for a charity that deals with the empowerment of young men and minorities. I feel as if my strengths are helping others reach their potential and being a leader when need be. Also, I am a determined and a hard worker. I feel as if, “I want it, I will get it.”

I graduated from Lake City High in Lake City, South Carolina. I come from a big family who are strong willed and determined. I am a very family oriented person. Also, I have two sisters in which I am the oldest child. I was originally born in Florida and raised here in South Carolina.  I feel as if nothing is impossible when you are willing to work for it and have the right support system behind you. Hopefully, I will bring positive and creative energies and ideas to the peer leader program and help first-year students in ways that was not available to me because I never had a chance to participate in a FYE class because I transferred here from South Carolina State.

Brantay Cohens
My name is Brantay Q. Cohens. I am a sophomore majoring in Middle Level Education where I am seeking certification in Mathematics and Science. I am also pursuing a minor in Psychology. I am very involved on campus and I enjoy helping others. My hobbies include being outdoors, traveling and spending time with my family. My favorite book is I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou. My advice for the upcoming freshman is to work hard, have fun, and get involved!

Clarissia Collins
My name is Clarissia Collins. I am a junior majoring in Early Childhood Education. I was born and raised in North Charleston, South Carolina and is the third born out of six siblings. Before attending CCU I obtained an Associates Degree in ECE along with a certificate in Early Childhood Development and a diploma in Early Childhood Management from Trident Technical College. My life long goals are franchising my own childcare centers. I am an energetic and outgoing individual that can turn ones frown into a smile. The books that I am currently reading are Momma Day By: Gloria Naylor and Chronicle of a Blood Merchant By: Yu Hua. In my iPod I am currently listening to Mary Mary, Bishop Paul Martin, and Vashawn Mitchell. "Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending"- Maria Robinson

Benjamin Counts
My name is Benjamin Counts, and I am a native South Carolinian. I am a double major in political science and business management and a double minor in Spanish and English. My major interests are in politics, especially international politics, strategy, and general policymaking, and creative writing. In the long term, I would like to become a professor, an immigration rights lawyer, or take up a job with the Foreign Service Corps. I am a huge sci-fi-fantasy fan, especially when it comes to comic books and novels, but I will read or watch just about anything. If I had to give you any advice right now, it would just be three things: show up, take notes, and ask at least two questions in every class.

Katelyn Dawsey
My name is Katelyn Dawsey, I am a sophomore communication major, and health promotion minor. I am an active sister of Gamma Phi Beta, a member of the Coastalettes Dance Team, a member of the Student Government Association, and a part of the Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society. I am from Shavertown, Pennsylvania, which is a small town near Scranton, home of the popular show The Office. I love music, reading, writing, dancing, and hanging out with friends. I believe you should always appreciate the little things, and don't dwell on something you cannot change. I come from a big family and talking is something I do a lot. I wanted to be a peer leader because I know how different it is to become a freshman in college, and I want to do my part to help you feel as comfortable as possible, and teach you to love Coastal just as much as I do!

Sydni Donellan
My name is Sydni Donellan, and I am a middle level education major with a focus in English and history. I am currently a sophomore. I have lived in Myrtle Beach for nearly 7 years now and decided to stay here to attend Coastal Carolina University. I am a huge fan of the shows Project Runway, Top Chef, and Criminal Minds. In my spare time, I write fiction and hang out with my friends. Of course, it all must balance with my schoolwork. I enjoyed University 110 and decided to become a peer leader to help incoming freshmen adjust to Coastal. Hope you all are doing well!

Kelsey Dudley
My name is Kelsey Dudley. I am a political science major and music minor. I am from Dillon, South Carolina. I enjoy traveling and playing music. Shopping is one of my favorite hobbies. I was Salutatorian of Dillon High School Class of 2008. A word of encouragement to all freshmen is to never quit, get involved, and manage your time wisely!

Chelsea Fox
My name is Chelsea Fox. I am a junior mathematics major from Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Sara Giza
Welcome Freshman! Everyone calls me Sadie. I'm 19 years old and a sophomore here at CCU. I study Psychology and Minor in Business Management. One day I hope to be a counseling psychologist. I've traveled 12 hours away from my home Pittsburgh, PA to attend school a my number one choice - Coastal! I currently hold the position of Banner Chair in my sorority Alpha Xi Delta and aspire to be the president someday. I've danced and played softball since I was 7 and miss both very much. I am a huge Steelers and Penguins fan! My favorite movie is The Titanic and I love reading Meg Cabot books, especially The Princess Diaries. See you all in the fall!

Taneisha Sierra Gibson
My name is Taneisha Sierra Gibson. I am a sophomore early childhood education major from Goose Creek, S.C. I am a proud member of Circle K, Leadership Challenge, and African American Association. One of my many life mottos would be "strive to do your best in life and enjoy doing it".

Raymond Hairston
Hi! I am Raymond Hairston from Conway, South Carolina, but I am originally from St. Augustine, Florida. I am nineteen and a middle level education major. I am focusing on math and social studies, which do not typically go hand in hand. If I had to offer one piece of advice for freshman, it would be not to procrastinate on anything. Procrastination will get you behind and then everything else will just start to pile up on you. You are in college now; it is time to grow up.

