Labiba is a former Peer Leader at Queens College, where she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English. She now serves as a Peer Fellow and is also an adjunct lecturer teaching English.
“I carry the lessons I learned as a Peer Leader with me every day. When I first joined CARA’s College Allies program, I wasn’t sure where my career would take me. I knew I loved working with students but wasn’t convinced teaching was my path. What I did know was that I wanted to make college less confusing and more accessible—especially for first-generation and low-income students like my peers.
Students’ lives are changing for the better because of peer leaders. We see firsthand how students grow into more self-sufficient, knowledgeable college students because of the help they receive. They come back to say thank you and that they would have been lost without our support.
Through CARA’s training and mentorship, I learned how to support students in navigating resources, registering for classes, and building connections. It also changed how I saw my own future. I realized how much I cared about student success—not just in the classroom, but in all areas of their lives.”
As an instructor, I see students not just as learners but as people juggling jobs, family, and new challenges. Many of them are transfer students, working long hours, or learning how to advocate for themselves for the first time. Because of my experience as a Peer Leader, I make it a priority to connect them with the resources they need, from office hours to tutoring to career services. My goal is for them to leave my class not just as better writers, but as more confident college students.
CARA’s Peer Leader program didn’t just prepare me to help students—it prepared me for my own career. The skills I developed in peer advising gave me a foundation in mentorship, communication, and student support that I now use every day as an adjunct. CARA has served as an incredible resource throughout this entire journey, and I’m grateful for the community I’ve built through this work.