Anaya Peguero ’25 quickly found that F&M professors saw her promise  — and would challenge her to fulfill her potential and own her influence.

Peguero was drawn to courses in government, but experiences in other disciplines led to a double major in American studies and public health (government track). Her adviser, Alison Kibler, professor of American studies and women's, gender & sexuality studies, challenged her to take roles in class that required public speaking and debate. She's proud of the growth she's made and the confidence she's gained over the past three years.

“F&M professors see things in you that you can't see yet. Other students I've spoken to have had experiences where they needed a professor to believe in them before they could believe in themselves,” she says. “My professors push me, acknowledge my strengths and help me with my weaknesses so that when I do take them again [for another course], they say 'Wow, you've changed! You've grown!' It's so valuable to have your growth acknowledged and have faculty who are always looking out for new opportunities for you.”

F&M's close-knit residential campus has been a second home for her. Peguero has loved the connections and friendships she's made in F&M's College House system, from her first year in Bonchek to the past two years she's spent as Schnader house adviser for younger students.

“F&M professors see things in you that you can't see yet. It's so valuable ... to have faculty who are always looking out for new opportunities for you.”

Anaya Peguero '25

“One of the highlights of going to F&M is the fact that whether you want a community or not, you are going to get a community! You don't come here thinking that you're going to isolate yourself, no one's going to remember your name and your professor never notices if you're absent. That is not a reality here,” she says.

Last summer, Peguero completed a policy analysis and research internship with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene in New York City. She worked on varied projects from civic engagement and voter registration to reproductive health, Medicaid and cannabis legislation. The experience affirmed her passion for public health and her desire to serve her community.

Peguero aspires to become a public health lawyer in New York City. F&M has equipped her with the academic foundation, confidence and community connections to pursue this dream, all made possible through the generosity of those who believe in the power of education. Her journey is a powerful reminder of how philanthropy can transform lives and, in turn, create graduates ready to own their influence and make real change.

"Without my scholarship, I would not be able to be here. I come from an immigrant household, and college was always so important to me. I went to a very good public school in New York City that was always stressing college," Peguero says. “But higher education is not something that everyone can get. Going to F&M and not having financial stress as a part of my academic and everyday life has helped me focus on my studies and on the future. It is such a blessing to have that financial burden off my shoulders so that I can really make sure I'm getting the best grades and am able to enjoy all of the things that I do at F&M.”