Stephanie M. Estrada

Pronouns: She/Hers

Hometown: Los Angeles born, San Diego raised.

What do you wish you had known when you were in college?

It goes by fast (even the bad/hard times) so try to enjoy it as much as possible! Do stuff on campus (even if you're a commuter student) because that's how you get to meet people and find the places you feel comfortable in.

What does your perfect day off look like?

Waking up early but feeling well rested. Weather is a solid 74 degrees, sunny with clear skies. Heading to the beach with my friends to snorkel. That amazing post beach shower and nap. End the night with an amazing Italian dinner outside with family and friends (and dessert!).

What are your top personal goals for this year?

1. Buy less things- I too fall into the trap of consumerism and I really don't need half of the things I buy.
2. Work on my garden- I started a garden with my Mom earlier this year and it's been so therapeutic for me and something I enjoy doing with her. Looking forward to growing more things to harvest and share with friends.
3. Cook more family dishes- Cooking is also therapeutic for me but my go to is always some version of Italian. This year I'd like to learn to make more traditional Mexican dishes I grew up eating.

What are your strengths as a Senior Success Coach?

I am someone who thrives when I’m in community so developing authentic relationships and connections with people is necessary and crucial for me especially in the work that I do with first-generation college students. I genuinely care about getting to know people and learn about their families, where they come from and their lived experiences. My strength as a Coach is cultivating those relationships and showing up for students in ways that are meaningful to them as people and as students during their time at UC San Diego.

 Gallup Top 5 Strengths: Input | Restorative | Arranger | Consistency | Harmony

Learn more about Stephanie's Gallup Strengths

Master of Arts, Postsecondary Educational Leadership
with a Specialization in Student Affairs
San Diego State University

Bachelor of Arts, Urban Studies
San Diego State University

Associate in Arts, Liberal Arts and Sciences Social and Behavioral Science-Social Sciences
San Diego Mesa Community College