I am a native Santa Barbarian, attended SBHS and played several sports. Married to Deborah Rivas, two children Paul and Laura, all graduates of UCSB.
EOP was a very important in my admission to UCSB. It served as a vital support network, especially Julian Sanchez and Bill Villa.
It was a great learning environment. I took advantage of office hours, spoke up in class and was very engaged. I became involved with the initial EOP peer advising program as a Peer Advisor. I took part in campus cultural and political activism, even though I was a married student who was also working. This proved that if you are motivated and highly organized you can do it all.
I am presently an Academic Advisor in the College of L & S - - I had a desire to give back to the university for believing in me and assisting me in my transition to college student. This path sort of evolved. I taught High School for two years than when my advisor left the college, he suggested I apply. I did and I got the job.
I appreciate the people who had a tremendous influence on me -- staff, students and faculty. Those relationships are dear to my heart.