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Meet your Ambassadors

Francine Sandoval (she/her)

Major: Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology B.S

Hello! My name is Francine and I’m currently a third year Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology B.S major form Los Angeles, CA. Aside from work and school, I enjoy reading, volunteering at the Santa Cruz Animal Shelter, and going on bike rides. Being a part of EOP has helped me find a sense of community and gave me the courage to seek more opportunities for myself. Getting through my first year was rough and even now I can sometimes find myself getting intimidated by my course load and extraciriculars, so don’t fear you’re not alone! If you have any questions about resources, how to manage a heavy courseload and even effective study habits, you’re more than welcome to create a drop-in appointment so that we can work together.

Kelly Chen (she/they)

Major: Sociology and Film and Digital Media B.A

Hey, this is Kelly (she/they), and I’m from Oakland, CA. I am a fourth-year re-entering student double majoring in Sociology and Film and Digital Media. I identify closely with my Chinese-American identity, being queer, and also having disabilities; my experience at UCSC is complicated and deeply intertwined with the identities I mentioned. I have taken a medical withdrawal from UCSC at the end of my Freshman year and took classes at De Anza College throughout my Sophomore year and re-entered back into UCSC my Junior year. If you have any questions regarding my experiences with withdrawing from university, my experience with DRC accommodations, being a person of color, as well as other things you might want to talk about, please make an appointment with me for drop-in advising. I am really understanding and I look forward to having fun during these drop-in appointments with you guys.

Tommy Alejandrez (he/him)

Major: Latin American Latino Studies/Sociology combined and Education B.A.

Hello, my name it Tommy (he/him), I’m originally from the central valley. I identity as being queer who happens to be HIV positive since 2015. I’m a transfer student, currently a fourth year, double majoring in LALS/Sociology combined and Education. In 2021, I was a recipient of the Karl S. Pister scholarship for $20,000 from Cabrillo College. I have plenty of negative life experiences from struggling with addiction to being homeless to being system impacted to even being formerly incarcerated. My story aired nationally on Fox Sports Thanksgiving Day 2021. I’m a strong believer that everyone has a story. I’d love to be a part of your story. I look forward to collaborating with you and I invite you to make a drop in appointment.

Carlos Cervantes (he/him)

Major: Sociology and Environmental Studies B.A.

Hey Y’all my name is Carlos and I’m originally from the border of LA and Orange County. I am a fourth year, first generation college student. I've been involved with EOP since my first year here and have firsthand experience with navigating university. I believe that it takes a village to grow and I am here to help be a part of your village of support. I have also been an RA for two years and have a lot of information about Campus Resources, Housing, Financial Support, and much more! Please stop by my drop-in hours for more personalized support. Nervous to drop by? Let me know your favorite music album and we can go from there. :)

Nazeerah Rashad (she/her)

Major: Global and Community Health/Critical Race and Ethnic Studies B.A

Hi everyone! I’m Nazeerah, a current third year student from Los Angeles, CA. I love going to concerts and going to the gym! Peer advising is one of my favorite ways to connect with students across campus, and learn more about others. As a double major, I’ve been able to see the benefits and challenges that exist in each of the major departments, and I love sharing my knowledge on how to navigate some of these challenges with other students. I’ve been involved with a number of different student and community organizations on campus, so if you ever have any questions or interest in getting involved I’m happy to help! I look forward to meeting with you and hearing about your experience at UC Santa Cruz so far.