Peer Mentors

My name is Michelle Aranda Coss and I am first generation college student. My major is Xicana/o Studies and I will be starting my second year at CSUN starting Fall 2015. I decided to be a peer mentor because I do not want students to feel alone or isolated in such a big institution, during their first year at CSUN. Especially when, a student’s transition from high school to college can be an extremely intimidating and a confusing period of time, as it was for me. I want students to be able to relate to my struggles and experiences during my transitioning period and be able to validate their own experiences and struggles. As a peer mentor, I ultimately would like to empower and be a positive asset to these students. I also am an enthusiast of many art forms such as music shows, dance performances, and art galleries. Especially dance related events because it has always been one of my biggest passions in my life, having devoted 12 years in receiving a distinguished dance education. The soul of the Xicana/o community’s various art forms has aided to shape my identity. I hope to one day have my career and my work in practice encompass art, education, and social justice; where it can beneficial and transformative for communities of color. 

No sumisa ni obediente
Mujer fuerte insurgente
Independiente y valiente
Romper las cadenas de lo indiferente
- Ana Tijoux

My name is Jessica Cardiel I am double majoring in Gender Women Studies and Chicano/a studies and pursing a minor in Queer Studies. My career aspiration is to work for a nonprofit organization that gives back to the community and is inclusive to others. Helping others is my passion and I am driven to complete my Bachelors and pursue my Master’s degree in Social Work. I chose to become a peer mentor because I want to help other students and provide the resources they need to be successful in higher education. Most importantly, I would like to provide support and give back to my CSUN community.

 “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.” -Maya Angelou

Hello, my name is Raquel Cetz. I am currently a sophomore double majoring in Political Science and in Chicana/o Studies. This year I am grateful to form a part of this peer mentoring program directed by the College of Humanities. As a first generation undocumented student coming from a low-income community that is predominately immigrant, I experienced the lack of educational resources, discrimination because of my status, and witnessed the rights of the people in my community being violated. Situations such as these have pushed me to continue my education, in hopes that with the degree I will have the privilege to obtain will help me to further my education and attend law school. It is important for me to continue to bring more awareness and consciousness to the youth my age, to be a mentor, and push them to continue to strive to not only get in an institution of higher education but also to help them be active participants on campus and in their communities. It is of extreme importance of retaining these first year students in the university because we are the future and representation of the communities we come from. I believe everyone has the potential to achieve what they set their mind to as a long as a support system is there to guide and help them navigate through their first year. “Be the change you wish to see in the world” La lucha sigue, sin justicia no habra paz.

My name is Jenni Chavez and I will be majoring in Psychology and hopefully in Child Development. With these majors I hope to become a school counselor, or a psychologist for children under the age of 18. I believe that children are the future and we are not providing them with enough opportunities to be able to succeed in their lives. I choose to become a peer mentor because I was more than thankful to have my peer mentor my first year at CSUN. My mentor was there whenever we needed her and she helped make my first year less complicated which is why I want to be able to help new incoming freshman not feel alone. We all come with the idea that as we enter college we will be on our own, and that is definitely not the case. On the contrary, this is the time to ask for help and not suffer in silence. I will be more than glad to help students find their way through their first semester at the university. When I am not in school, I love to be with my family and friends when I find myself not being busy. One of my favorite activities to do on my free time is hiking, I find it to be very relaxing and I get to be away from the city for at least a couple of hours.

“Don’t worry about failures, worry about the chances you miss when you don’t even try.” –Jack Canfield 

My Name is Justine LaRue Evans and I am a senior here at California State University Northridge in the Central American Studies department. In my free time, I like to go on hikes, ride horses, read, and travel. As for my career plans, I plan on pursuing a Master’s Degree in Public Health and work in the non-profit sector to help aid underrepresented communities. I chose to be a peer mentor because I have personally experienced the success of having a mentor as well as benefited from having the support and understanding of a network of people who care about me in the university community. I wanted to be able to share that support with fellow students and allow them to succeed and flourish by having their own network of supporters and people who are genuinely interested in their wellbeing and their future. Another aspect of why I choose to become a peer mentor was because I believe that by having a mentor, your entire outlook and experience in college can be changed for the better.

“Let the world know you as you are, not as you think you should be, because sooner or later, if you are posing, you will forget the pose, and then where are you?” -Fanny Brice 

Hello everyone, my name is Lesly Fernandez. I am currently a sophomore majoring in English subject matter in order to become a post-secondary English teacher. Not only do I want to teach, but I also want to influence my future students towards becoming more self-aware human beings about what truly is taking place in this world and what truly needs to be changed. I chose to become a peer mentor because I know the relationship I will make with each and every one of you will be remarkable; academically and personally. As a first generation college student, low income, and living in a single parent household, I know we will interconnect on many different levels. It is without a doubt, that forming part of this peer mentor program, will only result as a learning and valuable experience. I cannot wait to help and guide you through the right academic path in order for you to achieve your goals one step at a time. Likewise, helping one another as a team. Besides school, I enjoy watching baseball games, going out to eat at different restaurants, and simply exploring the outdoors. Oh, and I love the Dodgers.

