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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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

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

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In this season three kickoff of Peer2Peer, senior Peer Leaders Efren Garcia and Carla Sanchez dive into the theme of “locking in.” From academics and GPA to sports, personal growth, and even anime, they share what it really means to focus, build good habits, and stay authentic throughout high school.

The conversation touches on each stage of the high school journey — the easy but foundational freshman year, the wake-up call of sophomore year, the challenges and opportunities of junior year, and the “final lock in” of senior year. Efren and Carla reflect on their own experiences, the lessons they’ve learned, and how embracing authenticity and accountability helped them grow into the leaders they are today.

Topics Discussed:

• What “locking in” means — schoolwork, personal health, habits, and authenticity

• Why freshman year is more important than students realize

• The shift from sophomore year to junior year and the impact of AP classes

• How GPA, college prep, and extracurriculars shape the high school experience

• Lessons learned from teachers, mentors, and peer leaders

• The importance of authenticity and finding your people in high school

• Personal growth stories from freshman to senior year

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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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How much does your image really matter? In this episode of Peer2Peer, Angela and Edwin dive into the impact of personal image—how we see ourselves, how others perceive us, and the fine line between staying true to who we are while recognizing that appearances do play a role in life. Through personal experiences and honest reflections, they explore the balance between authenticity and the reality of first impressions. The takeaway? Be yourself, but understand that how you present yourself can shape opportunities and relationships.

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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
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In this episode, Diana and Willy discuss what they look forward to for winter break and reflect on their friendships over the last four years. We talk about the impact our friends make and how our circle has shifted. We wish everyone a happy holiday!

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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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In this episode, Emily and De’Abdrae reflect on Thanksgiving and what they are thankful for. We look forward to December as Christmas is approaching and we reflect on how our senior year is going, especially with college application season. We are thankful for Peer2Peer!

Co-hosts: Angela and Michelle

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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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In this episode, Ashely and Jaabez talk about mental health and its impact on school and life. They address the stigma surrounding mental health and give advice on how to manage it by offering ways on how they deal with their mental health. We hope that students realize there are many resources in school to help and it's okay to ask for help when needed!

Co-hosts: Angela and Michelle -----
Connect with NBHS Peer Leadership
Instagram: https://instragram.com/nbhspeerleadership
Send us a voicemail: ⁠https://zebrapodcastnetwork.com/shoutout⁠
Connect with the Zebra Podcast Network
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Website: ⁠http://zebrapodcastnetwork.com