Sociology Peer Advisors
The Sociology Department Peer Advisors are an excellent resource for students, in addition to the undergraduate advisor and faculty advisors. Peer Advisors can assist with major and minor questions, course substitution information, creating academic plans, referring to campus resources, and can speak to you about their own experiences. If you are
Meet Our 2024-25 Peer Advisors!
Adelina Rocha
Lead Peer Advisor
(They/She)
Hi, my name is Adelina Rocha, and I am a fourth-year Sociology major. I am a Queer, Mexican American student with an artistic background. I am conducting research for my Senior Thesis this year! Through my research, I am documenting my experience as a Radical Organizer for my art collective called “Supernova Sync!” We produce lip sync shows that harbor a “brave space” for creative collaboration and open up possibilities of identity-expression and connection. Upon deciding on Sociology, I did a lot of personal exploration, and I am familiar with the confusing but exciting journey it takes to find what makes you passionate. I came in undeclared, with many interests, but I was hooked once I took Intro to Sociology in my first year. I couldn't wait to dive deeper into the dynamics of how we are affected by society, and how this knowledge can shape how we show up for each other as a community. If you are still deciding about your major or want to know more about what being a sociology major may look like, feel free to ask me! Being a full-time student, learning about ourselves and adulthood can make for a distressing experience. If you need help choosing which classes to prioritize or how to avoid an over-packed schedule, stop by, and we can work through it together. I'm your person if you need someone to vent to or empathize with, I like to focus on grounding work and balancing my schedule, which I can advise you on as well! ;)
Fun Fact: I LOVE music (particularly Funk, Neo-Soul, and Hyper Pop), I have years of musical theater experience and reclaim my creativity through karaoke and dance parties <3 Come and exchange song suggestions with me! Or talk to me about how to get involved in my show ;)
Diana Castaneda
(She/Her)
Hi, my name is Diana Castaneda :-) I am a fourth-year Sociology and Latin American Studies double major, with a minor in legal studies. The summer before starting at UCSC, I took an Introduction to Sociology course and became really passionate about the subject–I love how broad sociology is and the amount of overlap it has with other subjects!
For some background about me, I’m a first-generation college student planning to attend graduate school sometime after graduating, either a J.D. or Ph.D. program. I am really interested in social science research, so this year I am a researcher at the Human Rights Investigation Lab and am also working on my sociology senior thesis.
College can be really difficult on all levels, and I’ve found support or support systems extremely important to get through challenges. I’d love to be a resource and support you in any way I can whether it is giving insight, advice, listening, or providing optimism during your college journey when you need it!
Fun facts about me: I love journaling, watching/rewatching shows, music, crocheting, and second-hand shopping of any sort (LOVE antiques and thrifting). Speaking of my love for music, I am learning to play the guitar and mix and am also a DJ/staff member at KZSC Radio <3 I’m also the Volunteer Coordinator at KZSC, where I help volunteers start their journey at KZSC, coordinate all volunteering, and work with the promotions department on our events!