“Do not chase people. Be you and do your own thing and work hard. The right people who belong in your life will come to you, and stay.” -Wu Tang

Major: Psychology

Career Aspirations: Behavior Modification Consultant 

Why did you choose to be a peer mentor?: Growing up in Boyle Heights the amount of role models I had were very limited. Thankfully along my path I was introduced to a few individuals whose constant care, patience and unchangingly faith in me gave me the perseverance to get to where I am now. These individuals are known as "mentors" and it's thanks to them that kids like me get to places we never deem possible. I want to have the opportunity to be that for someone else and that's why I chose to be a peer mentor. 

Hobbies: DIY's, Dog Training, Dancing 

Phrase/Quotes: “Off in the distance, an old man noticed a small boy approaching.  As the boy walked, the man could see that the boy was occasionally bending down to pick up an object and throwing it into the ocean.  As the boy approached him the man couldn’t help but ask what it was that he was doing. The young boy paused, looked up, and replied “Throwing starfish into the ocean. The tide has washed them up onto the beach and they can’t return to the sea by themselves. When the sun gets high, they will die.” The old man replied, “But there must be tens of thousands of starfish on this beach. I’m afraid you won’t really be able to make much of a difference.”  The boy bent down, picked up yet another starfish and threw it as far as he could. He then turned, smiled and said, “It made a difference to that one!” -unknown

Hi! My name is Samantha Mookie Jones and I am a 5th year at CSUN majoring in Asian American Studies. My immediate career goal is to become a high school teacher working with either opportunity or independent study students as an English teacher. 

Aside from my career aspirations my hobbies including going to the beach, family time, watching movies (new and old), Disneyland, bowling, going to basketball games, an easy-level hike, and dancing. 

One of the many reasons I choose to become a peer mentor was because I thought it would prep me for becoming a teacher, and last semester when I took my service learning course with Professor Glenn Omatsu my theory proved right. The greatest motivation to me is seeing people preserve, there’s no greater feeling of encouragement for me then watching a friend or family member succeed. Mentoring reignited my fire and made me like school again, it made me refocus on the big picture and get positive.

A quote I hold dear is a one written by an artist named Austin Carlile, he says, “the people you care about the most, will be the one who hurt you the most, have a wall and only let it be reached by love”. This quote to me, is one of my reminders that the overall goal in the end is to succeed by lifting others up with myself, and not stepping on others to get to where I want to be. This quote is a reminder that intent is important, and that a smile and a compliment can go a long way.

After changing majors quite a bit I decided to go for the one which I enjoyed the most and that is Chicano/a Studies. I plan to continue my education so that later on I can teach History, Chicano/a Studies or Chicano Literature.

I chose to be a peer mentor because I know what it’s like being lost in the college setting, not knowing what to do and afraid to ask for help. I want to help out others and let them know that even if they start to fall behind they can still get back up and there will be people there to guide them.

When I’m not busy with work I enjoy reading, watching movies, attending concerts/shows, as well as community events, going to the beach, traveling, and hanging out with friends.

My name is Lucia Muro I come from a family of five. I am the youngest of two older sisters in which have definitely set a high standard for my family. I come from a Latin descent and I aspire higher education at its fullest. Higher education is the key to success. This fall 2015 will become my second year at Cal State University Northridge so I am currently in the process of declaring into the major of Kinesiology, hence in the College of Health and Human Development. I wish to pursue being a Physical Therapist specifically in a medical setting; at a well-known hospital such as UCLA’s Rehabilitation Services. With hard work and appropriate time management I know this could be accomplished.  I seek to aid others, which is the reason for my involvement in the CoH Peer Mentoring Project, as well as my career aspirations. I not only enjoy attending class, I also enjoy being outdoors keeping in contact with nature. I love going on hikes, going on bike rides, and enjoy working out; keeping healthy is always a serious matter. Preserving motivation is an additional factor to success. I can indubitably relate to a famous statement said by a famous French Philosopher, René Descartes, “I Think Therefore I Am.” 

I’m a Journalism and Asian American Studies double major hoping to pursue a career teaching Ethnic Studies at the high school level. Thanks to the work of activists and community members, there has been a recent push to include Ethnic Studies as a required subject in California. In the meantime, I hope to be able to teach History and/or English. On the side, I’m considering whether or not to pursue a graduate degree in Urban Planning. I am not very sure what I would do with it, but I hope the skills that come with earning such a degree inform me in teaching students.

I chose to be a peer mentor in order to give back in a way I think has meaning. Over time, I have found a place in acting as a guide or teacher to younger folks. I have always wanted to help people out and participate in the community. Being a peer mentor seems to be a good way for me to do so.

I do not have consistent hobbies outside of web-surfing and occasionally playing video games. I hope being a voracious reader counts as a hobby because I can spend a couple hours reading up articles upon articles detailing current events, urban planning issues, and other community-centered matters.

