2024-2025
Violeta Valdez Samaniego
Sociology, Cohort 2
"I am currently a third year majoring in sociology and minoring in Applied Psychology. I was born and raised in Porterville California.
Currently I am a fellow student in UCSB’s NASPA: Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education. Being a fellow student will allow me to do research and attend conferences to gain professional skills. I intend to pursue the McNair Scholars program here at UCSB which would prepare me for entrance to Ph.D programs. Over the summer I mentored 3 incoming freshmen at UCSB, it was an amazing experience as I got to do what I love. Besides my current college experiences at UCSB, I am also a Cal-Soap college success coach at a highschool in Santa Barbara County. I advise highschool students with requirements to attend a post-secondary school.
My future goals are to pursue a masters degree and to work in academic advising in higher education.
Being a PROPEL scholar has been the absolute best experience for me. It has allowed me to focus on my educational goals without having to worry about certain circumstances. PROPEL has given me the encouragement to continue education after getting my bachelors degree. It’s an absolute pleasure to be in PROPEL because of all the guidance and support of peers and staff. It is definitely my favorite place to be on campus."
2023-2024
Damian Martin
Economics and Accounting, Cohort 2
"I'm from Modesto, CA and I'm a second-year Economics and Accounting major.
Being a PROPEL Scholar has really helped me grow, not just as a student, but as a young adult throughout my time here at UCSB. Last year, due to some family complications, I lost focus in school and started really struggling in my academics. My GPA tanked and I thought my time at UCSB would come to an end. That was until I met two of some of my favorite people, Gabby and Holly!
They helped me get back on track, fix my GPA, and kickstart my career. I can now say I'm thriving in my academics and a proud member of UAS (Undergraduate Accounting Society), which has opened many opportunities. This summer, I have the pleasure of interning at PwC in LA and next summer I have an audit internship with Deloitte. I also plan on studying abroad in Italy my senior year!
My goal in the future is to work as an auditor at Deloitte and work my way through the ranks until I become a partner at the firm. Along the way, I plan on traveling the world and seeing all the wonders it has to offer!
Thanks to PROPEL, my growth has been exponential and I now have a clear vision of where I want to be in the future. Thank you Gabby and Holly!"
Julianna Sanchez
Political Science, Cohort 2
"I am currently a second year political science major from Long Beach, California. I am currently a Sound Production Assistant with the AS Program Board and I would love to join folklorico next school year!
Some of my post graduation goals are to work within the areas of Racial (In)Justice and become an advocate for people of color both in and outside of schools.
Some fun facts about myself are that I also love the arts and media management. I am also both Mexican and African American! My mom is from Jiquilpan, Michoacan and my father is from Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Being a PROPEL Scholar both my first and second year has opened many doors for me. From meeting my many peers to meeting many influential people that I have been able to connect with to help me with my future goals. This program has helped me not only through tough times personally, but as well as academically which is something I will continue to be grateful for!"
Dominick Rodriguez
Political Science, Cohort 1
"I'm Dominick Rodriguez, a third-year Political Science student from Hesperia, California.
Apart from being a PROPEL Scholar, I currently hold two leadership positions in law-based organizations like LEAD and Lobby Corps. I'm also a proud member of Phi Alpha Delta, a pre-law fraternity, and a part of the UCSB Rowing team.
Looking ahead, my future goal is Law School. I'm between three fields: Corporate Law, Medical Law, or Entertainment Law. I do plan on attending a Law School in California, however still not sure which one.
Being a PROPEL Scholar has been a game-changer for me, especially as a first-gen college student. It provided the support I needed to navigate college life, from managing my time to weekly check-ins, ensuring I say on top of my school work."
Cassandra Rios
Economics, Cohort 2
"My name is Cassandra Rios and I am a second year Economics major and I'm from Kerman, California.
One of my post grad goals is to dive further into underrepresented communities with low-funded educational school systems and provide students with further support and funds to improve their education and their educational opportunities.
I am currently a Peer Advisor for the Offices of Financial Aid on campus and I am also part of the Health Equity Internship Program which engages within a broad field of reserach for Gender and Health Justices.
Being part of PROPEL has had a significant impact on my educational experiences and my educational opportunities. With PROPEL, I have been able to step out of my comfort zone and learn from my mistakes to become a better verson of myself. I consider every failure as a learning process and PROPEL has helped me embrace that throughout my time at UCSB."