Jeanette Huang

Major(s) and Minor (if any)*

Environmental Studies BA

If you are a first-generation and/or income-eligible student, what has your experience been like at UCSB? 

As a first-generation student in the US and as an income-eligible student, I have definitely been able to meet many students of all different backgrounds and have had many opportunities I wouldn't have been able to access without UCSB. As such, there are many different departments, counselors, and resources that look out for students from marginalized backgrounds that help make me feel more supported at UCSB. For example, during this summer, thanks to the email list sent out by Eric Zimmerman, who works with the ES department, I was able to find a Summer Internship with Aspen Environmental Group that focuses on helping diversify the ES field. If I had been on my own, I would have never been able to find an opportunity so early on, and I really appreciate how being at UCSB has helped me reach my personal goals and ambitions. It's inevitable that being at UCSB, which is such a privilege in it's own regard, that students like me may struggle with the new environment, but thanks to the support I have received from programs like EOP and from the friends that I have made, I have been able to enjoy my time here.

What would you like to share with students about your experience at UCSB?

Being at UCSB has been a whirlwind of experiences and emotions thus far, and while classes can be grueling and difficult, I can hardly believe how fast time has passed. For me, a lot of my time at UCSB has been focused on finding the little moments to make memories. I love being able to run around campus to different events, attend unique courses, and be able to take all of my friends along with me. Some of the most valuable experiences that I have had thus far are really connected to the wonderful people I have met and being able to make strong connections.

Top tips for fellow students? (Study tips, self care hacks, fav resources on campus, etc)

My recommendations for my peers at UCSB is to have a small routine to stick to, but not to be afraid to stray from it. Know when your lectures and sections are, those are important, but outside of those there are tons of fun clubs and activities on campus that you can attend where you can make friends and get yourself out of the daily homework grind. Or even just getting out of your room and finding new places to study can be a really fun way to get yourself motivated to work. Most of all, I hope everyone remembers that if you really want to do well in a class, you have to be doing well personally first. Make sure you are eating good meals and getting enough sleep, and if you've been studying for hours on end, remember that you need breaks too! If you have a particular hobby, that's one way to spend your time, if you like sports or working out you can always head for the Rec Cen. Take care of yourself first so you can put your 100% into whatever you are doing.

Best advice you've received that has helped you at UCSB.

The best advice I have received here at UCSB is to do what makes me happy. Not everything has to be the right answer or the best possible thing to do at the moment. Focusing on my classes and my grades will always be a high priority for me, but sometimes I put aside the work that due next week to focus on something fun that I can do right now. Sometimes I spend the evening playing games instead of reading that article for my class tomorrow, and it's silly, but what's important is that I am happy. Of course, all things in moderation, sometimes you work hard and sometimes you play hard, that's the best way!

Why did you choose to be an EOP peer mentor?

Choosing to be an EOP peer mentor wasn't exactly some divine revelation of my true purpose, unfortunately. I first received an email about the hiring process sometime in the middle of Winter Quarter when I was checking my emails, and I thought about what that would entail. EOP has been a big part of my experience at UCSB so far, I started my journey at STEP during the summer before my freshman year, just getting to know the campus and college life. There I was able to make great friends that stuck with me all throughout my first year. Not long afterwards, I was put in the Promise Scholars program where I was connected with tons of peers and staff who were supporting me in my journey at UCSB. Given how much love and kindness I had experienced with EOP, I was enthusiastic about becoming a part of the process and the rest is history.