From one Duke to another...

Emily Kruger’s (‘25) involvement in campus organizations while at JMU gave her a new perspective on leadership. Her various mentorship experiences — beginning with work as a First Year Orientation Guide and, later, an Orientation Peer Adviser — have shown her how leadership opportunities can be transformative and valuable work-based learning experiences.

“Getting involved helped me gain the confidence and skills to take on new positions,” she reflected.

In Fall 2025, her last semester at JMU, Kruger jumped at a new peer mentorship opportunity: New Dukes 101, a six-week course designed to support new students in their transition to on-campus life. As a mentor, she worked closely with a faculty member to co-facilitate classes on campus resources, career exploration, learning strategies, and time management.

“It was an opportunity to continue leading and guiding the same students that I welcomed during summer Orientation,” Kruger shared. “I gained hands-on experience in planning lessons, facilitating classes, and completing administrative tasks like corresponding with students and grading behind the scenes.”

For Kruger, her peer mentorship experience challenged the idea that students have to leave campus to gain field or career knowledge.

Many students attest that relying on a peer’s perspective is instrumental to their success and satisfaction at JMU. “When I was a freshman, I was so grateful to have student leaders I could lean on for things like figuring out the bus system or what classes to take,” Kruger shared. “Peer mentors can make a big difference in a new student’s transition.”

When students assume peer mentorship roles, they’re taking the help they received and paying it forward. Adjusting to college life is not easy, but peer mentors are touchstones that help new students feel comfortable, supported, and prepared.

The impact of peer mentorship is symbiotic; it not only helps the mentee but also enriches the mentor. “I’ve become more confident in my skills, especially with communicating effectively and relating to others. The experience also helped prepare me to enter the field of higher education as a young professional,” Kruger remarked.

Each mentorship role developed Kruger’s abilities as a leader in the workforce and in everyday life. Her work in New Dukes 101 shows that when students step in to support one another, everyone’s path becomes easier, smoother, and more connected.