Marie Hamer
My name is Julie Marie Hamer.  I am a sophomore art studio major with a marine science minor from Portsmouth, Ohio. I am a photographer for the Chanticleer, I love to play golf and my favorite book is The Awakening by Kate Chopin.  My advice to new students would be: “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.”

Jess Hendrix
My name is Jess Hendrix, and I am a sophomore. I am from Danville, Virginia. I am majoring in history, and I am working toward getting a minor in anthropology. I play intramural soccer in the fall, and I am a certified rescue diver.

Jennifer Hudson
My name is Jennifer Hudson from Andrews, South Carolina. I am a rising senior majoring in Elementary Education. I am involved in various clubs and organizations. I am the oldest of three children. I love to sing, swim, and read. My favorite book is The Time Traveler's Wife. I really enjoy volunteering and spending time with my dog Scooter. I am very sociable and loves to travel. Your time at Coastal Carolina University will be such a memorable one when you get involved on campus.

Lauren Irwin
My name is Lauren Irwin. I am a sophomore, and I am studying psychology. I am originally from Rochester, New York and I am 18 years old. I have one younger sister, but many other sisters because I am an active member of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority. I am also a member of the swim club and part of an organization on campus called Campus Outreach. I also love to listen to music and watch movies. I am a big fan of chick flicks like The Notebook and How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days. My favorite artists are Beyonce and Alicia Keys, and I love the Black Eyed Peas. I know the transition from high school to college can be hard, so my piece of advice to all incoming freshmen would be to try and get involved on campus, but also remember you are human and cannot do everything yourself. Getting involved helps you meet new friends and helps you feel like you are a part of campus. A lot of people will ask you to do many things, but remember school is your first priority and it is fine to say “no” to people because you are only human and can only do so much in one day. 

Shanace Isaac
My name is Shanace Isaac. I am a sophomore biology and chemistry double major from Allendale, South Carolina.

Kiara Jenkins
Hi! My name is Kiara Jenkins. I am a junior early childhood education major from Orangeburg, South Carolina. I have a minor in health promotion. I am a member of Leadership Challenge and The Linda and Dalton Floyd Mentoring Program. I like to read, write, draw, and help others. I believe the Peer Leader Program will allow me to express my creativity while helping others make the transition from high school to college life.

Arthur Kelley
My name is Arthur Kelley, but the majority of the time my family and friends call me AK. I am a sophomore with my projected graduation year being 2013. I was born and raised in the beautiful city of Montgomery, Alabama. During my high school years, I earned the honor of being the senior class valedictorian. I take pride in being a student-athlete because it not only keeps me motivated to excel in my studies, but also helps me to become a better person in the community.

Shannon Kenney
Hi everyone! My name is Shannon Kenney. I am one of the couple hundred students attending Coastal from NEW JERSEY! I was brought up by my father to be a die-hard NY fan, and I am currently a sophomore sport management major with plans to work in the field of professional sports. I am also a cheerleader on the co-ed team (yes, I am the one who gets thrown 20+ feet in the air, and NO, it is not scary!) The best advice I have for all incoming freshman is to just be true to yourself! You are, without a doubt, going to change this first year in college, but remember to stay hold on to your morals and do not try to be someone you are not. In the words of Judy Garland, "Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else."

Gina LaVoice
My name is Gina Lavoice. I am a senior at Coastal majoring in both finance and marketing. I grew up in Southern New Jersey right outside of Philadelphia making me a huge Eagles and Phillies fan! I have been spending my college summers working in Myrtle Beach and enjoying all that this tourist town provides. In my free time I enjoy reading novels written by the author Jodi Piccult. I love being active and am currently the president of the club field hockey team at Coastal. As I near graduation my advice to freshman is to work hard, grow as a person, and enjoy all this wonderful University has to offer because I promise the time flys by!

Allison LeaRoof
Hey. My name is Allison Roof. I'm a sophomore elementary education major at Coastal. I am from Gilbert, South Carolina home of the Peach Festival! I have two brothers and one sister. At Coastal I am a member of Alpha Delta Pi where I serve as scholarship chair. Also I will be resident assistant for the Woods community next year. In my free time I love to hang out with my friends. My favorite books of all time are the Harry Potter series. My advice for incoming freshmen is to get involved. Coastal has so many wonderful opportunities on campus take advantage of them. Get ready for a new and exciting time in your life! GO COASTAL! :)

Liz Mundy
Hi, I am Liz Mundy, and I am a freshmen elementary education major. I am originally from Baltimore, Maryland, and I am a huge Ravens fan. I love to spend time at the beach, listen to music, and spend time with friends.

Elizabeth Pascoe
My name is Elizabeth Pascoe. I am a sophomore special education major from Bel Air, Maryland. My hobbies include dancing, reading, and spending time with my friends. My future plans are to get my masters in special education and teach middle school special education.

