Hi Y’all, my name is Asia Joaquim and I’m a fourth year drama major focusing in stage management at UCI’s Claire Trevor School of the Arts! I’m a proud transfer from Merced Community College in the Central Valley and thank my lucky stars that I’m able to pursue higher education as a first generation student here at UCI! The Transfer Student Center brought me much help and comfort last year as a third year transfer, so I’m excited to be giving back and helping out this year as a Transfer Peer Educator! I’m also involved in on and off campus clubs/sororities/ and associations such as Pi Beta Phi sorority, the Lions Club, and Ye’ Old Theater Eaters (a Shakespeare club). In my free time I love to read, swim, and spend time with my friends and family!

Hello everyone! My name is Vy (pronounced like the letter “V”). I am currently a fourth year student majoring in Psychology. I am actually a transfer student myself from Riverside City College. Moving from Riverside to Irvine seems so small yet so big of a change. But I have been loving it so far. Through this opportunity, I aim to help others who just come to UCI as a transfer using my experience. I look forward to making great connections with everyone, and I cannot wait to serve our students!

Hey anteaters! My name is Andrew, and I am a 4th year Psychological Science major. I transferred to UCI from Fullerton College where I received an Associate’s Degree in Psychology. My favorite hobbies are vinyl collecting, trying new coffee shops, hiking, and spending time with friends and family! Some of my other involvements at UCI are being a commissioner for TSS in ASUCI, as well as being an instructor for the STEAM program. I am very excited to be a Transfer Peer Educator and I hope to meet all of you at the Transfer Center!

Hello! My name is Alma, and I’m a senior majoring in Business Administration with an emphasis on Operations Management and Marketing. I transferred to UCI as a junior from a college in Seattle, and I’m excited to help fellow transfer students navigate their way through UCI! I understand how overwhelming the transition can be, and I hope we can create a supportive environment where you can thrive during your time at UCI!

Hello everyone, My name is Carolina Llerenas. I am a 3rd year currently majoring in psychology. I am super excited to be one of the peer mentors this year to provide support and guidance for you all.

Hi I am Inez and I am currently studying Politcal Science and minoring in Urban Studies! I am from the border town El Centro and have found myself here at UCI. My UCI experience has been a rollercoaster but I am grateful to be able to have access to higher education and look forward towards the future. During my time here I have interned for UCI’s Special Collections and Archives and attending UCDC for the winter quarter 24. I want to create a community for FYRE scholars and hope to be a helping hand during this transition.

Hi! My name is Olivia Clark, and I am a second year Film and Media Studies and Physics double major. I am originally from Riverside County and have really been enjoying my time at UCI. I will be a peer mentor for FYRE students and am so excited to work with everyone and help to make UCI a welcoming environment for all students.

Daisy is from Orange County. She is a first-generation student and a student parent. She earned her Associate Degree from Santa Ana College in Social Behavior Science. Her major is Criminology, Law, Society. During my journey at UCI, the hospitality of the staff and students has made me feel welcome and nurtured a sense of community. Daisy enjoys outdoor activities, including long walks at the beach, hikes, and exploring new dining experiences. As a transfer student, I empathize with the challenges and excitement of transitioning to a new academic environment. I aim to assist fellow students in achieving a seamless transition as they continue their educational journey.

Hello, my name is Stephanie Santiago, I am a fourth year History major. As a first-gen and transfer student myself, I can empathize with students struggling to adjust to a new educational environment. I transferred from Norco College where I earned an Associates Degree in History, Humanities, and Sociology. I enjoy the outdoors, music, and reading. My goal as a Peer Educator for FISI students is to ease some of the stress of higher education and be able to assist, redirect, and serve students appropriate to their needs.

Hello! My name is Kamia. I am a 4th year Political Science transfer student. I will be working in the transfer student center with the Umoja students. I am a Los Angeles native. I hope to go to law school and become a lawyer, or become a professor of Political Science. In my free time I love going to the beach, hanging out with friends, or watching movies inside.

Hello! My name is Irvin Zarate, and I am a fourth-year public health policy student. I am a first-generation student born and raised in Los Angeles, and I transferred from Los Angeles City College. By working with the Transfer Student Center, I am eager to help guide and assist incoming transfer students in the same position I once was. I have enjoyed my time as a transfer student and hope to give back to the UCI community and make an impact as a FISI Peer Educator!

Hello! My name is Monica Bermudez and I am one of the Student Peer Educators for the Formerly Incarcerated and Systems Impacted service here at the UCI Transfer Student Center. I transferred from Citrus College in Glendora, CA with my associates in Criminology and Criminal Justice. As a fourth-year Criminology, Law, and Society major, I’m excited about the opportunity to collaborate with transfer students from diverse backgrounds, those who are from campus or beyond. The Transfer Center here at UCI creates a welcoming and supportive environment for students navigating the transfer process. As a former transfer student myself, I consider it a privilege to offer my assistance and insights to help others on their journey. Looking forward to meeting you all!

Ryan “Flaco” Rising is a community leader, activist, and advocate for youth empowerment and social justice. He is best known for his work as a *credible messenger* within the transformative mentoring movement, using his lived experiences to mentor at-promise youth and guide them away from cycles of violence and incarceration. Flaco’s passion for helping others stems from his own challenges and journey through the criminal injustice system. He now dedicates his life to reforming communities by fostering empathy, resilience, and positive change, often working closely with grassroots organizations to reduce recidivism and create safer environments for young people.