Mentors
Jaynee Depue
Hey there! I’m Jaynee Depue, a third-year (already?!) theatre major here at good ol’ Cottey C! This summer I’ll be heading back home to Iowa to work, traveling to New Jersey, and wrapping up my reign as Humboldt County Fair Queen.
A fun fact about me is that I’m a legacy student, meaning my grandmother attended Cottey before me! I actually live in the same hall she did while she was here from 1969 to 1971, which makes my experience even more special.
I’m involved in just about everything I can be! I’ve been a part of the Student Government Association (previously serving as president), and although I’ve stepped down, I’ll now be working in the Student Life Office in a newly created leadership role. I’m also involved in Alpha Psi Omega (the theatre honor society), the Cottey Senior Class Board, Student Activities Committee, P.E.O., and I serve as a theatre assistant. This will be my second time as a Peer Mentor!
I wanted to return as a mentor to continue making an impact on incoming students and to help introduce them to everything Cottey has to offer. Cottey is a place where you can truly explore your possibilities and make a difference. The opportunities are endless, and every door is open to you.
Mirella Zaldana
Hi there! I’m Mirella Zaldana, an international business major with a passion for staying busy and making an impact! This summer, I’m heading home to Springdale, Arkansas, to recharge and get ready for another great year.
When I’m not hitting the books, you can find me on the sidelines with the Cottey Cheer team or working with the Association of Student Athletes. I’m also a bit of a creative entrepreneur—I run my own small business selling handcrafted bouquets, and I’m even a certified dog groomer (who doesn’t love a good puppy makeover?!).
I chose to become a mentor because I know exactly how nerve-wracking it can be to start fresh in a new place without knowing a soul. I’m here to be your go-to person, help you smash your goals, and make sure you feel like a total part of the Cottey family from day one!
Hailey Miller
I’m a double major in Business Administration–Management and Political Science, and this summer I plan to volunteer, spend time with family and friends, and travel to Branson.
A fun fact about me is that I’m currently learning Spanish and Portuguese!
On campus, I’m involved with Cottey Softball, FBLA, Student Government, Rotaract, FCA, and Sigma Kappa Delta.
I wanted to be a mentor because I want to help students feel supported and find their place at Cottey. Having someone who encourages you and helps you feel connected can make such a difference, and I’m excited to be that person for new students!
Allyson Potts
Hello everyone! My name is Ally Potts, and I am going into my fourth year at Cottey! I am studying Elementary Education with a minor in sports leadership. This summer, I will be going home to Oklahoma to nanny two little boys, which has been my summer job for three years now! A fun fact about me is that I love crocheting, building Lego sets, or really doing anything crafty!
I am a member of the basketball team here at Cottey, and I am also involved in many organizations, including the Association of Student Athletes (ASA), Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), Athletics Leadership Launch, and our Student Government Association, where I will be serving as Publicity Coordinator this upcoming year. I also work in the Student Life and Enrollment office as a student aid!
I chose to become a mentor because I remember what it felt like to be a new student here, trying to figure everything out while also wanting to feel like I belonged. I want to be a positive resource and role model for incoming students who may need encouragement and guidance. Starting college is a major life transition, and as a mentor, I hope to ease that transition by offering support, sharing my experiences, and helping students access the resources they need to succeed, while also being someone they feel comfortable turning to for anything – big or small.
Megan Lee
I am studying elementary education and hope to teach first grade when I graduate. This summer I’m going to be spending time with my grandma playing card games and spending time with family. A fun fact about me is I have a twin brother!
At Cottey I am involved with athletics as a member of the softball team, I am also in the Cottey/community band, a Golden Key and our ASA’s representative for the AMC ASA.
I wanted to be a mentor because in my first semester at Cottey so many things came up that would have been useful to know, and I want to be able to share that information with incoming freshmen to help make their experience the best it can possibly be.
Taylor Gant
Hey there! My name is Taylor, a third-year student double majoring in psychology and organizational leadership. This summer you’ll find me staying on campus doing an event coordinating internship with Institutional Advancement!
I am involved in a lot here at Cottey, which I am incredibly grateful for! I am an RA in P.E.O. Hall (the best hall), on the Softball team, serve as Golden Key President, on the Student Activities Committee, and work in Institutional Advancement!
A fun fact about me is that I was in my first ever theatre production this past Spring here at Cottey. I had never been involved in theatre before, so this was a very new experience, but I had so much fun!
I chose to be a mentor because I understand how hard that transition to college can be, and I want to be able to support students in any way I can! I am very passionate about the opportunities Cottey has to offer and encourage others to take part in those opportunities! I am here to help make Cottey feel like home!
Rachel Ewing-Merrill
Hello! My name is Rachel and I will be a third-year student in the fall. I am a psychology major with a minor in women, gender, and sexuality studies!
I will be spending the summer at home in Portland, Maine, enjoying the outdoors! At Cottey, I am the incoming Vice President of the PRISM club. I am also a peer tutor! A fun fact about me is I love collecting CDs, DVDs and little trinkets.
I wanted to become a mentor because I remember how difficult the transition to college felt when I first got here. It was overwhelming at times, and I know how isolating those first few weeks can be. I want to help make that experience easier for incoming students by being someone they can rely on for support, whether that’s answering questions or just having someone to sit with at meals.