Sociology Peer Advisor Program
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 2023-24 Peer Advisors!
Adelina Rocha
Lead Peer Advisor
(They/Them, She/Her)
Hi, my name is Adelina Rocha, and I am a third-year Sociology major. I am a Queer, Mexican American student with an artistic background. I am interested in doing undergraduate research during my time here at UCSC, particularly related to social justice, intersectional identity, sexuality, and community collaboration research. 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 Facts: I help throw events on and off campus, including clothing swaps and live music. I LOVE music (particularly Funk, R&B, Neo-Soul, and Hyper Pop), come and exchange song suggestions with me! I like to sing and dance and used to do theatre, which I am trying to get into again. I love a good hike, and you can often find me boogie-ing through the woods to my classes.
Tamara Caselin Avila
(She/Her/Hers)
Hello everyone! (^∀^*)/
My name is Tamara Caselin Avila, but I also go by ☆Tammy☆; I am a 4th-year double majoring in Sociology with a concentration in GISES ( Global Information and Social Enterprise Studies) and Latin American and Latino Studies. A little fun fact about me was that I was a Business major until the winter quarter of my second year. I felt stuck in a place I did not enjoy, and it seemed like my time was running out; if you ever feel out of place and like you’re running out of time to switch majors, talk to me because you are not alone!
Last year, I did the Chancellor’s Undergraduate Internship(CUIP), so if you are interested, I would love to share my experience and guide you through the application process. As a first-generation Latina student, I aim to create a welcoming environment for all students to prevent isolation and imposter syndrome. My current career plan is to be able to do social work for immigrants and be able to do community-engaged work, to give back to my community. I'm excited to see and meet you and can't wait to talk to you all! ☆
More Fun Facts about me: I love to roller skate and crochet; for Christmas, I made Pochita from Chainsaw Man for my brother! I work as the Station Manager for KZSC (the radio station on campus). I usually wear bright colors and expressive makeup, so if you see a pink blob in the distance, it is most likely me! I love love love movies, so you can always count on me being at the theater whenever they offer discounts! I am the middle child in my family, and I have six pets ( three dogs, two cats /ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\, and a bearded dragon) back home.
Diana Castaneda
(She/Her)
My name is Diana Castaneda. I am a third-year Sociology major and soon-to-be Latin American Studies major. I was admitted to UCSC as a legal studies major, changed to a history major, and finally the summer before starting at UCSC I took an Introduction to Sociology course and got greatly 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 Latina college student planning to pursue graduate school post-grad (J.D. or Ph.D. program). I’m also interested in getting involved in research during my undergraduate career, and some of my research interests include law and criminal justice. College can be very difficult on all levels, and I’ve found support and 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: 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 slowly learning to mix and am a DJ/staff member at KZSC :D I’m also the Volunteer Coordinator at KZSC, where I help volunteers start their journey at KZSC and coordinate all tasks volunteering within the station!
