In this special Peer2Peer bonus episode, the hosts welcome back one of the original voices of the podcast — Nancy, Class of 2024 and current Ramapo College sophomore. Now majoring in data science with a minor in public health, Nancy reflects on how her experiences at New Brunswick High School shaped her mindset, work ethic, and confidence beyond graduation.

Nancy shares powerful insights about mentorship, independence, failure, and learning how to bet on yourself. From navigating dorm life and friendships to applying for “crazy” scholarships and internships, she emphasizes the importance of not settling, embracing discomfort, and staying grounded in your roots. This episode is packed with real talk, motivation, and perspective for any student thinking about life after high school — and how the choices you make now truly matter.

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Peer Leaders Ashley and Olvin dive deep into the choices—big and small—that shaped who they are today. From changing friend groups in eighth and ninth grade to joining sports, AVID, wrestling, and the dental program, they explore how one decision can set off a chain reaction that impacts everything else.

They also break down the butterfly effect in real life: how small habits like procrastinating, skipping class, or choosing the right club can snowball into totally different futures. Along the way, Ashley and Alvan share personal stories about academic wake-up calls, peer pressure, freshman-year insecurities, and the support systems that helped them grow. They connect this all back to their work as Peer Leaders and reflect on how their freshmen are growing through the outreach program.

This episode is all about being intentional, recognizing that every choice matters, and understanding how past experiences shape our future.

Topics Discussed

• How friendships and environment shape behavior

• Sports, clubs, and programs that changed their lives (Wrestling, AVID, Dental Program, NHS, FBLA)

• Freshman-year habits — good and bad

• The moment they realized school actually matters

• Breaking out of negative cycles and peer pressure

• Personal growth from jobs, discipline, and responsibility

• The butterfly effect and how small choices create big outcomes

• Helping freshmen break bad habits through Peer Leader outreach

• Why involvement builds confidence and community

• Academic decisions that impact long-term goals

• Advice for underclassmen on making intentional choices

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Connect with NBHS Peer Leadership

Instagram: https://instragram.com/nbhspeerleadership

Send us a voicemail: ⁠https://zebrapodcastnetwork.com/shoutout⁠

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X: ⁠https://twitter.com/zebrapodcastnet⁠

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In this Peer2Peer episode, Peer Leaders Asia and Andy get real about one of the toughest skills to master in high school — time management. Between schoolwork, sports, jobs, and family responsibilities, balancing it all can feel impossible. But with practical tips, honest reflections, and a little humor, they show how better organization and consistency can make all the difference.

From avoiding procrastination and setting priorities to using planners and maintaining good sleep habits, Asia and Andy share what’s worked for them — and what hasn’t. They also open up about their own experiences juggling work, wrestling, and AP classes, proving that learning to manage time is a work in progress for everyone. Whether you’re a freshman building your foundation or a senior planning for college, this episode is packed with advice you can actually use.

Topics Discussed

• Why time management is harder than it seems

• Building habits early — especially during freshman year

• Balancing school, work, and sports without burning out

• The importance of planners, calendars, and prioritizing

• Staying consistent and organized throughout the marking periods

• Communication tips for group projects

• Managing sleep schedules and avoiding procrastination

• Saying “no” and setting boundaries

• Preparing for college applications and scholarships

• Lessons learned about growth and responsibility

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Connect with NBHS Peer Leadership

Instagram: https://instragram.com/nbhspeerleadership

Send us a voicemail: ⁠https://zebrapodcastnetwork.com/shoutout⁠

Connect with the Zebra Podcast Network

X: ⁠https://twitter.com/zebrapodcastnet⁠

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YouTube: ⁠http://zebrapodcastnetwork.com/youtube⁠

Twitch: ⁠http://zebrapodcastnetwork.com/twitch⁠
Website: ⁠http://zebrapodcastnetwork.com