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Belinda Zamacona, M.A.
Hometown: Colonia La Venta, Acapulco de Juárez, Guerrero, México
High School: Fallbrook Union High School
College (BA & MA): San Diego State University. Currently a first-year student in the joint doctorate program in Educational Leadership with UC San Diego and CSU San Marcos.
Favorite spot on Campus: Ian's Garden next to the La Jolla Playhouse
On my bucket list: To spend an entire summer camping at the beach.
Advice to new students: “Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing.” ―Arundhati RoyBelinda could not be prouder to be the founding staff person of the Chancellor’s Associates Scholars Program. A first-generation,
English -language learner student and native of southern México, she has been part of the UCSD family since 2009. Belinda is passionate about issues of access and equity in education. Her professional background includes working with parents and families at both the elementary school and university level, community relations, access, yield and retention programs, and initiatives.belinda@ucsd.edu | (858) 822-6740
Drop-In Hours: By Appointment, Schedule an Appointment
5th Floor Student Services Center #558, CASP Office
Coordinators for Academic Support and Student Success
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Ria Rodriguez, M.A. | STUDENT SUCCESS COORDINATOR
Hometown: El Cajon, CA
m4rodriguez@ucsd.edu | (858) 822-5392
High School: Granite Hills High School
College (BA): University of California, Merced
College (MA): San Diego State University
Favorite spot at UCSD: Price center because of all the food!
Bucket list: Cage Diving with Sharks
Advice to new students: “If you were born with the weakness to fall you were born with the strength to rise.” – rupi kaur
Ria Rodriguez is the inaugural Student Success Coordinator in the Chancellor's Associates Scholars Program. In herrole she oversees the peer mentorship program for first-year students, as well as summer transition interventions, alumni tracking, amongst other responsibilities. Ria is alumna of UC Merced, where she majored in Political Science. She completed her Master of Arts in Education in the Postsecondary Educational Leadership Program with a specialization in Student Affairs. As a first-generation college student, Ria is passionate about creating community and supporting students throughout their journey at UC San Diego. She has been with UC San Diego since 2015 and is excited to continue her journey of growth to better serve the students she works with.
Drop-in hours: By Appointment, Schedule an Appointment
5th Floor Student Services Center #557, CASP Office -
Karen Van Ness, M.A. | ACADEMIC SUPPORT COORDINATOR
Hometown: Richardson, Texas
kvanness@ucsd.edu | (858) 246-0322
High School: Plano Senior High School
College (BA): Brown University
MA & C.Phil: UCSD Department of Literature. Currently injoint doctoral program in education at UC San Diego and California State University, San Marcos
Favorite spot at UCSD: The May 1970 Peace Memorial on Revelle Campus
Bucket list: To finish my dissertation!
Advice to new students: UC San Diego can feel big & impersonal, but you will find your place if you look for it.
Karen has worked at UC San Diego for over 15 years as a writing instructor and as a program coordinator in Student Affairs. She is currently working on her doctoral dissertation on the role of the University of California system in the success of non-traditional students.
Drop-in hours: By Appointment, Schedule an Appointment
5th Floor Student Services Center #556, CASP Office
Program and Operations Coordinator
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Kimberly Rodriguez Jimenez
Hometown Chula Vista, CA
High School: Chula Vista High School
College (BA) University of California, San Diego
Favorite spot at UCSD: OASIS and UCSD Women's Center
Bucket list: To visit every state in Mexico
Advice to new students: UC San Diego is a chapter in life that can be scary to start and scary to finish, but in the end, it's up to you to decide how you'll fill each page. Live with no regrets!Kimberly has worked for the Chancellor's Associates Scholars Programs as of July 2016. As a first-generation, low-income student, Kimberly is passionate about social justice issues and has worked as a student counselor in various capacities throughout their time at UC San Diego. They are an alumna of UCSD and where they majored in Language Studies and minored in International Studies and Business.
ksr002@ucsd.edu | (858) 246-2788
Drop-In Hours: By Appointment, Schedule an Appointment
5th Floor Student Services Center #560, CASP Office
Graduate Assistant
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Elizabeth Jimenez Perez
Hometown: Huntington Beach, CA
High School: Huntington Beach High School
College (BS): California State University, Fullerton. Currently a first-year student in the Masters in Postsecondary Educational Leadership at San Diego State University.
