The English Peer Mentoring Program

Introducing the English Peer Mentor Program
The English Peer Mentoring Program is committed to providing a welcoming environment for incoming students with an interest in literature and literary study.  We believe one of the best ways to support students new to the university – first-year, transfer, & first-generation college students – is through peer-to-peer connection. Through social events, informational programming, and mentorship, we support academic and personal endeavors, provide information about resources, and help cultivate strong social connections. We aim to motivate student involvement in the major, maximize connection to the campus community, and enrich the college experience of students with a passion for literature.  Accessibility and inclusivity are at the forefront of our mission. We hope to shape an intellectual and emotional space rooted in belonging.

What We Do
We are committed to providing a welcoming environment for incoming students with an interest in literature and literary study. Our undergraduate peer mentors share a passion for providing help, guidance, and community for fellow undergraduates, particularly those who may struggle with navigating or feeling they “belong” in a university setting–you don’t need to be a declared English major to benefit from our program!

Throughout the quarter we will host several social and informational events to help connect current and prospective English majors to each other and extend the opportunities the major has to offer. For more information, or to join our listserv, email us at ucsbenglishpeermentors@gmail.com

Our peer mentor team will also offer “office hours” where you can ask any questions you have about the major, available opportunities, research goals, personal goals, concerns, and more!

Meet the Team

All office hours are listed for Fall 2021please contact mentors individually for their Zoom links, and to make appointments.

For more information, or to join our listserv, email us at ucsbenglishpeermentors@gmail.com

Lead Mentors

Nakisa Shojaie Picture and Bio

Nakisa Shojaie (she/her/hers)  — nakisa@ucsb.edu

Office Hours: 11:00-12:00 pm, T/Th (Zoom)

Karla Villareal Picture and Bio

Karla Villarreal (she/her/ella) — karlavillarreal@ucsb.edu

Office Hours: 2:00-3:00 pm M/W (Zoom, In-person by request)

Peer Mentor Team

Rayanne Asuncion Picture and Bio

Rayanne Asunción (she/her/hers) — asuncion@ucsb.edu

Office Hours: 12:00-1:00pm M/T (Zoom, in-person by request)

Leila Kalliel Picture and Bio

Leila Kalliel (she/her/hers) — leilakalliel@ucsb.edu

Office Hours: 1:00-2:00 pm T/TH (Zoom link)

Emily Kissinger Picture and Bio

Emily Kissinger (she/her/hers) — emilyrkissinger@umail.ucsb.edu

Office Hours: 4:00-5:00pm T/Th (Zoom)

Naomi Magana Picture and Bio

Naomi Magana (she/her/hers) — nmagana@ucsb.edu

Office Hours: 5:00-6:00pm W/F (Zoom)

Bridget Rios Picture and Bio

Bridget Rios (she/they) — bridgetrios@umail.ucsb.edu

Office Hours: 5:00-6:00pm T/Th (Zoom– schedule a meeting here)

Karlie Smith Bio

Karlie Smith (she/her/hers) — karliensmith@umail.ucsb.edu

Office Hours: 4:00-5:00pm M/W (Zoom)

Jeremiyah White

Jeremiyah White (he/him) — m_white@ucsb.edu

Office Hours: 1:00-3:00pm Monday (Zoom, in-person by appt)
12:00-1:00pm, 2:00-3:00pm Tuesday (Zoom, in-person by appt)

Kevin Young Picture and Bio

Kevin Young (he/him) — kevin_young@ucsb.edu

Office Hours: 11:00am-12:00pm, 6:00-7:00pm, Friday (Zoom)

Faculty/Graduate Advisors

Office hours by appointment

Prof. James Kearney (he/him), Faculty Advisor — kearney@english.ucsb.edu

Rebecca “Baker” Baker (they/she), Graduate Fellow — rrbaker@ucsb.edu

Thomas Huff (he/him), English Undergraduate Advisor  — thomashuff@ucsb.edu