Meet SOE's Student Ambassadors – undergraduate students who support the vision and spirit of SOE by collaborating with faculty and staff to provide engaging, informative, and personalized experiences for the ESHD (Education, Society, and Human Development major) community. Throughout the year, SOE Ambassadors participate in a variety of virtual and in-person outreach and recruitment events, and facilitate a wide range of student engagement workshops and opportunities for learning and mentorship. They serve as role models, lending their unique insight and voice to the undergraduate experience and by helping shape a vibrant learning community.
Current and prospective students can feel free to email our ambassadors if you'd like to connect or have any questions about life at UCR!
Yulissa Navarro (she/her)
4th year
Concentration: Community Leadership, Policy, & Social Justice
ynava017@ucr.edu
How can you help students as a student ambassador?
I can help students as an ambassador by answering any questions regarding the School of Education, the Education major/minor and its requirements, and guiding them towards resources that can help them succeed as Education students 😊.
What are some of the activities you have participated in?
I have participated in some clubs on campus such as Latino Union, Raza Assembly, and the Latino Business Student Association. I also work at the Academic Resource Center!
Why did you want to be an ambassador?
I became an ambassador because I wanted to give back to the School of Education for helping me feel comfortable when I first started at UCR. Additionally, as a first-generation student, I know how daunting college can seem and I wanted to help empower and reassure others who might be feeling unsure and doubtful as college students.
What one piece of advice would you share with undergraduate students as they navigate through UCR and the Education program?
Don’t be afraid to branch out. College is the perfect time to step outside your comfort zone. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask for help - you’re not alone. People want to see you succeed at UCR!
Stefanie Garcia (She/Her)
4th year
Community Leadership, Policy, and Social Justice
sgarc218@ucr.edu
How can you help students as a student ambassador?
I can be a resource for students who need guidance on registration, majoring/minoring in education, being involved on/off campus, and pointing them to resources on campus that will help them during their college career.
What are some of the activities you have participated in?
I was a program leader in an after-school program called Think Together in Duarte, CA. I was also a tutor both at My Learning Studio in Riverside and in Subject Matter Tutoring through UCR’s CEL internship.
Why did you want to be an ambassador?
I wanted to become a SOE student ambassador so I could be a source of information for students who need guidance and make a positive impact within the SOE community by working with students as well as faculty.
What one piece of advice would you share with undergraduate students as they navigate through UCR and the Education program?
UCR is a place where students grow both academically and personally. There are so many organizations on campus to be a part of. I’d advise undergraduate students to put themselves out there and try new things. It’s the perfect way to find new interests and meet new people.
Hong An Trang (she/her)
4th year
Concentration: Learning & Behavioral Studies
htran159@ucr.edu
How can you help students as a student ambassador?
I firmly believe that no question is too small or too big. As an ambassador, I want to answer as many SOE students' questions as possible. These can be about anything, such as navigating life at UCR, class recommendations, or getting involved. If I can't provide help, I can guide students toward resources to get that help. I also have a neuroscience minor. With this experience, I can assist others looking to pick up a secondary STEM pathway. I'm excited to connect with students and support your journeys through UCR and SOE!
What are some of the activities you have participated in?
I've assisted with Highlander Orientation and student programming as an ambassador. I'm also part of the SOE Fierce Scholars and an undergraduate assistant in Dr. Eui Kyung Kim's research lab. I have experience with SOE's Community Engaged Learning through the Storytime and Subject Matter Tutoring internships. Currently, I work as a Peer Mentor for the Academic Resource Center. Some organizations I've joined are Signing Highlanders and First Generation Student Association. Last year, I served as FGSA's secretary, and am this year's president.
Why did you want to be an ambassador?
When I came to UCR, I enjoyed being on campus but didn't feel any particular connection to the school. One day, I attended an event hosted by the SOE ambassadors and came out of it feeling reinvigorated. The ambassadors helped me feel at home while on campus. I felt like I was part of a smaller, close-knit community even within the large population of UCR. I want to help other students feel the same and show that SOE is a large family. We truly all want to support and see your success!
What one piece of advice would you share with undergraduate students as they navigate through UCR and the Education program?
If something interests you, take initiative and just go for it! Even if you don't think that you're qualified or no one else around you is interested, take the chance anyways. You'll never know what could happen unless you make that step.
Monica Torres, She/Her
3rd year
Concentration: Learning and Behavioral Studies
mtorr169@Ucr.edu
How can you help students as a student ambassador?
I can help students with getting involved on campus, enrollment, and navigating resources. I can also provide tips on balancing life and school, as well as self-care! I hope to help students become the best versions of themselves and be successful.
What are some of the activities you have participated in?
I am currently the Treasurer at Highlander Gaming and I dance with Ballet Folklorico de UCR. Outside of UCR, I dance folklorico with Ballet Folklorico de Riverside. I highly recommend joining any clubs at UCR that you find interesting! It's a great way to meet new people and make life-long memories!
Why did you want to be an ambassador?