Favorite Spot on Campus: De Saint Phalle's Sun God
On my bucket list: Grow a medicinal garden
Advice to new students: Do what makes you happy and find a community that supports you, embraces you, keeps you accountable, and uplifts your energy.Elizabeth is a graduate student at San Diego State University in the Master of Arts in Postsecondary Educational Leadership program with an emphasis in Student Affairs. She is an alumna of CSUF, where she majored in Sociology and minored in Chicanx Studies. Elizabeth enjoys cooking, lifting, dancing, laughing, helping students, and going to Chicano Park.
Email: e1jimenezperez@ucsd.edu
CASP Course (EDS 50 & 150) Instructors
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Dallawrence “Dal” Dean, Ph.D.
Hometown: Fort Collins, Colorado
College (BA): Colorado State University
College (MA): Michigan State University
College (Ph.D.): The University of Texas at Austin
Favorite Spot at UCSD: The Price Center. I find the student energy invigorating!
Bucket list: To visit all seven continents. Five down and two to go!
Advice to new students: Do not be afraid to be vulnerable and ask for help. We are invested in your success and want to see you succeed!About me:
Dr. Dean is a lecturer in the Department of Education Studies at the University of California-San Diego. He teaches courses and conducts research on the following subject areas: education, diversity, race, and equity and access issues in higher education. Dal is also a member of numerous professional organizations and community groups.Email: ddean@ucsd.edu
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Dolores Lopez, M.A.Ed
Hometown: Aliso Viejo, CA
College (B.A.): Chapman University
College (M.A.Ed): California State University-Long Beach
Favorite spot at UCSD: Geisel library and the "Fallen Star" (2012) piece that is part of the Stuart Collection
On my bucket list: Visit every country in Latin America
Advice to new students: When/If impostor syndrome comes knocking, remember that you are a gem of infinite value.
Research area: Dolores Lopez is a PhD student in Education Studies at UCSD. Her work is centered on ways in which Latinx students in grades K-6 navigate systems of oppression within urban schooling. One of her recent studies explores how Latinx youth experience and response to racial microaggressions. Through this work, she attempts to add literature on the experiences of primary age Latinx youth who are often omitted from conversations about race/racism. Drawing from her expertise as a K-6 Spanish-English Dual immersion teacher, she also researches ways in which Spanish curriculum reinforces societal and systematic marginalization.Email: ddl019@ucsd.edu
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Erika Reece, M.A.Ed.
Hometown: Murrieta, CA
College (B.A.): UC Irvine
College (M.A.): University of Michigan
Favorite spot at UCSD: The Loft coffee shop
On my bucket list: I love hiking and camping and am always thinking about my next adventure! Currently, I would love to hike Mt. Whitney and I would love to backpack the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
Advice to new students: Get involved on campus and go to office hours!
Research area: I am very interested in how teachers are being prepared to teach students from diverse backgrounds. Particularly, I am passionate about culturally responsive teaching and the supports needed to help teachers feel empowered to teach in a culturally relevant and equity-minded way.
Office hours: Tuesdays, 10:15 - 11:15 am, or by appointment at The Loft coffee shop on the second floor of the Price CenterEmail: ereece@ucsd.edu
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Jesse Enriquez, M.A.
Hometown: Oxnard, California
College (B.A.): Chico State University
College (M.A.): San Diego State University
Favorite spot at UCSD: Scripps Institution of Oceanography
On my bucket list: Attend the World Cup in person.
Advice to new students: Travel the world while studying abroad!
Research area: Community college transfer students, men of color, and Latinx students.Email: j4enriquez@ucsd.edu
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Melissa F. Warstadt, M.A.
