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Daisy Castaneda Garcia, Class of 2026
Daisy is among this year's CPL LeadsHometown: San Diego, CAHigh School: San Diego High SchoolThurgood Marshall College, Human BiologyFavorite Spot on Campus: CASP OfficeOn my bucket list: Visit New York in the winter and experience snow for the first time!Advice to new students: Say YES to everything and most importantly do NOT compare yourself to others. We all have different paths and that's what creates our authenticity, so do what makes YOU happy! -
Maria Cortes-Morton, Class of 2026
Maria is among this year's CPL LeadsHometown: San Diego, CAHigh School: San Diego High SchoolEarl Warren College, Communication (Spanish Lit&Theater minor)Favorite Spot on Campus: Carolines CafeOn my bucket list: See the northern lightsAdvice to new students: Stay on track and take some time for self-care every once in a while. -
Xena Zamora, Class of 2026
Hometown: San Fernando ValleyCommunity College: Los Angeles Pierce CollegeSeventh College, International BusinessFavorite Spot on Campus: Design & Innovation BuildingOn my bucket list: Travel to Japan/ Hawaii/ Greece/ El Salvador, go ziplining, creating/owning a businessAdvice to new students: If you want something, don't wait. Seize the day and do what you need to accomplish your goals. Don't let your potential go to waste because you don't feel ready enough. -
Jonathan Ty, Class of 2027
Hometown: National City, CAHigh School: Sweetwater High SchoolSeventh College, Computer ScienceFavorite Spot on Campus: Design and Innovation Building, Wong Avery Library, and Geisel 8th FloorOn my bucket list: Go on a hiking trip through a National Park!Advice to new students: I cannot emphasize enough the importance of self-care and time management. College can be really overwhelming, especially when balancing coursework, extracurricular activities, and personal life. Find strategies that work for you, whether setting aside time for relaxation, exercising, or having a study routine. -
Macy Tran, Class of 2026
Hometown: San Diego (City Heights), CAHigh School: Crawford High SchoolSixth College, CommunicationFavorite Spot on Campus: FAH, 5th floor in RWAC, & SIO department!!On my bucket list: Skydive, & travel to different parts of Europe :PAdvice to new students: NEVER compare yourself to others!!!!!!!!! DX!!!! -
Leila Kepler, Class of 2026
Hometown: Riverside, CAHigh School: John W. North High SchoolSixth College, Cognitive ScienceFavorite Spot on Campus: Eighth College Study Lounges!On my bucket list: To Start Traveling!Advice to new students: Stay on top of your work and utilize a calendar. -
Victoria Nhean, Class of 2027
Hometown: Long Beach, CAHighschool: Long Beach Polytechnic High SchoolRevelle College, human Development ScienceFavorite Spot on Campus: Blue BowlOn my bucket list: to go on a trip to Korea, Japan, and SingaporeAdvice to new students: Find a balance between classes and time for yourself. -
Nicole Tran, Class of 2026
Hometown: San Diego, CAHighschool: The Preuss School UCSDSixth College, Pharmacological ChemistryFavorite Spot on Campus: Vela 1st floor study loungeOn my bucket list: Visit Hong Kong, Japan (again), South Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand in one goAdvice to new students: Stay organized! Have something to hold yourself accountable, like a planner, google calendar, a physical calendar, or something to write down important due dates and events! -
Steven Tran, Class of 2027
Hometown: San Diego, CAHighschool: Mira Mesa High SchoolRevelle College, Molecular and Cell BiologyFavorite Spot on Campus: CASP Office & Wong AveryOn my bucket list: Travel the worldAdvice to new students: Try your best and let the curve do the rest! -
Nadia Salah, Class of 2026
Hometown: San Diego, CAHighschool: Mt. Carmel High SchoolSeventh College, Human BiologyFavorite Spot on Campus: MOMsOn my bucket list: To see the northern lightsAdvice to new students: Embrace every opportunity to get involved and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. UCSD has so much to offer both academically and socially!
CASP Peer Leaders (CPLs)
The CPLs work with a caseload of 8-10 CASP students providing peer mentorship, support, and counseling related to academic, personal, and sociocultural issues affecting their college transition. The role of the CPLs is to foster a welcoming, safe, and inclusive community among entering students and to encourage student development and identity awareness through one-on-one meetings and quarterly group events. Any questions about our CPLs, or if you’re interested in applying to be a CPL in the future, please contact us at casp@ucsd.edu.