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Student Success Coaching Program SSCP
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Peer Coaches & Interns

Peer Coaches play a pivotal role in supporting first and second year, first-generation college students in SSCP. Peer Coaches are trained using a national model and receive nationally recognized certifications.

Peer Coaches have the opportunity to advance to the Senior Peer Coach role. Senior Peer Coaches continue to support a cohort of students and have additional programming responsibilities that support the personal and professional development of the Peer Coaching team.

Learn More Schedule a Peer Coaching Appointment

 

Muir and Seventh College

  • Alize Ayala (She/Her)

    Alize Ayala (She/Her)

    Seventh College

    Communications

    What would you tell your first-year self?

    I would tell my first year self that just because I come from a small school does not make me any less worthy of being here. I would also say that I am on my own timeline and should not be comparing myself to others.
  • Alexza Mendoza (She/Her)

    Alexza Mendoza (She/Her)

    Muir College

    Cognitive Science with a specialization in Design and Interaction

    What would you tell your first-year self?

    I would tell my first year self to not worry, to be less anxious and if I need help to not be afraid to reach out to others. I would tell myself to try to make more friends with the people in my classes and to explore cool opportunities such as workshops, networking events, clubs, etc.
  • Mitz Serrano (She/Her)

    Mitz Serrano (She/Her)

    Seventh College

    Psychology

    What would you tell your first-year self?

    It’s okay. You’re not the only one feeling this way. You are meant to be here.

Marshall and Eleanor Roosevelt College

  • Desiree Tapia (She/Her)

    Desiree Tapia (She/Her)

    Marshall College

    Biochemistry

    What would you tell your first-year self?

    I would tell my first-year self to stop stressing the things that are out of my control. As a first-gen student myself, I understand the pressure to do everything with ease and as perfect as possible but there's beauty in making mistakes and learning.
  • Elizah Rossell (She/Her)

    Elizah Rossell (She/Her)

    Muir College 

    Psychology with a specialization in Human Health

    What would you tell your first-year self?

    I would tell my first-year self that everything always works itself out. I would encourage myself to reach out and use all the resources that are given to me. In addition, I would explain that this is a year of self-transformation and self-improvement. It is okay to not have everything figured out and that is what makes the journey a lot more motivating.

  • Roxanna Villegas (She/Her)

    Roxanna Villegas (She/Her)

    Eleanor Roosevelt College

    International Business with a minor in Finance

    What would you tell your first-year self?

    To my first year self I would say: "Allow yourself the grace of making mistakes and learning from them. In so many ways, college is much different and more challenging than high school. You're not going to immediately adjust to things perfectly and that's okay. Let the learning process happen and everything will be okay".

Revelle and Sixth College

  • Camilla Hong (She/They)

    Camilla Hong (She/They)

    Muir College

    Bioengineering: Biotechnology

    What would you tell your first-year self?

    Enjoy everything going around you because you're doing great and it all works out in the end. You'll meet lots of amazing people once COVID ends.
  • Emily Cruz (She/Her/Ella)

    Emily Cruz (She/Her/Ella)

    Revelle College

    Human Biology with a minor in Healthcare Social Issues

    What would you tell your first-year self?

     Explore different study spots, really stay on top of reviewing content right when you learn because the quarter system is so fast. Things get better and time heals, you will be ok.
  • Deisha Vallencia (She/Her)

    Deisha Vallencia (She/Her)

    Seventh College

    Global Health, Pre-Med Track

    What would you tell your first-year self?

    Everything has led up to her being here, walking into those rooms, being a part of those important conversations, and making a difference for her community. Her perseverance, resilience, and faith are strong enough to get her through anything. I'm so proud of how far she has come.

Warren and Eighth College

  • Oliver Kelley (He/They)

    Oliver Kelley (He/They)

    Warren College

    Marine Biology, Linguistics Language Studies minor

    What would you tell your first-year self?

    I would tell my first-year self that it’s okay to not have everything figured out and decided yet! No one really knows what exactly the future has in store for them during their first year. Embrace the different opportunities that come your way and be open to all curiosities.
  • Samantha Villalpando (She/Her)

    Samantha Villalpando (She/Her)

    Muir College

    General Biology with a minor in Economics

    What would you tell your first-year self?

    I would tell my first year self to embrace the unknown environment you’re in. Make the most out of being lost, new, and having the opportunity to explore a new atmosphere with unfamiliar faces who are going through the same situation. I would also let myself know that everything will get easier, and to keep going, because even though it gets harder before it gets easier, it does get better.
  • Jennifer Zerner (She/Her)

    Jennifer Zerner (She/Her)

    Warren College

    Bioengineering Biotechnology

    What would you tell your first-year self?

    Getting involved on campus will be the key to your happiness. Go out and join clubs, make friends, and explore opportunities both on and off campus. Look into working in labs and studying abroad. You'll have a lot of fun once you stop letting the small things bother you.

Interns

  • Yuan Ji (She/Her)

    Yuan Ji (She/Her)

    Sixth College

    Applied Math and ICAM with a minor in Data Science

    What would you tell your first-year self?

    Just do it!
  • Heather Nicosia (She/Her)

    Heather Nicosia (She/Her)

    Eleanor Roosevelt College

    Visual Arts - Studio with a minor in Communication

    What would you tell your first-year self?

    Stop being so hard on yourself! Everyone's journey looks different and there's no rush to figure things out. Burnout is never worth it. Also, shut that imposter syndrome down and start advocating for yourself! Acknowledge your worth and start being open to the opportunities around you instead of getting so stuck in your self-doubt.