Allison DeStasio

About

Academic Major: Hutchins Liberal Studies Track II

Minors: 

FLCs: MUS 160 A/B, Dr. Alexander Kahn, Fall 23/Spring 24; PHIL 161 A/B, Dr. Megan Burke/Dr. Joshua Glasgow, Fall 24/Spring 25; EDEC 260, Dr. Ayesha Rabadi-Raol, Fall 24/Spring 25

Background:

Allison is from both Fresno and Merced, CA. Growing up, she went back and forth between her mom and dad’s houses. When she started the band in 6th grade, it led her down a path of becoming a section leader, participating in band council, and serving as a drum major/assistant drum major. She was appointed section leader for after-school percussion in 8th grade, which motivated her to pursue more leadership and mentorship roles in high school.

During her sophomore year, many freshmen and other students who were dissatisfied with their section leader began approaching Allison with anything and everything related to band as well as their personal lives. She considers this a key moment in realizing that she loves being someone others can rely on for support and guidance.

Favorite thing about being a FAST Peer Mentor:

Allison’s favorite thing about being a peer mentor is seeing students grow out of their shells from the fall semester to the spring semester. She has been a peer mentor for two years (a total of three years with the FAST program) and has noticed that many students are reserved when they first start college. Watching them become more comfortable and begin to show their personalities throughout the year is something she finds incredibly rewarding. She also enjoys seeing former students around campus and having them come up to her with fun news and updates about their lives.

Future Goals:

After graduation, Allison plans to complete the Education Specialist Residency Program at CSU Fresno State. She hopes to positively impact the lives of special education/disabled families in the same way her own family’s life was changed.