Viridiana (Viri) Fernandez

Peer Mentor (2021-2022)

Bio

Gender Pronouns: she/ her/ ella

Campus Involvements: Chicanx Studies Honors Program, UCSB Migration Initiative Intern, Spanish Interpreter for Interdisciplinary Humanities Center 

Major: Political Science & Chicanx Studies

Minor: Poverty, Inequality, and Social Justice

Biography: Viridiana is a first gen, 4th year Chicanx Studies and Political Science major from Los Angeles, California, who hopes to go to law school and advocate for the expansion and protection of immigrant and refugee rights in the future. During her time at UCSB, she has been a research assistant in the Communication department, interned for local nonprofits, and mentored local high schoolers in the Santa Barbara area. In her free time, she likes to go out with family and friends, read books, listen to music, and play video games.

Advice for First-Generation College Students:

Know that above everything, you deserve to be here, and your feelings are always important and valid. As a first generation college student, it is often difficult to not get swept up by the feelings you may get from imposter syndrome and similar experiences- but know that you have gotten where you are because of your efforts, and you deserve to be where you are. Always remember to reach out & accept any help that you may need, our community is here to help and support you in your college journey.