Lead Peer Mentor
She/Her
Major(s) and Minor (if any)
Environmental Studies B.A. and Spanish Minor
If you are a first-generation and/or income-eligible student, what has your experience been like at UCSB?
I am a Promise Scholar, so being part of this community doesn't make me feel like I am an outcast, and the advisor for the Promise Scholar Program, Holly, has helped me in so many ways especially when I was having financial aid issues. Although I went through a difficult time with my family regarding financial aid issues during my first year, I made some amazing friends at UCSB that helped me emotionally and mentally. I am very grateful to receive the aid I need to attend UCSB and I am proud to call UCSB my home.
What would you like to share with students about your experience at UCSB?
UCSB is an extremely unique, almost fairytale-like campus in which I went through some growing pains that I didn't know really quite existed and experienced for the first time being home sick. But the beautiful and calming beach environment the campus is located on blows away all your worries and helps you appreciate the joy of living despite how many hurdles you may be face to face with. Gauchos have a work hard and play hard mindset and everyone you will meet at UCSB will greet you with a bright smile and help you no matter what.
Top tips for fellow students? (Study tips, self care hacks, fav resources on campus, etc)
1. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, but definitely don't try to hide your beautiful, true self because at the end of the day, haters will hate, but they should be the last obstacles blocking you from spreading your wings to fly towards your dream. 2. Ask questions and participate in new things that put you out of your comfort zone. 3. Make time for yourself and yourself only to rewind and relax. 4. Go outside and spend time in the sun, using all your senses to embrace nature. 5. Call your hometown friends and family members!
Best advice you've received that has helped you at UCSB.
It's ok not to be ok! Just know that there are people who care about you and want you to succeed and be happy, so don't feel ashamed to ask for help because you are not the only one going through difficult times.
Why did you choose to be an EOP peer mentor?
I chose to be a EOP Lead Peer Mentor because when I attended EOP’s Orientation session last summer during UCSB Freshman Orientation, I remember how EOP’s mission of serving low-income, minority groups and first generation students touched my heart. I believe supporting EOP’s student staff team and representing EOP’s programs at various campus settings sound like fantastic opportunities for me to develop powerful connections with student organizations and departments and be able to reach out to them to help EOP students in need. Helping others is an activity I do with gratitude because no joy can replace the joy I feel from helping out others. I know that this job would feel less like work and more like a wonderful chance for me to grow as a person, learn to become more responsible and connect with fellow low-income and minority students.