Luna

Resident Hall Peer Mentor

She/Her
https://shoreline.ucsb.edu/meetings/1812371/Lunasofficehours

Major(s) and Minor(s):

Sociology/ Applied Psych and Educational Studies Minors

What would you like to share with students about your experience at UCSB?

UCSB has provided me a with place to connect with other first generation students, and it is that community that contributes largely to my success as a student. Higher education can feel incredibly daunting, but it's absolutely possible to find a large community of folks who can help you through every step. I've been incredibly fortunate to have found people who could guide me to resources that helped make my undergraduate career possible. As an EOP peer mentor, I can now do the same for other first gen students! Through exploration, I was fortunate enough to find El Centro, a latine oriented study space. Once I immersed myself more in the latine culture on campus, college felt less scary; I knew I wasn't alone in my confusion, and I had people I could count on when I needed help. As an income eligible and first generation student, I lean more towards activism, and gravitate naturally to spaces with like minded people. While it isn't always easy, I am passionate about making a difference on this campus for the students who will come after me.

Top tips for fellow students?

Follow ucsb accounts on social media! Aside from handshake, Instagram accounts are the best ways to hear about campus jobs, which give students the most flexibility on their hours. This is a quick easy way to immerse yourself into campus! If you need a quiet single room space to study and that library is full, check out the music library! You can borrow vinyls and have your own private room to listen to music and study! I also highly recommend creating a four year planner, to map out your classes - this makes pass times easier to manage, and it can help you determine whether you want to take a 5th year, or summer session courses.

Best advice you've received that has helped you at UCSB.

Many professors say this, and most students ignore it - but if you find that you really enjoy a professors teaching style, go to their office hours! Meeting professors outside of lecture is a great way to open the door to research opportunities, internships, and extra credit

Why did you choose to be an EOP peer mentor?

I chose to be a residence hall peer mentor because there is no other job on campus that allows me to connect with students in the way that this position has. I am passionate about helping first generation students navigate college; every single one of us deserves to be here, and deserves to have guidance from someone who can relate to their stories.