Hometown: San Diego, California
College (B.A.): California State University, Fullerton
College (M.A.): California State University, Fullerton
Favorite spot at UCSD: The Biomedical Library for studying or The Art of Espresso for coffee.
On my bucket list: Travel abroad.
Advice to new students: If imposter syndrome comes around, remember you are not here by accident! Also, never hesitate to reach out for supports, wherever that may be.
Research area: Inclusive education, Special Education, Addressing intersectional identities in inclusive settings, Educational Psychology.
Office Hours: By appointmentEmail: mwarstad@ucsd.edu
Student Office Coordinators
The Chancellor's Associates Scholars Program has occasional vacancies in positions for students to serve as office coordinators to support the Program Manager and assist with activities. E-mail Belinda if you're interested.
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Amanda Say - Class of 2020 (Senior)
Amanda is the most senior student staff member as the Student Supervisor for CASP.
Hometown: San Diego, CA
High School: The Preuss School UCSD
Thurgood Marshall College, Human Biology
Favorite Spot on Campus: Empty dance rooms
On my bucket list: See the Northern Lights!
Advice to new students: Remind yourself that you deserve to be here! Don't let anything or anyone convince you otherwise. -
Ilhan Nunow - Class of 2020 (Senior)
Hometown: San Diego, CAHigh School: The Preuss School UCSD
John Muir College: Human Biology (Major), Ethnic Studies (Minor)
Favorite Spot on Campus: My Bed
On my bucket list: See a Kpop Concert
Advice to new students: It is perfectly okay to fail and mess up, however, it's not okay to just give up. Nothing is ever too late.Ilhan is also one of our CASP Peer Leaders (CPLs).
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Jeanette Peña - Class of 2019 (Senior)
Hometown: Riverside, CA
High School: Citrus Hill High School
John Muir College, General Biology
Favorite Spot on Campus: Any bench on campus with shade
On my bucket list: Travel as much as possible
Advice to new students: You're not alone, so don't be afraid to ask for help. -
Lizbeth Roman-Salgado - Class of 2021 (Junior)
Hometown: San Diego, CA
High School: Lincoln High School
Eleanor Roosevelt College, Public Health (Major), Real Estate and Development (Minor)
Favorite Spot on Campus: RIMAC, and ERC Green
On my bucket list:To visit as many national parks as possible
Advice to new students: Take it slow, adjusting to the college environment can be challenging but with time it will become much easier. Get along with your roommates! It will make your academic year feel less stressful. Last but not least, never give up. Every day you can start off fresh and you make the best out of it! -
Luiza Peres - Class of 2022 (Sophomore)
Hometown: São Paulo, Brazil
High School: St. Nicholas School
John Muir College, Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience
Favorite Spot on Campus: John's Market
On my bucket list: Write a book.
Advice to new students: Dare to dream! Go anywhere and do anything your heart desires, but never forget where you came from and the people who helped you along the way. -
Valerie Zhang - Class of 2020 (Senior)
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
High School: California Academy of Mathematics and Science
John Muir College, Public Health
Favorite Spot on Campus: 5th floor of the Rady Building
On my bucket list: Be truly happy of my life.
Advice to new students: Life's too short to give up. Pursue your dreams, pursue your desires, and pursue your goals in life
CASP Peer Leaders (CPLs) and CASP Peer Mentors (CPMs)
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. CPMs work with a caseload of 12-18 continuing CASP students who wish to continue receiving peer mentorship and support during their time at UCSD.
The role of the CPLs and CPMs 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.
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Elysia Mac, Class of 2021 (Senior CPL)
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
High School: F. Bravo Medical Magnet High School
Earl Warren College, Data Science (Major), Business (Minor)
Favorite Spot on Campus: 8th Floor Geisel
On my bucket list: Going to see the low tides at Point Loma, San Diego Zoo!!
