School of Social Sciences

Meet the School of Social Sciences peers and learn about the different issues concerning society, the economy, and politics that affect humans worldwide. Visit the peers to learn more about the different majors, minors, and opportunities for you to gain experience and better our communities!

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Erika Meraz Barron

★ Lead Peer Academic Advisor

Major(s): Psychology; Language Science

Hometown: Compton, CA
Extracurriculars

* DISC and HABLA Research Assistant (2024-Present)
* Uni Stu 87 Learning Assistant (Summer 2024)
* Cooking enthusiast

Why do you love UCI?

I love UCI because of its welcoming environment and incredible opportunities it offers for academic and personal growth. The people are what make UCI unique, as it is easy to find a sense of belonging, due to its diverse nature. There is also lost of fantastic and supportive faculty and staff that provide great mentorship and learning experiences. UCI is a place where you can challenge yourself, grow, and make lifelong connections.

How can you be a successful Anteater?

You can be a successful Anteater at UCI by getting involved and connecting with the community. Surrounding yourself with people who share your drive and passion will help keep you motivated, accountable, and open to new experiences. If you ever feel overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. UCI has many resources and people ready to help you navigate any challenges. Embracing the community and seeking help when needed will set you up for success as a student and prepare you for future experiences.

What is one fun fact about yourself?

A fun fact about me is that I’m currently learning Italian on Duolingo. I’ve always found languages fascinating, so I chose Italian because it’s similar to Spanish. My dream is to visit Italy one day, and my goal is to be fluent in Italian by the time I make that trip.