I wanted to become an ambassador for SOE to help support students and become more involved in SOE's community. I find great joy in being able to encourage my peers and incoming students!
What one piece of advice would you share with undergraduate students as they navigate through UCR and the Education program?
I would advise students to take advantage of the plentiful resources SOE offers and to practice self-care. One way I suggest staying updated is through SOE’s Weekly Scoop!
Natalia Gomez Navarro
(She/her/hers)
4rd year
Concentration: Learning and Behavioral Studies
How can you help students as a student ambassador?
As a student ambassador I can answer students' questions about the SOE and UCR itself. I am also looking forward to sharing resources and opportunities to be involved that I have used to improve my academic journey.
What are some of the activities you have participated in?
I have participated in clubs such as the Future Teachers of Color club, UCR workshops such as the Adelante Success Series, and am part of the Chicano Link Mentor program, FIERCE scholars and the SOAR mentor program. I am also participating in activities outside of campus such as the Boys and Girls Club, that have strengthened my career choice.
Why did you want to be an ambassador?
I wanted to become an ambassador to help students feel welcomed in the SOE and be there for students that may need extra support or need someone to talk to. Sometimes I would have simple questions that didn’t feel important enough to email my advisor and I would always be able to reach out to an ambassador. As a first generation student I know the feeling of loneliness and imposter syndrome so I want to be there for other students just like previous student ambassadors and mentors were there for me.
What one piece of advice would you share with undergraduate students as they navigate through UCR and the Education program?
Try to participate around campus and become involved in faculty because undergraduate years go by fast. The connections you make during your undergraduate years can help your career.
Prashansa Agrawal (she/her)
3rd Year
Concentration: Community Leadership, Policy, and Social Justice pagra002@ucr.edu
How can you help students as a student ambassador?
I can help students navigate campus resources, get involved in campus extracurriculars, and aid with registration/ course schedules. I am open to one-on-one mentoring and love sharing advice and experiences.
What are some of the activities you have participated in?
Asides from being a School of Education ambassador I have been employed in multiple positions in Student Life and the Academic Resource Center so I am always willing to help students whether it's about figuring out what activities and courses work best for them or helping students feel more comfortable being on campus.
Why did you want to be an ambassador?
I have a handful of reasons why I chose to become an ambassador. For one thing, I wanted more responsibility in my role as a student on campus. I also wanted to create an environment that is safe and based on working together as a community. Finally, I wanted to represent the South Asian community in fields like Education and Humanities.
What one piece of advice would you share with undergraduate students as they navigate through UCR and the Education program?
The most important piece of advice I have is to plan ahead. Read over the course catalog and note down courses that interest you. Plan what kinds of extracurricular activities, internships, and part-time jobs that you are interested in having over the course of your time at UCR. Planning ahead will help you stay organized and get the most out of your time in the Education program and at UC Riverside.
Tiara Sari (She/Her)
4th year
Concentration: Learning and Behavioral Strategies
tsari002@ucr.edu
How can you help students as a student ambassador?
As a student ambassador, I have the knowledge and skills to help SOE students succeed in UCR and beyond by guiding them to the right resources.
What are some of the activities you have participated in?
In addition to being an SOE ambassador, I am actively involved in The Well's Active Mind peer group that helps destigmatize mental health on campus by spreading awareness. Also, I am a Transfer Peer Mentor at the Academic Resource Center!
Why did you want to be an ambassador?
I am an SOE ambassador because I want to help transfer and undocumented students transition smoothly into the university system.
What is one piece of advice you would like to share?
There is an abundance of resources and organizations on campus - it's okay if you haven't found the right one, you have to keep searching.
Leyan Elkatat (she/her)
4th Year
Concentration: Learning & Behavior Studies
Email: lelka001@ucr.edu
How can you help students as a student ambassador?
I can help students as a student ambassador by sharing my experiences going through the motions of the university system as an education major with all of my accumulated knowledge, experience, and resources I have come to learn about during my time at UCR. The process of accessing the information through a student ambassador is not only easier but you gain insights and opinion from our experiences.
What are some of the activities you have participated in?
I have met so many amazing people through attending SOE events such as the registration grab n go's and interacting with the peer academic advisors. Getting to know these people has led me to my interest in my current position within ASUCR and building a stronger community bond with the students of SOE.
Why did you want to be an ambassador?
I wanted to share all the knowledge I have gathered throughout my time here at UCR as a student worker. There are so many resources this campus provides but it gets lost in the sea of emails and not fully supported marketing. I can share those opportunities with our students. I can also share my personalized experiences with the processes of being a student like registration, financial aid resources, and so much more.
What one piece of advice would you share with undergraduate students as they navigate through UCR and the Education program?
Please do not be scared to come and ask for help! There is so much to learn and so many different types of opportunities students can take advantage of while spending their time at this establishment, if you need information or additional help do not hesitate. Ask every person that is in a leadership position, they wish they had committed or asked sooner. Having said that, enjoy your time at UC Riverside!
If you'd like to learn more about the ambassador program visit their webpage here.
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