Eric is a first-generation college graduate, transfer student, and proud son of Mexican immigrants from Zacatecas, México. Born and raised in Long Beach, California, Eric attended Long Beach City College from 2017 to 2019. There, he obtained Associate's Degrees in Biological Sciences and Physical Sciences before transferring to UC Santa Barbara in Fall 2019. Eric graduated from UCSB in 2022, earning a BA in Environmental Studies, BA in Sociology, and minor in Applied Psychology.

 

While at UCSB, Eric served as a Peer Mentor and Lead Peer Mentor before transitioning to the full-time role of Programs Assistant after graduating. As 1 of 2 inaugural Lead Peer Mentors, Eric served as a role model for his fellow peer mentors, led efforts on developing the OSC podcast, and helped hire and onboard the next era of Peer Mentors and Lead Peer Mentors. During his time at the OSC, Eric hopes to show that authenticity, communication, honesty, empathy, and critical thinking are pivotal in effectively supporting first-generation college students at UCSB. 

 

Eric's interests and hobbies include reading, film photography, going on runs, and listening to music. Some of his recent favorite books are Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz and All About Love by bell hooks. Some of his favorite musical artists include Lorde, Bad Bunny, Maye, Rina Sawayama, and Omar Apollo. For those who enjoy astrology, Eric is an Aries sun, Pisces moon, and Cancer rising.