Karl is a spoken word artist, musician, social observer, and activist who aims to promote social inclusion through community outreach and accessible welfare programs. He is currently a third year junior studying Asian American Studies and Urban Studies and Planning. Originally from Quezon City, Karl hopes to migrate back to the Philippines, utilizing his knowledge on structural violence, transnational labor politics, and gentrification, to contribute to the empowering ongoing efforts that seek to provide institutional support for marginalized communities. Furthermore, he wants to engage in programs that advocate for affordable housing, adequate transportation systems, free education, and sufficient public healthcare.

While presently, Karl’s aspirations seem clear-cut; this was not always the case. He entered his freshman year with poor attendance and an indifferent attitude towards his classes. With a newfound freedom from living on his own, he lacked the guidance and discipline that was necessary in maintaining his grades. It is this very reason he chose to be a peer mentor, to use his experiences as an example for other incoming students. He also wishes to provide a space where students can openly express their ideas, brainstorm their aspirations, and form relationships that foster growth and initiate positive change.

Between juggling three jobs and school, Karl finds the time to sing, write poetry, attend open mics, binge watch psychological thrillers, and hike. He is heavily consumed by wanderlust, and is an avid traveler.

“Love is giving someone the ability to destroy you, but trusting them not to.” 

My name is Zurisadai Rivera, I am double majoring in Psychology and Chicana/o Studies at California State University Northridge. My career plan is to be the director of a Clinical and Behavioral Therapeutic Center for relatives of those who have intellectual disabilities. I will also be involved in activism for immigrant and human rights while teaching Psychology and Chicana/o Studies at California State University Northridge. I chose to be a mentor because I personally know the impact of having a mentor in life and in the educational institutions. Having someone there for guidance can help you grow, learn from mistakes, and to always know that resilience is the key to success. When I’m not working or studying I enjoy listening to music, I also enjoy traveling, exercising, cooking, dancing, reading, being with friends and making friends, learning more and more about mi cultura chicana/o, helping out however I can, and being all about Mi Raza.

“Este estado de espíritu - o de ausencia de espíritu - ha engendrado lo que se ha dado en llamar el "pachuco”. Rebeldes instintivos, contra ellos se ha cebado más de una vez el racismo norteamericano. A pesar de que su actitud revela una obstinada y casi fanática voluntad de ser, esa voluntad no afirma nada concreto sino la decisión - ambigua, como se verá- de no ser como los otros que los rodean. Y el primer enigma es su nombre mismo: "Pachuco", vocablo de incierta filiación, que dice nada y dice todo”.

-Octavio Paz

Hello, my name is Rosa Salamanca. I am an undocumented student, currently a senior double majoring in Psychology and Central American Studies. After obtaining my Bachelors degree, I plan to apply to both Masters and Doctoral programs. In the future, I will conduct research in the mental health of the immigrant community with the hopes to provide data for policy making. I was born in El Salvador and migrated to the United States at the age of 16. Upon my arrival, my most difficult challenges have been learning a new language, adapting to a new educational system, and helping family make ends meet. Due to these particular reasons I chose to be a peer mentor to provide students with the opportunities I never encountered. During my free time I enjoy listening to music and watching shows on Netflix. 

Quote: “Music has the ability to repair brain damage and return lost memories” –Unknown 

My name is David Solis, I was born and raised in South Central Los Angeles – coming from a low income community was a decisive factor in pursuing a college education. I am a first generation college student seeking to earn my Bachelor’s degree in Chicana/o and Central American studies. After earning my Bachelors I plan to enroll in a credential program at Cal State Northridge. My dream is to teach ethnic studies at a high school in South Los Angeles. I choose to become a peer mentor in order to guide, support, and motivate our students to pursue their career goals and their education. I strongly believe that it is important that we increase the retention rate of first generation students coming from marginalize communities in four year institutions. As a peer mentor I am committed to go beyond the expectations as a means to fulfill our goals. Muhatma Gandhi once said, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world,” if we want to make a difference in people’s lives than we must begin by filling in the roles we wish to change. We must empower and support our students to become the best educators, doctors, lawyers, government officials, etc. in order to reshape society to the one we wish to live in. 

“Everything in the universe is within you. Ask all from yourself” –Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi

Nalani Sood is a college senior majoring in Political Science with a minor in Gender & Women Studies. She is also part of the GE Honors Program and served as Vice President of LGBTQA Spring 15’. In her free time Nalani likes to explore new places, eat good food with friends, read, and play with her dogs. Becoming a peer mentor caught her interest because Nalani is passionate about teaching and learning from others.

“Our backs tell the stories no books have the spine to carry” – Rupi Kau 

Drawing from her own college experience, one of the most direct ways to receive information is through one’s peers. Sensitive information such as gender-neutral bathrooms or accessible entrances are key examples of possible obstacles when familiarizing yourself with a new campus. Nalani’s goal is to be a reliable resource for incoming students and ultimately encourage confidence in students to guide themselves. She aspires to learn anything and everything about the world from metaphysics to biology, while somehow travelling. Although her career has yet to be determined, her field will incorporate an intersectional framework. She can't wait to meet you!