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.

Schedule a Peer Coaching Appointment

Muir and Seventh College

Erika Yu (She/Her)

Seventh College

Human Biology with a Global Health Minor

What would you tell your first-year self?

Not everything will happen as planned but will create new paths to explore things you couldn't have imagined.
Joshua Cabrera Regalado (He/Him)

Muir College

General Biology

What would you tell your first-year self?

I would talk about my major, favorite classes, and interests in video games and anime as a way to open up and make the person I'm talking to feel comfortable sharing about themselves too.
Isaiah Frausto (He/Him)

Muir College

Sociology (Law & Society)/ Political Science

What would you tell your first-year self?

If I could go back and talk to my first-year self, I would tell him to say yes to everything—to new experiences, new people, opportunities, and things that push you outside of your comfort zone. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable, because some of the moments that challenge you the most will become the moments that help you grow the most.

Marshall, Eleanor Roosevelt, & Sixth College

Diego Ramirez

Marshall College

Clinical Psychology

What would you tell your first-year self?

I would like to tell my first year self to put myself out there by joining more clubs and social events to meet new people.
Jecksie Portillo Jaco (She/Her)

Marshall College

Sociology

What would you tell your first-year self?

Breathe, if there is a will there is a way! + Planning will be your best friend!
Melanye Correa (She/They)

Sixth College

Human Biology

What would you tell your first-year self?

I would tell my first year self to not lose sight of the dream. Sometimes life and school can get a bit overwhelming, but I always manage to balance, figure out, or improvise as I go. It is important to always pick yourself up when things don't go as planned. The effort always counts, as long as you keep moving forward.

Revelle College

Jia Bhavnani (She/Her)

Revelle College

General Biology

What would you tell your first-year self?

In a campus population of nearly 45,000 people, it can be easy to believe that your individual journey doesn’t really matter - but IT DOES! You won’t know everyone, and honestly, that’s unrealistic. Instead, focus on paving your own path. Don’t spend four years trying to perfectly fit yourself into existing opportunities, roles, or categories. Sometimes, create your own. Write that email. Barge into office hours. Reach out to the professor, mentor, or person you admire, even if you’re convinced they’ll never respond. Apply for the opportunity you don’t feel completely qualified for. Believe me, the universe listens to diligence.
Leia Ninete (She/Her)

Revelle College

Public Health with concentration in Community Health

What would you tell your first-year self?

I would tell my first year self to not be afraid of change or switching majors, to not compare myself to what others are doing and to know its okay to fail and grow from it.

Warren and Eighth College

Diana Nicolas Arellano (She/Her)

Muir College

Human Biology

What would you tell your first-year self?
I would tell my first-year self that even though everything feels overwhelming and stressful right now, everything will eventually work out. It might take some time, but you will find your sense of belonging and your own community! The challenges you face along the way will shape you into who you are today and make you a stronger person if you put yourself out there. Trust the process because those moments are what help you grow.
Samantha Villalpando (She/Her)

Muir College

General Biology

What would you tell your first-year self?

I would tell my first-year self that everyone and every memory I value so much from UCSD was a result of moments and situations that initially made me nervous or forced me to step out of my comfort zone. It's all so worth it.
Rida Kazani (She/Her)

Muir College

Double major in Cognitive Psychology and Education Studies

What would you tell your first-year self?
I would tell my first year self to take risks and make the most of every moment! Getting out of your comfort zone is the best way to have new experiences and meet new people. The years really do go by fast, so do absolutely everything and spend so much time with the people you love. Have fun and cherish every little moment!