Home / Early Start Programs / Peer Mentors

Peer Mentors

Summer Edge Peer Mentors are role models and peer advisors and will be your go-to for all questions related to being a student at UCSC. Here to support your transition to academic and campus life at UCSC, Peer Mentors are second, third, and fourth-year UCSC students who are experienced leaders on campus, and some have gone through Summer Edge themselves! They are passionate about working with students and will be available to provide guidance on anything related to academics, UCSC resources, navigating the campus, college life, and the ins and outs of Santa Cruz.

Peer Mentors live on campus with the Summer Edge Residential program in Session 2 and organize a ton of fun in-person social and academic programs designed to help our newly admitted Slugs make friends and learn useful skills like Note-Taking and Time Management at a research-level university.

 

Meet the Summer Edge Peer Mentors:

  • Summer Edge

    Abbey Jimenez

    My name is Abbey Jimenez, I am a second year Psychology major. My favorite place on campus is watching the view from the Knoll. 
  • No alternative text

    Alexa Feuer

    Hey all! My name is Alexa, and I am a third year Psychology major here at UCSC. In my free time you can catch me hiking, hammocking, and looking at cool plants all around upper campus (my favorite spot at UCSC). I am so excited to be working with the Summer Edge Peer Mentor Program this year!
  • No alternative text

    Emerson Kapture

    Welcome! I am going into my fifth year with a double major in Psychology and Global Music. My favourite place on campus is anywhere near the trees, I love exploring nearby forests and finding little treasures along the way~
  • No alternative text

    Gaby Kephart

    Hi! I’m Gaby Kephart, a second year at UCSC affiliated with Crown College and I use they/them pronouns. I am a biology B.A. major and one of my favorite places in Santa Cruz is the Catalyst.
  • No alternative text

    Jamin Huet

    Hello! I'm Jamin, a 3rd year Transfer Edge student majoring inEnvironmental Studies with a focus in Geographic Information Systems.I basically live on Science Hill, but in my free time I enjoy the EastField, where you can catch me either working out at OPERS, doing Judo with the school club, or simply admiring the view. Looking forward to working with you all!
  • No alternative text

    Kendra Frias

    Hello! My name is Kendra! I was born and raised in San Diego and am a first-generation student. I am also a third-year legal studies major with an education minor. One of my favorite spots on campus is the opers fields! I enjoy having picnic days on the field with my friends while we watch the sunset.
  • No alternative text

    Kylie Flanagan

    Hello, I’m Kylie Flanagan (she/they) and I’m a sophomore! I’m studying Psychology and Disability Studies at UCSC. I have so many favorite spots on campus, but I specifically like Porter Meadows, the East Field or any of the other wonderful nature spots!
  • No alternative text

    Liliana Vega

    Call me Lily! I’m going into my second year and my proposed major is biochemistry and molecular biology. My favorite place on campus has to be in the grass at Merrill Plaza when it’s sunny out or in Baobab lounge when it’s cold and rainy!
  • No alternative text

    Mar Cisneros

    My name is Laila Cisneros! I prefer to go by Mar. I am a first year (about to be second year) proposed Feminist Studies and Art double major. My favorite place on campus is probably Oakes Lower Lawn, where you have a beautiful view of the ocean. This was the spot that made me fall in love with the campus.
  • No alternative text

    Richard Valencia

    (Class of 2026)

    Major: Computer Science B.S - Electronic Music minor

    The recently opened Merrill Market has got to be one my favorite spots on campus. Now that my surplus of Slug Points can be spent on snacks, I'll have all more than enough fuel to get through the day! 

  • No alternative text

    Ryder Stoddard

    Hey slugs! My name is Ryder Stoddard and I'm a first-year legal studies and education,democracy,&justice double major affiliated with Porter. My favorite place on campus is the Porter meadows during sunset.
  • No alternative text

    Sofia Ulriksen

    Hi everyone! My name is Sofia, I'm a first year, and a Merrill affiliate. I am a proposed major in both Psychology and Legal Studies. My favorite place on campus is McHenry Library, but off campus I love going to the So-So market (a thrift event downtown). If I look familiar, I am also one of the UCSC tour guides, so maybe we've met before! If we haven't, I can't wait to meet you, go slugs!
  • No alternative text

    Tamia Moradi

    My name's Tamia! This summer I'll be entering my second year as an Environmental Sciences major. I'm also a Summer Edge alumni! I love the outdoors, reading, and connecting with people. My favorite places in Santa Cruz are the Roxa Hammock Cafe and Serpent's Kiss. Definitely recommend you check them out.
  • No alternative text

    Zaira Carrera

    Originally from Paramount a city in Southern California, I am bilingual in Spanish and a fourth year history major. I have a fun bubbly personality. I like to surround myself with positive people who enjoy laughing, listening to different genres of music, and exploring new food cuisines. My favorite spots in Santa Cruz are Burger., for the scrumptious onion rings and the creamy, sweet milkshakes. I too love the Penny Ice Creamery for the delicious homemade waffle cones, rainbow sprinkles, and unique ice cream flavors. You can spot me at these places every weekend!