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 Academic Advisor

When I first got to college, it seemed so massive and I wasn’t sure how I was going to find my place. Those first couple of months were scary! But finding my community, getting involved, and connecting with resources made a huge difference in my college experience! I am so excited to work with you over the course of this year and to support you to have the college experience that you have envisioned for yourself. –Greg Anderson, Associate Director of First Year Programs(he/his) 

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)

Career Discovery Group (CDG) TA Mentors

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

Hey Aggies! My name is Adamary Rojas Ortiz and I am a junior at UC Davis and am majoring in Sustainable Environmental Design. I am from Oakland CA, not too far from Davis. As an incoming freshman, I was also a part of the Aggie Jumpstart program and now this is my second year as a peer mentor for the program. As a freshman I was lost and confused about being in a new environment, however, this program helped me with my achievements and failures during my first year and am very grateful I had the chance to be a part of this program. A piece of advice I would like to share is to not be afraid of making mistakes, it is a wonderful way to learn when you make mistakes. I hope you all have an amazing first year at UC Davis! :)". –Adamary Ortiz, Aggie Jumpstart Peer Mentor

My name is Anahi Tellez. My hometown is a small town called Galt. I am a human development major and I want to pursue a career in the medical field, specifically pediatrics. A fun fact about me is that I love watching horror games but I am too afraid to play them myself. What I like about UC Davis are the people here. Every person I have met here is very kind and welcoming. Since UC Davis has a lot of diversity, I have met people from different cultures and backgrounds that are more than glad to talk about their culture/background which is very exciting for me. –Anahi Tellez, Aggie Jumpstart Peer Mentor

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 Aggies! My name is Anahi Chavez, and I am a second-year pre-landscape architecture major from Sylmar, CA. With my degree, I aspire to become a landscape architect for Disney. A fun fact about me is I have a pet moss ball named Fish. When I first came to Davis, I felt intimidated and worried about whether I belonged here, but being part of Aggie Jumpstart helped me find a supportive community and a sense of belonging. Something I like about Davis is the people. Everyone here is so welcoming and kind that it allowed me to get out of my comfort zone and now I enjoy meeting new people. If you sit next to someone you don't know, introduce yourself and soon it won't be so scary anymore. Also, don't be afraid to reach out for help if you are ever struggling with anything. We are all here to support you and we believe in you!" – Anahi Chavez, 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)