REAL Peer Educators

The REAL Project is the programming arm of the Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention Program. Real Peers serve as peer advocates and peer educators in their UCF community. The REAL Project is based on the belief that students can effectively influence the attitudes and behaviors of other students in positive ways. 

Through education, theoretical understanding, community engagement and experiential activities, the program trains qualified students to work together and to empower their peers to deal effectively with college lifestyle choices and issues related to alcohol and drug use. REAL Peers focus on developing environments that support caring and respectful relationships, motivate healthy choices and encourage critical analyses of personal and community attitudes, beliefs and behaviors.

Contact a REAL Peer Educator

How Do I Become a Peer Educator?

REAL Profiles

REAL Peers On-line Community

Who are Peer Educators?

The REAL Peers are specially trained Real Students. REAL Peers are volunteers with the REAL Project.

Current REAL Peer Coordinator:

Stephanie Spies
407-823-3652

 

REAL Peers:

Lauren Catenacci
I am currently a junior at UCF double majoring in Psychology and Criminal Justice. I enjoy doing research and work with various organizations on campus that research topics including drugs, alcohol, expectancies and body image. I hope to attend grad school when I graduate and aspire to be a professor in a university.

Kaitlin Castillo
I am a senior from Jacksonville, FL, majoring in Communicative Disorders and minoring in Spanish Language. I have been a peer educator since 2007 and enjoy giving presentations and helping my peers make better decisions.

Julie Restino
Originally from Orlando, I am a junior majoring in Business Finance. I have been a Peer Educator since 2008, and have also been involved in Student Government Association and Greek Life.

Amber Dukes
Amber Dukes is a junior majoring in psychology. She loves working in the AOD office and giving students the facts about substance use. Amber plans to pursue her Ph.D. in Clinical psychology with a focus on psychological abuse and romantic attraction.

How do I become a Peer Educator?

First, register at MyUCF to take Sex, Drugs and Three Credit Hours - HLP2701: Peer Education Training Course. Then, apply!

Benefits of joining The REAL Project:

There are many benefits to becoming a REAL Peer:

• Learn up-to-date information on current health issues,
• Become a valuable resource for your friends and others,
• Develop your communication and leadership skills,
• Supplement your classroom experience,
• Advocate for important health issues making a difference in the overall health and wellbeing of the UCF community,
• Build Friendships,
• Build your resume.

Paid Positions: REAL Peer Coordinators

If you are interested in obtaining a paid Peer Coordinator position you must first, register at MyUCF to take Sex, Drugs and Three Credit Hours - HLP2701: Peer Education Training Course. After you successfully complete the course, you can apply for a paid leadership position! Paid Peer Coordinators are viewed as leaders and work within specific areas of the University community to make a REAL difference!

Paid REAL Peer Coordinators : 10 - 15 hours per week

• Provide workshops and lead discussions with students about health issues
• Table each Wednesday to provide information and increase student awareness about services.
• Plan, implement and evaluate special events such as Know Your Limits, National College Alcohol Awareness Week activities, Safe Spring Break,
• Recruit other students to become REAL Peers
• Serve as Peer Advocates in housing, academic advising, Greek Life, Athletics, and within their circle of friends.
• Serve as a resource to peer advocates within their area.
  

Volunteer positions: REAL Peer Advocates

REAL Peers may also hold volunteer positions within the organization. Volunteer peers serve as Peer Advocates impacting the health and wellbeing of the communities in which they live, play and learn. Peer Advocates serve as a resource and referral agent for students they interact with.

Peer Advocate Training:
Peer Advoactes complete a one day training course where they learn the basics of advocacy, becoming a change agent, leadership and communication skills. Once an advocate completes the one day training, they are eligible to attend certificate training on a variety of topics. Completing certificate training identifies you as a resource for information and referral in a given topic area. The more certificates you hold the more diverse your knowledge will be as a peer advocate.

Certificates offered:

• TIPS training for the University
• Hazing
• QPR (Suicide Prevention)
• Sex Under the Influence
• Sexual Assault
• Healthy and Disordered Eating
• Fitness
• STI prevention
• Stress management
• Diversity
• Allies