Advice to new students: College can be discouraging at first, but if you put in the time and effort, there's nothing you can't do! -
Kailah Cazares, Class of 2020 (Senior CPL)
Hometown: Fontana, CA
High School: Bloomington High School
Earl Warren College, Management Science (Major), Business and Psychology (Minors)
Favorite Spot on Campus: Peet's Coffee Shop
On my bucket list: I want to take my dad to a Pittsburgh Steelers home game.
Advice to new students: Take time for yourself in doing things that you love to do. Try not to drown yourself in homework and responsibilities -- it's okay to take breaks and have a little bit of fun sometimes! -
Albana Bakaj, Class of 2020
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Community College: San Diego City College
Eleanor Roosevelt College, International Studies - Political Science
Favorite Spot on Campus: Geisel, 8th floor
On my bucket list: Travel to all 7 continents.
Advice to new students: Get involved as much as possible. When you are given opportunities to attend or participate in different events, take those opportunities. You never know who you may meet and who you will be able to make connections with. Attend events especially if you do not feel 100% comfortable, you will challenge yourself to navigate when you are out of your comfortable zone. -
Ana Ventura Hernandez, Class of 2020
Hometown: San Diego, CA
High School: Lincoln High School
John Muir College, Public Health
Favorite Spot on Campus: Glider Lounge, Raza Resource Centro
On my bucket list: Be in Two States at Once
Advice to new students: There are so many different opportunities during college. It is just up to you to put yourself out there and make the first step of getting out of your comfort zone. Don't be afraid of trying new things and making new connections because you never know if an opportunity is right around the corner. Things may seem challenging and overwhelming at first but don't let that be a reason to give up. It is okay to take things slow just remember you are on a path to success and this is all part of the journey. -
Arlina De Lugo, Class of 2020
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Community College: San Diego City College
Eleanor Roosevelt College, Chemistry/Anthropology
Favorite Spot on Campus: Geisel
On my bucket list: Beach Clean-Up
Advice to new students: Never be afraid to reach out to people in times of stress. -
Brian Do, Class of 2022
Hometown: San Diego, CA
High School: Serra High School
Revelle College, General Bio
Favorite Spot on Campus: CASP Office
On my bucket list: Travel to Switzerland
Advice to new students: Take every opportunity that life presents -
Diep Nguyen, Class of 2021
Hometown: Vietnam
High School: Lincoln High School
Revelle College, Biochemistry/ Chemistry
Favorite Spot on Campus: Galbraith
On my bucket list: Travel to Switzerland
Advice to new students: As a first-year college student, failing the first exam is okay. The most important thing is that you have learned how to improve better. -
Elizabeth Analco, Class of 2022
Hometown: Huntington Park
High School: Bravo Medical Magnet High School
John Muir College, Undeclared
Favorite Spot on Campus: The Raza Resource Centro
On my bucket list: Travel around the world and go to the floating lights festival
Advice to new students: 1) Don't be afraid to ask for help! We are here to help y'all succeed in this campus. 2) Academics are important but don't forget to have fun too! Get involved, meet new friends! Life is more than just academics -
Jason Avalos, Class of 2020
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Community College: Southwestern College
Revelle College, Mathematics-Computer Science
Favorite Spot on Campus: Soccer fields
On my bucket list: Take my parents to Peru.
Advice to new students: Do not procrastinate, sleep 8 hours, exercise, attend office hours and be part of an extracurricular activity on campus. -
Jennifer Sernas, Class of 2020
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
High School: Bravo Medical Magnet High School
Thurgood Marshall College, Public Health (Major), General Biology (Minor)
Favorite Spot on Campus: OASIS
On my bucket list: Visit all the Disney Parks around the world.
Advice to new students: Everyone has their own journey at UCSD, so try not to compare yourself to others. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and of course, be open to trying new things! -
Jin Yi Wu, Class of 2021
Hometown: Guangdong, China
High School: Bravo Medical Magnet High School
John Muir College, Human Biology
Favorite Spot on Campus: Muir Woods Coffee House
On my bucket list: Traveling with beloved friends to our favorite destinations in the world (e.g. Iceland, England, China, Japan, and Vietnam)!