Cameron Pearson
Hello my name is Cameron Pearson, and I am a Junior Physical Education major from the "wonderful" town of Winnsboro, South Carolina. Here at Coastal Carolina I am a member of Leadership Challenge, the Student Government Association, the Coastal Inspirational Ambassadors, and I also work on campus in the Lib Jackson Student Center. I am a highly motivated young man who strives for success in everything I partake in. So in becoming involved with the Peer Leader Program I will strive for that same level of success, and I hope that you will be willing to do the same. I am eager to get this upcoming semester underway, See you in August!!

Miranda Rios
My name is Miranda Rios. I am a sophomore marketing major from Wheeling, West Virginia. My favorite color is green, and I am a big Yankees fan. I volunteer at the Boys and Girls Club in Myrtle Beach. I work as lifeguard at Wild Water and Wheels in Surfside Beach. My favorite food is a Philly Cheese Steak, and I love dogs, the beach, and running.

Nicholas Roshkind
Hello! My name is Nicholas Roshkind. I am a senior here at Coastal Carolina. I am a Spanish major. I am from Shelton, Connecticut. I am 21 years old. My favorite book is Lies My Teacher Told Me by James Loewen. I love movies especially the 80 classics. My advice to incoming freshmen is to enjoy your new part of life, and be who you want to be. I live off campus and work at University Village at the Coast. I love meeting new people. Lastly, welcome to the Chanticleer family!

Melissa Sargiotto
Hello class of 2014. My name is Melissa Sargiotto and I am twenty years old. Next fall, I am a junior and continue to major in psychology. I am involved in a few clubs and teams: Italian, field hockey, S.T.A.R. and the Dream a Dream program. I am from Hillsborough, New Jersey and currently live off campus. I choose to go to Coastal for many reasons. First, to be honest, I love the beach. Next, I heard the teaching staff was very helpful to get you were you need to be to determine your future. Lastly, the warm weather! This year, FYE will be very helpful to guide you through your freshman year and to be comfortable with not only the school but your upper classmen. I look forward to meeting you all, see you in August!

Amber Schmidt
My name is Amber Schmidt. I am a sophomore music major. "When I hear music, I fear no danger. I am invulnerable. I see no foe. I am related to the earliest times and to the latest" by Henry David Thoreau. *When you have a passion for something. Go for it!!!*

Lorna Scribner
Hi my name is Lorna Scribner. I am a sophomore interdisciplinary studies major: animal psychology. I am originally from Defiance, Ohio and I have two older sisters, and a one year old niece. I am a member of the CUDA diving club, BCM (Bible Christian Ministries), and an RA in the Woods community.

Dara Servis
Hey, my name is Dara Servis, and I was born and raised in New Jersey. I am a junior majoring in marketing. I am an active member of Alpha Delta Pi. I enjoy traveling, meeting new people, and music writes the soundtrack to my life. When I am not in class studying, I love spending time with my friends and sisters and just hanging out. I am a huge sports fan, especially football. Go Giants! Not only did I choose Coastal for great academics and talented sports teams, but location, location, location!

Kevin Garrett Sieger
My name is Kevin Garrett Sieger. I am a 20 year old junior pursuing finance and marketing degrees while also being enrolled in the PGA Golf Management program. I like being outdoors and participating in sports. I am originally from Pittsburgh; "GO STEELLERS" but live just outside of Charlotte now. I am easy going and like meeting new people.

Sadara Shine
Hello!!!! My name is Sadara Shine. I am a sophomore political science major. I am a native South Carolinian residing from Charleston. I am a member of Afro American Club. During my spare time I enjoy playing volleyball, going to the beach with a good book, and hanging with friends. My favorite movies are The Color Purple and The Notebook. My favorite book is The Copper Sun. As a freshman your first year will seem to be going so fast, so I leave you with this quote "Time is on your side but only if you provide it with the right mind!"

Renaldo Thompson
My name is Renaldo Thompson. I am a sophomore early childhood education major. I'm originally from Rembert, South Carolina in Sumter County. I am involved in the S.N.A.P Mentoring Program, Dalton and Floyd Mentoring Program, an Orientation Leader, and a Coastal Cruiser Tour Guide. One piece of advice I would leave to the incoming freshmen is to have fun in the sun, but you have to go to class to PASS!

Paige S.D. Tyler
Hi my name is Paige S.D. Tyler, and I am from Denmark, SC. I am a political science major and a sophomore. My future goals are to graduate from CCU with high scholastic honors, and continue to law school. My hobbies include, but not limited to, shopping, singing, dancing, talking, and just having fun in general. I am a really cool, laid back, very approachable person. I consider myself a realist because I believe in 100 percent honesty and speaking my mind. My goal as your peer leader is to provide you with any assistance you may need to make your freshman year go by as smoothly as possible. I look forward to getting in contact with all of you this summer and upcoming school year!

Kelsey Valenti
Hello incoming freshman! My name is Kelsey Valenti. I'm a 18 year old business management major and extremly excited to meet all of you! I'm origanlly from New Jersey, I plan on staying here though. I'm an active sister of the sorority Gamma Phi Beta and always have been very active in other organizations! My favorite book is Something Borrowed by Emily Griffin.