Aggie Jumpstart Advisors

As a first-generation college student college was scary because I did not know what to expect. What helped me the most was participating in a program like Aggie Jumpstart. That program helped me make that transition into college, connected me with resources, and helped me network with individuals. As the Aggie Jumpstart Coordinator, I am excited to be a part of your journey and to provide as much support as I can to make sure you succeed. This journey might be scary at first, but remember, you are never and will never be alone in this process. –Nick Lee, Aggie Jumpstart and Community Coordinator

When I went to college I had mixed emotions. I thought I could handle it all on my own but also felt overwhelmed by the entire "college thing". It was hard at times navigating my experiences as a Latina first generation college student. It helped once I got connected to campus resources and I created a circle of people to guide and support me on campus. As an advisor in the Aggie Jumpstart program I am excited to be a part of that journey for students who might be experiencing a similar transition to college. –Lili Bynes, Aggie Jumpstart Academic Advisor (she/her/hers)

Don’t be afraid to ask for help! We are all a little lost sometimes and one of the best skills to develop is how to ask for help. Asking for help is how I built relationships with my mentors in college and their help went a long way. We are here to support you! –Corrine Hawes, Student Leadership Program Coordinator (she/her/hers)

As a first-generation college student, especially as a transfer student, I didn't realize all of the resources and opportunities that were available to me, and I really wished that I had been able to take more advantage of these things back when I was a student. One of my goals is to help students avoid my mistakes, and encourage them to utilize all of the amazing resources that are out there! From a student's perspective, I understand the feeling of wanting to figure things out on your own, or being hesitant to ask for help. However, in hindsight, especially as a staff member, I encourage you to take advantage of all of the different resources and opportunities that are available to you! We all want to see you succeed, and help ensure that happens, I highly recommend utilizing the Aggie Jumpstart program for support with any questions, challenges, or concerns that you experience as you're navigating the college journey. You're definitely not in this alone!–Erin Kandola, Academic Advisor (she/her/hers)

Campus Partners

“Going to college was one of the most transformative experiences of my life. As a first generation and queer person of color, I felt that my identities were going to prevent me from graduating. While I did face a lot of challenges, I also found a community, resources, and people who taught me to embrace my identities. It was these relationships that played a big role in my success as an undergraduate. As part of Aggie Jumpstart I am excited to help students create relationships and connections across campus and empower them to use their identities as a source of strength to reach their goals.” -Rodrigo Bonilla, Director, Center for Chicanx and Latinx Academic Student Success (he/they)

As a first-generation college student, I attended a sister UC and the campus was huge. What made it feel less intimidating was connecting to a transition program which helped me develop relationships with other students and staff. Then I knew when I had questions or concerns, I already knew the name and the face of someone who could help or direct me to the right place. That’s what Aggie Jumpstart can do for you as you get more involved. I hope to be a bridge not only to the Center For African Diaspora Student Success, but the larger campus to make your navigations as seamless as possible! Take the jump, you won’t regret it!” -Maya Bell - Associate Director, Center for African Diaspora Student Success (she/her/hers)

Attending UC Davis was both exciting and overwhelming. It was one of the first times I saw folks who looked like me yet I still struggled to find and build my community. Over time, I was able to find amazing friends and wonderful staff and faculty who saw me as more than just a student and helped me graduate! I am so thankful to these folks, who I am still friends with now – and without them, I wouldn’t have the courage to go on to graduate school and beyond”. -Katherine ‘Kat’ Parpana – Director, Asian and Pacific Islander Strategic Retention Initiative (she/her/siya)

As a first generation student, she has worked on this campus for students for 25 years. She is passionate about providing access and opportunities for all students and helping students develop their individual success plans. The Aggie JumpStart program will be a positive factor in this development. -Michelle Villegas-Frazier, Director, Native American Retention Initiative and Native American Academic Student Success Center
  

 

 

 

Aggie Jumpstart Peer Mentors

Hi everyone! My name is Norma, and I am a second-year Nutrition Science major with an emphasis in Public Health with a minor in education. I come from Concord, CA, and I am an aspiring Physician Associate (PA). Something I like about Davis is the nature vibe. Also, a piece of advice for you all is to begin exploring different study methods that work for you so that you set yourself up nicely for your studies. And finally, some fun facts about me are that I am an EMT and have a parrotlet named Blue Blue, aka Pigeon. We are all here to support you in your new journey, remember that. :)"–Norma Carrera Cuevas, Aggie Jumpstart Peer Mentor

Hi, my name is Yesenia Delgadillo. My hometown is Tulare, California. I came to Davis to major in Agricultural and Environmental Education, specializing in Animal Science. I aim to become an agriculture teacher and look forward to teaching animal science at high school AG classes. One thing I like about UC Davis is the abundance of greenery on campus and how much respect there is towards it. A piece of advice I would give to incoming students is not to be afraid to ask for help and/or get involved on campus. A little more about myself is that my favorite color is pink, and a fun fact about me is that I’ve been on the news." –Yesenia Delgadillo, Aggie Jumpstart Peer Mentor

