Your Orientation Leaders
Meet your Orientation Leaders
Orientation Leaders are current UC Santa Cruz students who are here to support you as you begin your UCSC journey. They’ve been where you are now—and they’re excited to share their experiences, offer guidance, and help you feel confident about what’s ahead.
Throughout the summer, Orientation Leaders will connect with you to answer your questions about enrollment, campus life, and anything else you’re curious about. You can meet with them during virtual drop-in office hours or join virtual programs on topics like how enrollment works—or just to have fun and connect with other incoming students.
What are Orientation Leaders?
Each year, the Orientation Office selects and trains a team of current UCSC students to welcome new students and families. Orientation Leaders take part in UCSC’s Experiential Leadership Program, where they develop skills in teamwork, communication, and student support. Their goal is to help you feel informed, connected, and ready to thrive as a Banana Slug.
Sammy Slug
Hi Banana Slugs! My name is Sammy Slug, and I’m the official mascot of UC Santa Cruz! Fun fact: we almost became the UCSC Sea Lions—but students voted for me instead. Good choice, right? I love exploring campus and soaking in the beauty of Santa Cruz, and I’m so excited you’re starting your journey here. Want to meet the amazing Orientation Leaders who will be supporting you? Learn more and get connected—we can’t wait to welcome you!
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.
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.
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!
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!!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
Lucy
Hi everyone! My name is Lucy, my college affiliation is Oakes, and I am a fourth-year student, majoring in Art and Latin American and Latino Studies. I love the outdoors, cats, video games, music, and books! I have gotten involved with programs such as Educational Opportunity Programs (EOP) and El Centro. In my free time, I like to play video games, go out to the Oakes lower lawn, and read or listen to music, and I also love going off campus and exploring Santa Cruz.
Micha
Hello everyone! My name is Micha, and I go by they/them pronouns. I am a first-year proposed Psychology major here at UCSC and a Kresge College affiliate! In my free time, I enjoy going to the gym, creative writing, and watching anime. I also love exploring around Santa Cruz and trying new food places, so I have lots of good recommendations!
Melissa
Hi everyone! My name is Melissa, and I am a fourth-year Politics major here at UCSC, proudly affiliated with Oakes College. In my free time, I love reading, drawing, and exploring the beautiful scenery of Santa Cruz. I am excited to welcome you to UC Santa Cruz and help make your transition as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Nasana
Hi everyone! My name is Nasana, and I’m a first-year proposed Cognitive Science major and affiliated with College Nine! Some things about me are that I really love hiking and exploring new parts of the campus. The way I describe it is like an amusement park for nature lovers! Some other things about me are that I have two cats, Osh and Mai. I’m a first-generation college student. I’m learning how to play guitar. I love to cook, and I like to play video games!
Okiki
What’s up, Banana Slugs! My name is Okiki, and I am a first-year student majoring in Molecular, Cell & Development Biology (proposed). Here on campus, I love playing soccer with my friends, exploring new hobbies, and getting involved in different activities. On top of that, I am also an official UCSC Tour Guide, which means I get to share my love for this beautiful campus with others. In my free time, you will probably find me gaming, FaceTiming with my friends back home, or checking out new spots to eat around Santa Cruz! I cannot wait to share my knowledge and help you all as you transition into UCSC! GO SLUGS!!
Rider
My name is Rider, and I am a 4th-year Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology major set to graduate in Spring 2025! I am affiliated with College Nine and a member of the UC Santa Cruz Film Production Coalition. Some things I like to do on campus during my free time are going on nature walks, swimming at the 50m Pool, and doodling at the various cafes!
Rita
Hello everyone, my name is Rita! I am currently in my fourth year here at UCSC and will be graduating at the end of Spring with a major in Legal Studies! I am affiliated with Stevenson College, and I’m also a member of the co-ed, pre-law fraternity, Phi Alpha Delta (PAD). Outside of the Orientation Office, I enjoy spending time with my family and love a good matcha latte! Being a first-generation college student myself, I look forward to supporting you all as you transition to UC Santa Cruz and officially join our Banana Slug family!
Roselyn
Hello! My name is Roselyn, a third-year sociology major! I am a Cowell affiliate, and during my time here at UCSC I have participated in Ballroom, The Building Belonging Showcase, and currently serve as the outreach coordinator for Camp Kesem! In my free time, I love to walk around our campus and read a good book. You can always find me in the company of friends! I look forward to helping you transition into a Banana Slug!!
Ruby
My name is Ruby, and I am an incoming fourth-year who is double majoring in Politics and Psychology. My college affiliation is John R. Lewis, but I am an honorary Oakes member! Some things I am involved with outside of the Orientation Office include being a part of a pre-law fraternity known as Phi Alpha Delta, which is great for pre-law students who want to explore more about career and law school opportunities. Additionally, I work at the United States Pretrial Agency Services, where I work as a Pretrial Services Technician for the U.S. District Court.
Sara
Hey everyone! My name is Sara, and I am a second-year student affiliated with Cowell College. I am majoring in Psychology and minoring in Literature. I love being outside, whether it is going to the beach, exploring new places, thrifting, or just hanging out with friends. But when I am not out, I am probably watching movies or TV shows. Feel free to reach out and tell me your favorite movies. I am always up for a good rec! Cannot wait to help you transition into life as a Banana Slug!
Selene
Hi everyone! My name is Selene and I am a first-year proposed Biomolecular Engineering and Bioinformatics major here at UCSC! I am affiliated with Crown College and I am currently a member of the Bioinformatics club, a great way to attend career exploration panels for those interested in a STEM-related career pathway! In my free time, I enjoy exploring and trying new things such as searching for coffee shops, visiting different beaches, and trying all kinds of foods. I am eager to share knowledge and assist you all on your transition to become Banana Slugs!
Shalini
Hi everybody! My name is Shalini, and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I am an incoming third-year student at UCSC. I am a declared Biomolecular Engineering major affiliated with Crown College. In my free time, I enjoy going to the beach, walking around campus, watching movies, and hanging out with friends. I cannot wait to help you transition into becoming a Banana Slug!
Sidney
Hi! My name is Sidney, I am a first-year and a declared Legal Studies major at Oakes College. I love soccer, comics, reading, writing, and rollerblading. I am currently involved in Oakes Senate, and I am working on my Community-based Action Research and Advocacy (CARA) certificate, and I’m building my way up to a double major in Politics and Legal Studies. I look forward to meeting you in Santa Cruz!
Songyu
Hey everyone! My name is Songyu, and my pronouns are she/her. I am a first-year proposed Biology major with a minor in Economics. I am affiliated with Porter College and also have an on-campus job at UCSC. In my free time, I love watching anime—Attack on Titan is my all-time favorite! I also enjoy hanging out with friends, trying out new restaurants, and treating myself to boba. I cannot wait to meet you all and be part of your journey as you become a proud Banana Slug!