Your Resident Assistants (RAs) are UCSB and SBCC students who are trained for over eight weeks to assist you with many of your day-to-day needs and college survival skills. RAs wear a lot of hats. They are a “been-there, done-that” source of information about UCSB, SBCC and the community. They are our community’s “cruise directors,” planning social, recreational and educational events. They also help keep the peace, so you have a study-friendly atmosphere.
bbimstein@tropicanastudentliving.com
Hey, I’m Batya! I’m from San Diego and am a second year Econ major. I’m really into doing things that’ll help me grow as a person and get me out of my comfort zone, as well as spirituality, yoga, journaling, learning tons of new things, watching Netflix, and doing anything ocean related. I’m really extroverted, and as an RA and friend, I’m here to help you have the best year possible. I can’t wait to meet you and help in planning events for you all to enjoy!
ccawhorn@tropicanastudentliving.com
Hello, my name is Ashley Cawhorn and I am from Huntington Beach, CA. I am a sophomore at UCSB majoring in Psychological and Brain Sciences.
I love to watch movies, read, and have fun with my friends. I am looking forward to exploring research opportunities, creating new friendships, and going to the beach. I’m excited to be your RA for the 2022-2023 Academic Year!
ddeharo@tropicanastudentliving.com
Hey, my name is Diego and I’m from Napa, CA. I am a Political Science Major on my final year at UCSB. I enjoy staying active by going to the gym and hiking to awesome views around the area. In my down time I play video games, binge Netflix, or play card games like MTG. A fun fact about me is that, before coming to UCSB, I was a snowboard instructor at Bear Valley, CA, and have shredded most mountains in California. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone and making this school year fun and memorable.
mdonan@tropicanastudentliving.com
Hi, I’m Maria! I grew up in Hemet, Ca. I am currently a second-year sociology major at UCSB. After graduating from UCSB, I plan to attend graduate school in order to receive my doctorate and become a professor someday! Some of my favorite shows are Glee, Gilmore Girls, and Parks and Recreation. I love to read, listen to music, and do anything that involves being with my friends. I am one of the event coordinators for the 2022-2023 school year and I am looking forward to getting to know all of you!
aelemen@tropicanastudentliving.com
Hi I’m Anaztajia, I’m a 3rd year studying Administration of Justice and Sociology. I’m from San Jose, CA which is the South Bay. I love to roller skate, read books, play the flute, play the Nintendo Switch, and watch TV. I’m hoping to be a social worker someday, back in Santa Clara county. There are 2 things I’m looking forwards to this year, and that is, meeting and building a friendship with all of you, and successfully making it through year 3 of college. I can’t wait to meet you all!
vgarcia@tropicanastudentliving.com
Hi, I’m Valeria! As your 2022-2023 event coordinator here at Tropicana, I’m looking forward to all the fun and exciting memories. I’m from San Diego, CA and currently a freshman at UCSB with an undeclared major. Some of my favorite things to do are going on walks, spray painting, and watching documentaries. I also love going to basketball games. I’m excited to kick off the year with you all and get to know you!
vgonzalez@tropicanastudentliving.com
Hello! My name is Vanessa Gonzalez and I’m from San Diego CA. I’m a third year Art major at UCSB and I really would love to pursue art education and counseling. I love cartoons, shows, books and comics; some of my favorite genres are mystery/thriller, horror, action and fantasy. I know how to enjoy moments of quiet and peace, but I also deeply enjoy having conversations and engaging with others too, so please feel free to come to me to talk about practically anything!I am really looking forward to participating in such a fun and enriching community at Tropicana and making lasting connections!
kjarrett@tropicanastudentliving.com
Hi, I’m Kelly and I’m from Hemet, California! I’m a second year at SBCC majoring in communications.
I love baking, reading, and hanging out with friends! This year I’m most excited for putting on amazing programs and getting to know my residents!
elahey@tropicanastudentliving.com
Hi guys my name is Ellen! I’m from Burlingame, California, am 21 years old, and I’m starting my fourth year at UCSB as a Geo-hydrology major.
I love all things Marvel, Disney, and Star Wars and would love to chat about it. A few fun facts about me is that I love to go camping and sit by a river all day, and I have been Irish dancing for 17 years and have had the chance to compete both in Canada and in Europe, as well as all over the U.S. I’m looking forward to meeting all of the residents and hope to have a fun a successful school year!
mmemon@tropicanastudentliving.com
Hi! My name is Maham and I am from Orange County, CA! I am going into my fourth year as a Biological Sciences major at UCSB. My favorite shows include Breaking Bad, The Office, Lucifer, and Vampire Diaries. A fun fact.. I speak 4 languages and can read and write a 5th! I love making new friends and forming new connections with everyone around me and I am so excited to get to know all of you. Always remember, I am here as a resource and a friend! Cannot wait to meet all of you <3
mmoukbel@tropicanastudentliving.com
Hi I’m Mariah! I’m from Fontana, CA. I am a fourth year majoring in Psychology and Brain Sciences and minoring in Applied Psychology at UCSB.
I love to watch All American, play volleyball, and go to the gym. I speak fluently in 3 languages. Can you guess which ones they are? I also play electric and acoustic guitar. I’m looking forward to making more memorable memories and impacting my community.
morozco@tropicanastudentliving.com
Hi I’m Maddy and I’m from Orange County, California! I’m a second year Environmental Studies major at UC Santa Barbara, and I’m hoping to go to law school after graduating. I love watching Friends, How I Met Your Mother, and Parks and Rec. I also enjoy working out, hand embroidering, and reading. This year I also want to learn how to scuba dive at UCSB! I’m really looking forward to meeting new people!
probles@tropicanastudentliving.com
Hello, my name is Pedro! I’m originally from Santa Rita, Santa Ana, Sonora, Mexico, but I grew up for the most part in Santa Paula, CA. I am a 4th year Mathematics major minoring in Spanish.
I enjoy anime, of *most* categories with my favorite being Bleach, and am a huge soccer fan! I love to skate and ride my motorcycle. I am looking forward to being able to help all the residents feel as if Tropicana is a home away from home!demic.
osandval@tropicanastudentliving.com
Hi, my name is Oscar and I’m from Hemet, CA.
I really like cars, preferably JDM cars. I like to watch and play soccer and going to the gym. I live to eat all kinds of food and am always willing to try new foods. I am looking forward to meeting all of you and getting to know you better!
astrickland@tropicanastudentliving.com
Hi my name is Ashlyn but everyone calls me Ash! I’m from Highland, CA but originally I’m from El Paso, Texas. I’ve moved all over and love to travel! I’m a pre-biology major and I am a second year.
I love animals, going to the gym, and reading. I’m an ambivert, so I can be very social but I do need some alone time to recharge. In the future I wanna work as a travel medical worker but for now I’m just excited to be a new RA for the 2022-23 Academic Year. This year I wanna make new friends and put myself out there more!
hvelazquez@tropicanastudentliving.com
Hello, peeps! My name is Hugo Velazquez Perez Kovach. I’m from Philadelphia, PA. I am currently a 4th year in Film and Media studies. My hobbies include being a VFX Artist, which is fancy term for making movie magic in films and composing music. I fly planes and helicopters to earn my pilot’s license. I hope to get going and to travel the world in the future. I’m looking forward to meeting all of you beautiful people and can’t wait to see all the fun we are going to have together as your RA for the 2022 – 2023 school year! 😀