Eric Estrada-Martinez

Lead Peer Mentor (2021-2022)
Peer Mentor (2020-2021)

Bio

Gender Pronouns: He/Him/Él

Campus Involvements: Transfer Student Mentor Program

Major: Environmental Studies & Sociology

Biography:

Eric is a 4th year Environmental Studies and Sociology double major from Long Beach, California. As a first-generation college student, Eric transferred to UCSB from Long Beach City College (LBCC) with Associate’s Degrees in both Physical Science and Biological Science. While at LBCC, Eric worked closely with students at the Multidisciplinary Success Center to support their academic journeys. In his free time, Eric loves to play volleyball, read, play video games, and draw. Eric is excited to continue working with students and hopes to help other first generation students find a home and succeed at UCSB!

 

Advice for First-Generation College Students:

Don’t be afraid to ask for help and seek out resources when you need them. As first generation students, we may feel like we have to do everything alone and for ourselves. This is not true! There are so many academic and non-academic resources available to support you. If you don’t know something, ask a professor, teaching assistant, or peer mentor. There is no such thing as a dumb question and many staff members are ready and willing to assist you.

 

Advice for Transfer Students:

Please step out of your comfort zone and put yourself out there! If there is an event, lecture, social, or org/club meeting that seems at all interesting to you, make an effort to attend it. It can be very intimidating being at a new campus with unfamiliar people, but you can make new friends in unexpected ways. New, fun, and exciting experiences are out there at UCSB, but it’s up to you to take advantage of them.