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STUDENT VETERANS RESOURCE CENTER SVRC
  1. Student Veterans Resource Center
  2. Services & Programs
  3. Peer Navigator Program

Peer Navigator Program

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The Peer Navigator Program is a peer-to-peer mentoring program designed to provide holistic support to student veterans through their journey at UC San Diego. Peer Navigators are experienced UC San Diego student veterans who provide one-on-one support, community connections, and resources for personal, professional, and academic success. Navigators will connect you with campus resources while working with you individually on setting and achieving your goals.

This service is currently only open for student veterans.

If you are not a student veteran and are seeking a peer to peer mentoring opportunity, please consider these resources:
Transfer Peer Coaching
International Peer Coaching
First-Generation Peer Coaching

Our Peer Navigators are NASPA Certified Peer Educators trained through our College of Reading and Learning Association certified program. Peer Navigators also complete ongoing training and professional development opportunities throughout the year.

Need more information? Contact the Student Veterans Resource Center by email at svrc@ucsd.edu.

Meet the Peer Navigator Team:

Angelica Bradley: 

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Major: Marine Biology

College: Muir

Year: 4th year

Transferred from: San Diego Mesa College 

Military Affiliation: Air Force Veteran

When I’m not studying, I can be found:  Hiking in the local area, sitting at the beach, listening to Bad Bunny or J Balvin, playing Mario games on the Switch

Advice for student veterans:  First off, believe that you deserve to be here! Second, don’t be afraid to ask for help – whether that be from us at the SVRC, from your instructors/TAs, or from fellow classmates. Plus, it can be a nice way to form connections with your instructors and meet new people. And lastly, go explore San Diego and the surrounding areas. It’s so beautiful here!

Contact Angelica

 

Brandon Mariano

Name: Brandon Mariano

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Major: Political Science/International Relations

College: Marshall

Year: Junior

Transferred from: Irvine Valley College

Military Affiliation: Marine Corps Veteran

When I’m not studying, I can be found:  At the skatepark, playing guitar, listening to music, hanging out with my family, watching sports or cartoons, listening to podcasts or playing with my roommate’s dog

Advice for student veterans: My advice would be to always adjust to every situation. Make daily schedules for yourself so that you can balance your everyday life with school and work. My biggest advice would be to find a hobby that you authentically enjoy (that is healthy of course) and immerse yourself in it. Having an activity that you enjoy and engage in can help deal with stress levels and gives you something to look forward to doing outside our responsibilities of school, work, family responsibilities, etc. 

Contact Brandon 

 

headsho-h-gorman.pngHeather Gorman: 

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Major: Political Science-Public Policy

College: Marshall

Year: Senior

Transferred from: San Diego City College

Military Affiliation: Navy Veteran

When I’m not studying, I can be found:  Scoping out new restaurants to eat at in San Diego, playing video games or running.

Advice for student veterans:  You don't have to figure out everything on your own, there are so many resources here to help you succeed. If you're not sure where to start, start by coming to the SVRC! On that note, while academics are important try to find at least one thing that you enjoy doing outside of academics, be that a club, volunteering, a campus job or just hanging out at one of the campus resource centers - it will help to make connections outside of your major.

Contact Heather

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I participate in the Peer Navigator Program

As a UC San Diego student you may have questions or want to build a community and connections on campus. Peer Navigators are here to support you! Peer Navigators are students just like you, who understand the unique experiences of transitioning from the military into higher education.

There are many reasons to participate, but here are just a few: 

  • Build community and connections on campus
  • Support for adjusting to civilian life
  • Access to academic, career and social support 
  • Having an “accountability buddy” and build solidarity with peers


What is the time commitment

There is no official time commitment, but we do recommend that you meet with your Peer Navigator 2-3 times per quarter. Meetings times range from 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Your coach will provide you with activities to complete that directly relate to your goals. Completing these before your meetings will be helpful for you and your coach to debrief and make next steps. Activities might include:

  • Academic and community-based programming
  • Faculty office hours
  • Connecting with a relevant resource on campus
  • Participating in major- and career-focused activities
  • And more

Make an Appointment

If you would like to schedule a meeting with a Navigator, please use the Acuity Scheduling tool.  If these times do not fit within your schedule, please email svrc@ucsd.edu