Advice to new students: College can be tough, but so are you! Remember to take time to breathe, catch up with parents/friends, and have fun along your (college) journey! -
Jocelyn Aguilar, Class of 2020
Hometown: Inglewood, CA
High School: Animo Leadership Charter High School
Thurgood Marshall College: Psychology with Specialization in Human Health (Major), Global Health (Minor)
Favorite Spot on Campus: Raza Resource Centro
On my bucket list: Learn how to surf.
Advice to new students: Be fearless towards things that might be new to you and if you are unsure be willing to reach out for help. -
Karen Johnson, Class of 2021
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
High School: King-Drew Medical MagnetHigh School
Sixth College: Clinical Psychology (Major), Business (Minor)
Favorite Spot on Campus: The Women's Center
On my bucket list: Eating at a spot on Convoy St.
Advice to new students: EXPLORE! I joined so many organizations and programs my freshmen year. This helped me discover my passions as well as let me figure out what is NOT for me. Don't knock anything until you tried it! -
Katie Galindo Espitia, Class of 2020
Hometown: Lake Elsinore, CA
High School: Lakeside High School
Thurgood Marshall College, Human Development Sciences
Favorite Spot on Campus: OASIS and Angela's space, the study space is right under a dining hall and I tend to get hungry.
On my bucket list: Travel throughout Mexico and jump out of a plane (skydiving)
Advice to new students: Lean on people you trust, college is hard and it's okay to feel like you're the only one going through rough times. Friends are your biggest allies. Most importantly, consider studying abroad! It's life-changing and definitely possible! -
Krishna Bhakta, Class of 2020
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
High School: F. Bravo Medical Magnet High School
John Muir College, Human Biology
Favorite Spot on Campus: Biomedical Library, MOM Coffee shop
On my bucket list: Travel around the world with my wonderful family, with my own money!
Advice to new students: Everything seems so new and confusing right now. Try not to feel overwhelmed, and remember to take advantages of all of your resources present. Do something new and different every day! Most importantly, take breaks and remember to breathe! -
Matthew Ortega, Class of 2020
Hometown: Venice, Ca
Community College: Santa Monica College
Earl Warren College, Political Science and Psychology
Favorite Spot on Campus: Places with scenic views
On my bucket list: Travel to Singapore, Thailand, and Bali
Advice to new students: Be open to new experiences and make the most out of each opportunity. Ask questions, and seek out information in order to maximize your time here. -
Mayra Garcia, Class of 2020
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
High School: King/Drew Medical Magnet High School
John Muir College, Public Policy
Favorite Spot on Campus: Y Más On my bucket list: Go scuba diving
Advice to new students: Don't be afraid to make new friends, everyone is on the same boat as you, and you will find people you can connect with. Just keep an open mind, and don't be quick to judge. One important thing is to not be afraid to ask for help, reach out to people and the resources available to you on campus. -
Michelle Lin, Class of 2021
Hometown: San Jose, CA
High School: Piedmont Hills High School
Earl Warren College, Physiology and Neuroscience (Major), Business and Global Health (Minor)
Favorite Spot on Campus: OVT On my bucket list: Skydiving at sunset
Advice to new students: Don't be afraid to make new friends, everyone is on the same boat as you, and you will find people you can connect with. Just keep an open mind, and don't be quick to judge. One important thing is to not be afraid to ask for help, reach out to people and the resources available to you on campus. -
Nydia Preza Campos, Class of 2022
Hometown: San Diego, CA
High School: Hoover High School
John Muir College, Political Science
Favorite Spot on Campus: Muir Quad On my bucket list: zip-line in different parts of the world
Advice to new students: Don't be afraid to try new things and take advantage of the different opportunities that come your way! Remember you are not the only one going through the same emotions, ask for help and reach out when you need it! -
Reyna Carrillo, Class of 2020
Hometown: Bakersfield, CA
High School: East Bakersfield High School
John Muir College, Marine Biology
Favorite Spot on Campus: Y Mas (New favorite spot!!)
