Student Outreach and Retention Center

Pathfinders official logo (ombre)

The Pathfinder Peer Educator Program promotes holistic wellness through peer-to-peer consultations available to all UCI students. Pathfinders seek to stay aware of students' needs to elevate concerns and better advocate for resources to continue to improve UCI undergraduate retention rates, especially for first-generation, low-income, and historically underrepresented students.

pathfinder peer educator program web flyer-4
pathfinder appointments
pathfinder walk in

Pathfinders assess and focus on the following areas of retention/student needs:

  • Academic Success
  • Mental and Emotional Health
  • Financial Wellness
  • Professional Development
  • Campus Engagement and Belonging

Consultations include:

  • Identifying and addressing student needs
  • Navigating and connecting students to campus resources and services
  • Creating an individual action plan for student success
  • And much more! View our appointment times below!

And much more!

Consultation hours: 

MON - FRI 

9am - 5pm

(Hover over the pathfinders to learn more about them!)

  • She, Her, Hers

    Hello! I am a 4th-year Psychological Science and Chicano/Latino Studies double major! My goal is to become a social worker and help underserved communities find their voice and passions! I joined SOAR because I want to engage with and support students who need an ear to listen or help navigate college!
     

Andrea Serrano

Pathfinder Coordinator

  • She, Her, Hers

    Hello! I’m a 4th-year first-gen college student double majoring in Earth System Science and Environmental Science & Policy. I enjoy crochet, practicing martial arts, and playing video games in my free time. As part of the SOAR community, I am always ready to lend a listening ear to support other first-gen students in their transition to college life at UCI and help them thrive!

Diane Huynh Vu

Pathfinder Coordinator

  • Pathfinder Peer Educator

    Shaista is a third-year student at UCI, pursuing a major in Business Administration with a minor in Public Health. Her commitment to personal and community well-being led her to become a SOAR Peer Educator Pathfinder, where she dedicates her time to supporting and guiding fellow students throughout their UCI journey. With her enthusiasm and knowledge, Shaista is eager to empower her peers and create a positive impact on campus! 

Shaista Mawlanazada

She, Her, Hers

  • Pathfinder Peer Educator

    Hi! My name is Luz, I'm a second-year student studying Math and Secondary Education. I enjoy learning about different cultures, dancing, sewing, and most of all spending time with my sisters. Having been an intern at SOAR, I am beyond delighted to continue SOAR's values as a peer educator, which is to advocate for and help students access the necessary resources.

Luz Hernandez Hernandez

She, Her, Hers

  • Pathfinder Peer Educator

    Hi! My name is Alex and I am a 4th year Psychological Science major. My hometown is Madera, CA (Central Valleyy)! I love doing gel x nails, photography, and finding new food places in SoCal. I am excited to be a part of SOAR's mission that support students as they navigate higher education. As a Peer Pathfinder, I hope to support YOU! Feel free to drop by SOAR anytime to learn about what we have to offer or just to say hi. I hope to see you all around!

     

Alex Martinez

She, Her, Hers

  • Pathfinder Peer Educator

    Meet Hugh, a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in Psychological Sciences while minoring in Management. As a pathfinder, Hugh is driven to help students feel heard and supported. His primary goal is to empower his community and open up a space where people can be comfortable among others and within themselves. Outside of SOAR, he's a father of two dogs!

     

Hugh Truong

He, Him, His

  • Pathfinder Peer Educator

    Hello! My name is Nemi Hernandez and I am a first-gen, second year, student majoring in Biological Sciences. I love outdoor activities, travels, listening to music, and learn new things everyday. As a Pathfinder Peer Educator, I hope to help create a welcoming and positive community here at UCI.
     

Nemi Hernandez Cruz

She, Her, Hers

  • Pathfinder Peer Educator

    Hi, my name is Alek. I am a 4th year psychological sciences student coming from the 626 area of LA (specifically West Covina whoo!). In my free time, I like to cook, do athletic things, go to museums and parks, and explore. Being here at UCI has been a treat because of how many interesting cultures and people I have been able to come into contact with, so if you see me on campus, say hi! I look forward to working with the SOAR team to contribute to making the college experience more enjoyable and easy-going for you all.

Alek Oei

He, Him, His