Hi, my name is Emmy I am currently a Freshman at Piedmont High School. I’ve lived in Piedmont my whole life and previously attended Havens elementary. My family has roots in South Korea from my grandparents on my Dads side and China from my grandparents on my Moms side. Growing up in a multicultural family has taught me to really appreciate different perspectives, traditions, and experiences. I genuinely love learning about my family's background and journeys that brought them here to America. My Dad also grew up in Piedmont, and at the time was one of few Asian students in the community. Hearing about his experiences has made me more aware of how much Piedmont has changed over time. It’s programs like Affinity Mentorship that give people a space to connect with others of similar backgrounds and to reflect on how our community has grown. Outside of school I love playing sports and being active, i’ve played club lacrosse for three years and am so excited to represent my High School's team. I’m thrilled to be a part of the Affinity program and help make my community a place where everyone can feel they belong. 

Hi! My name is Maddy and I’m a freshman at PHS. I’m a first generation Asian-American whose parents immigrated from Vietnam when they were young. I grew up with both Chinese and Vietnamese influences. I wanted to join Affinity Mentorship because I felt like it was important for minorities to understand and learn about other cultures. Growing up, I didn’t feel like I fully belonged in this community, however one thing that made me assure that I did were mentors. My goal as a mentor is to support younger children and make them feel welcomed, confident, and valued in who they are. Piedmont is a belonging and safe community for everyone!

Hi my name is Faraz Ashraf. I am I 9th grader at Piedmont High School. Some of my hobbies include: playing golf and football, playing the piano, and playing with my cat, I enjoy watching the Nfl and the premier league. My family is from Pakistan. As a former mentee this is my first year being a mentor. I joined affinity to make more friends and speak to more people. 

Hi!! My name is Saoirse Boyle and I am currently a freshman at Piedmont High School.  I am half Chinese, half Irish, and growing up I was exposed to various traditions and cultures from both sides. I often felt curious about my heritage, and I remember wishing for an older role model that I could connect with about my culture and identity. I also joined PUSD in 6th grade.  Being new to the district back in 6th grade, I felt it was hard to find a sense of community since many people already knew each other. The culture shock of going from a small school to a larger school was also a difficult transition for me. Although this is my first year being a mentor, I have been in the Affinity program for 3 years as a mentee. Affinity was a chance for me to look up to my mentors and connect with other people that have things in common with me. I joined to help other mentees feel the same way I did - to be able to look forward to meetings and talking with my mentors! I am so excited to fill in the role of a mentor, and get a chance to know and connect with my mentees!

Hey! My name is Carmen and i’m a freshman. My pronouns are she/her. I was born in San Francisco and moved here when I was less than a year old. I am a second generation immigrant and I am mixed. (half Indian, half mexican/polish and basque). I went to wildwood and than PMS. Growing up in Piedmont I sometimes felt like I didnt belong because this community is predominately white and i felt like I wasnt white enough or indian enough. I chose to become a mentor because I think its important to make younger students feel like they belong and that they are not alone.

Hi, my name is Siena Silvio, I am a freshman at PHS. My mom was born in Iran, and I have been experiencing the culture my whole life. My dad is italian and jewish and has his own cultural things we do sometimes as well. I have been going to Piedmont schools my whole life, and this will be my first year as an affinity mentor. Growing up in Piedmont I never knew anyone else who was iranian like I was, and that was sometimes hard. I couldn’t always find people to relate to, making me feel isolated at times. That has never been a good feeling, and as a mentor I hope that I can help students relate to each other and not feel alone.

Hi! Im Zyah, a freshman at Piedmont High. So this is my first year at Affinity Mentors. I moved to PUSD during the pandemic in fourth grade. During my years I have noticed Piedmont is a predominantly white school district. Both of my sets of grandparents are immigrants from India. With my moms side from Mumbai with Zoroastrian decent and my dads side from Kerala. I've also struggled with mental health especially in the past. I love art such as dance, singing and nail art. I'm so excited to be immersed in the vibrant community of affinity mentors!

Hi! My name is Sarina, I’m a Freshman. This is my first year as a mentor though I was a mentee for many years. I’ve lived in Piedmont and gone to Piedmont schools for my entire life. I’m multiracial (Chinese, Indian, and White). My parents are both moved to America from Kenya and Hong Kong when they were young. Growing up I went to a Chinese Cultural camp and it taught me a lot about my culture and who I am. Some of the communities I have been apart of have been less diverse which is why I’m super excited to be a mentor!