Information gathered by Fátima Ramos
We are thrilled to welcome our new Peer Leaders: Victor, Adriana, Jocelyn, and Wendy as well as our new TRIO/SSS Office Assistant, Josh! We are also excited to share that Robert, Rimona, Nathaniel, and Esmeralda will return in the Fall to continue their work with us.
Victor Almazan ‘29
Hello, my name is Victor Almazan and I am from Fresno, California. Majors that I am interested in include biology and chemistry. I like to walk in the Cowling Arboretum and listen to my music. There is just something special about connecting with nature and vibing out to cool songs. I like to play badminton and pickleball with my friends. I dabble in photography, reading, drawing, cooking (I need to be the best chef ever), painting, playing piano, and I am trying to get into crochet. For our incoming students, know that it’s completely okay not to have everything figured out right away. College can feel like everyone else already knows what they’re doing, but the truth is that most people are still adjusting, learning, and finding their place. Also, give yourself permission to explore, whether that means trying new clubs, taking classes outside your comfort zone, meeting new people, or even changing your mind about what you thought you wanted. Some of the best parts of college come from unexpected experiences. I am very excited to be your Peer Leader!
Wendy Liu ‘29
Hello, my name is Wendy Liu and I am from Hastings, Minnesota. Majors that I am interested in include economics and statistics. My favorite place in Northfield is Tin Tea, as it is one of my favorite places to hang out with friends. On campus, my favorite place is Anderson, as it has fantastic study spots for studying. Things that I enjoyed doing for fun include watching movies and TV shows with my friends, taking walks downtown, and being involved in clubs like CEBA, Karl-Pop, and the Mahjong club. For our incoming students, don’t be afraid to ask for help and go to your professor’s office hours, even if you don’t have questions, to build that connection.
Jocelyn Espitia ‘29
Hello, my name is Jocelyn Espitia and I am from Chicago, Illinois. Majors that I am interested in include gender, women’s and sexuality studies and biology. I love spending my time at the TRIO house when I am not attempting to sleep (instead of scrolling) at my dorm! Outside of just comfort, my favorite place for productive study time is Olin! There are so many nooks that are perfect for locking in. In Northfield, I am El Sitio’s #1 customer when it comes to their ice cream side! I enjoy going for a sweet treat that reminds me of a La Michoacana-like place close to my house in Chicago! I also really enjoy going to El Triunfo as the food reminds me of home, and the owner is super sweet! For fun, I love listening to music (Peso Pluma, Fuerza Regida, Chris MJ, Pitbull, Kali Uchis, Romeo Santos, and older KPOP) while doing my makeup for the day! My whole desk is just my vanity filled with brushes, makeup and hair tools! I also love painting my nails and am currently growing my nail polish collection.
For fun on the weekends…I am a new person and go out to have fun with my friends at many cultural events/parties. I also enjoy staying in and watching movies while eating pizza from Dominoes with my friends! I read a little when I can, but find my attention span not as good as it used to be, but that will be my goal for this upcoming school year. One of the biggest things that incoming first years should hear is that everything happens for a reason because it will all work out. It was so hard for me to admit that not everything was in my hands and that with just one day, I wasn’t going to have the friends and community I wanted. That part of college takes time, just not as much as you expect. Be patient, the universe didn’t bring you to Carleton for no reason! You have worked so hard to be where you are so stay strong and have so much fun for your first year!
Adriana Giral ‘29
Hello, my name is Adriana Giral and I am from Chicago, Illinois. I am a prospective sociology and anthropology major. My favorite place in Northfield has to be Goodbye Blue Monday cafe. For fun, I like to go on walks in the Arb or go into town and hang out with friends. A message for incoming first years would be to seek the many resources on campus that are available and take advantage of them. Also go to many different club events!
Nathaniel Conroy ‘28
Hello, my name is Nathaniel Conroy and I am a biology major. I am from Dothan, Alabama. My favorite place in Northfield is the Ames Mill Dam area. I love to work on and fix things whenever I can; tinkering is fun. I also am working on a motorcycle this summer so ask me about that if you’d like! My advice to incoming students is explore and have fun in your classes; take a class that seems interesting rather than ones that sound impressive and hard.
Rimona Zhang ‘28
Hello, my name is Rimona Zhang and I am a cognitive science major. I am from Milltown, New Jersey. My favorite places at Carleton include the random corners of the Weitz. For fun, I like exploring new genres of music, searching for neighborhood pets on long walks, reading, and visiting cafes. Incoming students, take chances and be open to trying new things, even if they are not easy! I am excited to meet everyone!
Esme Garcia-Ramirez ‘27
Hello, my name is Esme and I am a biology major. I am from Laurel, Delaware. My favorite places on campus are the Multicultural Center and the Hill of Three Oaks. Both places are places where I’ve created fun memories with friends! I like to stay active, whether that is hitting the recreational center in the mornings, playing rugby in the afternoons, or running when I can! I also like to pull some strings on my guitar and take care of my plants! I’m looking forward to meeting all of you and being a resource as you navigate ahead! Carleton can be a lot to start and it may seem daunting to try new things and meet new people. Just know that you’re not the only one who feels this way, there are so many people here ready to support you, cheer you on, and help you find your place.
Robert Los ‘27
Hello, my name is Robert Los and I am a political science and international relations major. I am from Niles, Illinois. My favorite place on campus is the Lyman Lakes Campfire Islands. I like to listen to music, go fishing or hiking in mountainous places, watching and playing basketball with buddies, playing video games like Minecraft, Terraria, and the Borderlands Series. If I’m not doing any of these, I’m taking a mid-day nap or at a garage sale in town.
I am currently obsessed with good animated shows, like Invincible, Blue Eye Samurai, Cyberpunk Edgerunners, and Dororo. I think swords and superheroes are sick. I am pretty upset the Timberwolves lost to the Spurs in the playoffs. Also, if there was an eating contest at Carleton, I would easily win. Not by like, one or two slices of pizza, but more so by an entire five course meal. I’m getting back into sewing and stitching clothing, and I made a cool design on one of my hoodies! To incoming students, Carleton is an opportunity to mold your extracurriculars, friend groups, and classes according to your interests. There’s no need to try to fit in as much as you should try to find your niche. Everyone belongs, and your experience is only shaped by the environment you create for yourself.
Joshua Xiang ‘29
Hello, my name is Josh and I am from Jacksonville, Florida. I am a prospective economics major. My favorite place on campus is the West Gym. I also love to play basketball. To incoming first years, take advantage of the resources around you (ask for help). Your success is largely based on your effort and time management.