Meet Your Orientation Leaders
Your Orientation Team is a group of Orientation Leaders who are UC Santa Cruz students that are highly trained to assist you in your exciting transition to becoming a UCSC Banana Slug! They were once where you currently are and love sharing their experiences and the tips and tricks they have learned along the way.
Throughout the summer, Orientation Leaders will be reaching out to you and answering any questions you may have about class enrollment, the university, or anything at all! They are available to assist you during our virtual drop-in office hours. They also facilitate our selection of virtual programming where you can learn more about specific topics like how enrollment works or join other incoming students and have some competitive fun playing games.
Who are the Orientation Leaders?
The Orientation Office hires current UC Santa Cruz students each year to welcome new students and families to the university. In preparation for service as Orientation Leaders, students participate in the University's Experiential Leadership program, which focuses on developing a leadership mindset, gaining skills and tools for building and being a part of a strong team, and growing to better serve and lead others.
Connect with your Orientation Leaders!
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Sammy Slug |
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America Hi everyone! My name is America, and I am an incoming third-year Neuroscience major. I am currently affiliated with Kresge College. I have been involved with Treehouse UCSC Bioinformatics Immersion (TUBI), Educational Opportunity Programs (EOP), and I definitely recommend doing the Academic Excellence (ACE) program if offered (it is a great tutoring program for STEM classes). In my free time, I like to play video games and watch movies. |
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Atalia Hello everyone! My name is Atalia, and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I am affiliated with Rachel Carson College. I will soon be a second-year student, and my proposed major is Psychology. I enjoy making new friends, going out, watching movies, making art, and cats. |
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Briana Hey everyone! My name is Briana, and I am a first-year student affiliated with Stevenson College, majoring in Biology. During my free time, I love to read, explore Santa Cruz with my friends, and spend the sunny days at the beach. I am excited to share the best aspects of Santa Cruz and thrilled to assist incoming UCSC Banana Slugs! |
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Cristal Hi, my fellow Banana Slugs! My name is Cristal, and I am a first-year student majoring in Business Management with an Accounting Concentration! I am a first-generation Latina affiliated with Stevenson College. Besides being a part of the Orientation Office, I am also a part of the Educational Opportunity Programs (EOP) and Undocumented Student Services (USS) programs here at UCSC. During my free time, I like to go to the gym, go on walks, try new foods with friends, and sit on the East field to watch the deer and the sunset. I cannot wait to meet you all and help you with your transition to UCSC!! |
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Dylan Hi everyone, my name is Dylan! I am a first-year student at UCSC, majoring in Biology. I am affiliated with College Nine. While attending UCSC, I have been involved in student organizations, intramural soccer, and El Centro. I look forward to assisting and supporting my fellow incoming Banana Slugs as we navigate this new and exciting journey together! |
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Evelin Hello! My name is Evelin! I am a double major in Intensive Psychology and Literature, concentrating on Creative Writing. I am affiliated with Kresge College. I have been involved with Educational Opportunity Programs (EOP) Bridge as a mentor for first-year students and with the Admissions department as a tour guide. During my free time, I love watching films and working on arts and crafts. Art is a central part of who I am, bringing me peace and comfort after a long day of studying and work! |
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Ishita Hi everyone! My name is Ishita, and I am a first-year proposed Robotics Engineering major here at UCSC! I am affiliated with Crown College, and I am currently a member of the Rocketry club, a great way to meet new people and explore new topics while going to launches! In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends, watching movies, and making origami. I am excited to share my experiences and help you transition into becoming a UCSC Banana Slugs! |
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Janelly Hi everyone! My name is Janelly, my pronouns are she/her, and I'm affiliated with Oakes College. I'm currently a second-year, majoring in Cognitive Science, going into the pre-med route. During my free time, I enjoy working out, reading, hiking, and really just any outdoor activity. I love being active! |
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Juliana Hello!! My name is Juliana, but you can call me JP, my pronouns are she/her. I am a first year and a proposed Creative Technologies major. I am affiliated with Porter. I have participated in UCSC’s Taekwondo club, but outside of that I love to explore, watch movies and play games! |
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Leo Hi everyone! My name is Leo, and I use he/him pronouns. I am an incoming third-year student at UCSC and am affiliated with John R. Lewis College. My major is Computer Science. I am also working as a tutor and a reader for several Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) classes. I will also be working as a Resident Assistant next year. In my free time, I love listening to music and walking along the seaside. |
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Lily Hi! My name is Lily (they/them), and I am a 4th-year student here at UC Santa Cruz! I am graduating in Spring 2025 with a B.S. in Neuroscience. I was the forwards captain of the UCSC Women's Rugby team, which I started in my 2nd year. I am also an undergraduate researcher in the Euiseok Kim Neuroscience lab. I love the UC Santa Cruz campus, and my favorite place to be is on the lower east field playing rugby and enjoying the ocean view. |
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Liya Hi everyone! My name is Liya! My pronouns are she/her, and my college affiliation is Kresge. I am a third-year student, majoring in Psychology and Latin American and Latino Studies combined with Sociology. On campus, I am also involved in the CoCurricular Programs Office. During my free time, I love to read and spend time outdoors. |
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Lucy |
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Micha |
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Melissa |
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Nasana |
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Okiki |
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Rider |
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Rita |
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Roselyn |
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Ruby |
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Sara |
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Selene |
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Shalini |
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Sidney |
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Songyu |