On my bucket list: See a giant squid up close/Dissect a whale a la Animal Autopsy (a show)
Advice to new students: You belong here. You were accepted for a reason! Don't let failing a class or self-doubt be the driving factor of you leaving UCSD. Know that everyone genuinely wants you to succeed, you just need to make the first step towards getting help and resources. -
Ryan Nguyen, Class of 2022
Hometown: San Diego, CA
High School: Patrick Henry High School
Thurgood Marshall College, Biochemistry/Chemistry
Favorite Spot on Campus: Rooftop of Keeling
On my bucket list: Visit every continent twice
Advice to new students: Don't look over your shoulder and make the best of your college experience! Do what makes you happy and don't be afraid to ask for help. What are you waiting for? Go for it! -
Sasha Lizardi Luque, Class of 2020
Hometown: Fontana, CA
High School: Henry J. Kaiser High School
Revelle College, Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience
Favorite Spot on Campus: M.O.M. (Middle of Muir)
On my bucket list: Take trips to Islands
Advice to new students: Your time in college will be full of growth and learning experiences. I advice you all to be explorative, be passionate, put all your efforts in what you do, embrace your challenges, stay motivated, and never fold. As students we never run out of questions, so if you are ever unsure about anything or need guidance be unafraid to ask. I hope for you all big opportunities in your time here! -
Shel Savage, Class of 2020
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Community College: San Diego City College
Eleanor Roosevelt College, Art History (Major), Film Production (Minor)
Favorite Spot on Campus: Student Center
On my bucket list: To learn another language fluently.
Advice to new students: To apply for everything and know you are worth it. -
Tabassum Alam, Class of 2022
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
High School: F. Bravo Medical Magnet High School
Eleanor Roosevelt College, Computer Science
Favorite Spot on Campus: Voigt Dr & sunsets from ERC dorms
On my bucket list: Drive through cities in my own car; travel abroad with family, friends, and solo!
Advice to new students: Never lose confidence in yourself. The quarter system can easily feel overwhelming, but always remind yourself of your ambitions to push yourself forward. Don't hesitate to reach out for help whenever needed. Most importantly, remember to take a breath and enjoy college! Self-care IS the best care! -
Theresa Romano, Class of 2020
Hometown: Livermore, CA
Community College: MiraCosta College
Eleanor Roosevelt College, Communications
Favorite Spot on Campus: Biomedical Library and OASIS
On my bucket list: Serve in the Peace Corps
Advice to new students: Take advantage of some of the opportunities and programs available to you on and off campus, they will not only advance your academic and professional aspirations but help you to discover your passion(s), while building community and support. -
Tony Do, Class of 2020
Hometown: San Diego, CA
High School: The Preuss School UCSD
John Muir College, Communications and Political Science (Public Law) (Major), Business (Minor)
Favorite Spot on Campus: Top of the Revelle apartments
On my bucket list: Visit all 50 states, travel across Southeast Asia, take a selfie on a Hawaiian mountain, make my own non-profit
Advice to new students: Continuously learn to improve, you are a student of life and you'll always learn how to better
Be better than who you were yesterday
"aim for the stars don't settle for the clouds" -
Verna Drieas, Class of 2020
Hometown: Victorville, CA
High School: University Preparatory High School
Revelle College, General Biology
Favorite Spot on Campus: 6th floor of Keeling
On my bucket list: To paraglide before I graduate
Advice to new students: There’s gonna be times where you hit some lows, but you just have to realize your strength and get back up! -
Yalila Vega, Class of 2021
Hometown: Palmdale, CA
High School: Highland High School
Revelle College, Human Biology
Favorite Spot on Campus: The Bistro
On my bucket list: Study Abroad to Italy or Greece for the Summer!
Advice to new students: Never let the peer-pressure change you. Stay true to your identity, your background, and your roots. If you ever catch yourself comparing yourself to others or doubting your ability, just remember that if you are here is because YOU earned it. Work hard con muchas ganas and don't forget that it is not about what others do, but rather the legacy that you leave here. So make it count!