I'm Emily Feng, a rising second year sustainable environmental design major passionate about designing sustainable cities that utilizes alternate modes of transportation other than cars! I'm aiming to be an urban planner or transportation planner who fosters vibrant communities through the built environment. I'm an American-Born-Chinese kid who is working on her Chinese literacy. My hometown is Folsom, just 1 hour from Davis. I love the amount and variety of Asian cuisine eateries offered here!!! Some advice I tell myself is to treat every "failure" as a learning experience, and remember there's a learning curve (which sometimes is a messy learning squiggle). Don't spend time beating yourself up for mistakes that do not reflect your true self-worth. Spot me around campus with my blue parasol!" –Emily Feng, Aggie Jumpstart Peer Mentor

Hey thereee, my name is Richard Guan, and I'm a rising second-year here at UC Davis! My hometown is a lesser-known place in the heart of the San Gabriel Valley called Rosemead, California. I'm currently a Managerial Economics and Communications double major, intending to double minor in Technology Management and Asian American Studies. I'm also a campus tour guide for UCD undergraduate admissions and a student employee at Apple.

After I graduate from UC Davis, I plan to move back to LA and find a career in HR, advertising, marketing, or a related field. As you begin your journey here at UCD, I encourage you to put yourself out there. UC Davis has its quirks, and if you embrace them all, I promise that you'll enjoy it the most that way. People are friendly and welcoming. With all that said, make sure that as you experience this for the first time, you make an effort to take it slow and reflect on how far you've come. Don't let others diminish or invalidate your efforts and success. When you arrive, feel free to say hi – I'd love to connect and chat (mostly chat; I love to yap).” –Richard Guan, Aggie Jumpstart Peer Mentor

Hello! My name is Vanessa Landeros, and I’m excited to be part of the Aggie Jumpstart Peer Mentor team. I’m originally from Salinas, CA, and I’m currently majoring in Wildlife and Fish Conservation Biology going into my second year at UC Davis as an undergrad. My passion lies in wildlife medicine, and my ultimate goal is to become a doctor specializing in conservation efforts, helping protect and care for animals in need." 

One of the things I love most about UC Davis is the peaceful atmosphere in the afternoons—the quiet, calm mood makes it a perfect place to sit down and relax or study, especially on the campus gardens. When I’m not studying, you’ll likely find me painting or drawing (mostly animals), while drinking a good cup of coffee. Art has always been a way for me to express myself, and I enjoy the balance it brings to my academic life." –Vanessa Landeros-Valdez, Aggie Jumpstart Peer Mentor

Hi! My name is Lourdes, I am a Managerial Economics major from Ventura County. My hope is to be able to participate in a job that has international clients, potentially wealth management or risk. My favorite thing about Davis is the arb! I love going on night walks there. My best piece of advice is to not be afraid to try new things!"– Lourdes Lopez, Aggie Jumpstart Peer Mentor

 

Hey Aggies! My name is Cristal. My home town is Bakersfield and I am here at Davis pursuing a degree in Animal Biology. Being here at Davis feels so welcoming! The people here are so kind, I love all the nature Davis is surrounded by, and I enjoy the small-town vibe! I especially like downtown Davis with all their neat restaurants and live entertainment! For my first year, I was very excited but nervous and lost as well. I really feel like Aggie Jumpstarted helped me stick my foot in the door socially wise which helped me get out of my comfort zone more. The additional advising this program offers also helped ease my mind on the academic side. This program does a great job guiding you through your first year and showing you what Davis has to offer." –Cristal Jackson, Aggie Jumpstart Peer Mentor

Hey Aggies! My name is Giselle! I'm currently a second year Animal Science and Spanish double major and was lucky to be part of the AJS program my freshman year. I want to pursue a career in the veterinary field, specifically with livestock or dairy. So far, I have really enjoyed the community Davis has to offer and the nature that surrounds the campus. At first I was quite nervous upon my arrival to Davis, but with help of family, friends I have made along the way and the AJS program I have been able to adjust to college life. Remember to take in the moment and how far you have come, be easy on yourself and don't hesitate to reach out if you need help, have questions or if you simply want to chat. You got this!" – Giselle Alba Carbajal, Aggie Jumpstart Peer Mentor

Hello Fellow Aggies! My name is Alejandra Sanchez. I am a second year Animal Science major from South Central Los Angeles with the hope of pursuing a career in Equine medicine, specifically Track. I enjoy the welcoming environment at Davis, which allowed me to have a close group of friends along my journey. I love the small-town feel, where many places are within walking distance, and you get to find out your go to spots. A fun fact about me is that I have a version of a "zoo" at home filled with a variety of animals that I adore. My advice to fellow students is remember that everyone’s college journey is unique, don't worry if things aren’t going perfectly. Always prioritize your well-being and make sure to have fun!" – Alejandra Sanchez, Aggie Jumpstart Peer Mentor

UAP Support

Susan Ebeler, Associate Dean, Undergraduate Academic Programs and Professor in College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (she/her)
Leslie Charlton, Director, Undergraduate Academic Programs (she/her)
Greg Anderson (he/him/his), Associate Director - First Year Programs