UHP Peer Mentor: Vanessa Bryan

Hi Everyone! I’m Vanessa, a third year Philosophy/Law and Society major and Film and Visual Culture minor. After UCR, I plan to go to graduate school for Public Relations, though I have no idea where I want to go yet. I plan on going into Public Relations as a career and I have been working towards that with an internship as a Personal Assistant for the owner of a vacation rental company in Oceanside, CA.

I’m from Southern California (I’ve lived in numerous parts of it, but I currently reside in Escondido) and I absolutely love spending time with friends, being at the beach, and my horses. I have been cheerleading and dancing for most of my life, including being a part of the UCR Cheer Team, though it has all come to an end due to a knee injury. My family owns thoroughbreds (racehorses) and I enjoy watching them run whether it is during morning workouts (though quite early) or at the races (which is quite nerve-racking).

When at school I am extremely busy between classes with clubs and research. I am currently the Social Chair for the Philosophy Club, so if anyone is interested in philosophy on any level, even if you’re not interested in it as a major, please give us a visit (it’s a lot of fun, trust me!!!). I also do research in the Psychology department and the lab that I am in focuses on eyewitness testimony, which is a very complex and interesting topic. Outside of school I am currently editing a book that my fiance’s grandfather wrote on his life-experiences, mainly surrounding what he experienced in WWII. Its purpose is to help fellow military men and women cope with PTSD.

I greatly enjoyed my first two years at UCR and I hope you enjoy your time here as well. The main things to remember (though I know you’re probably sick and tired of hearing them and school hasn’t even started yet) are to get involved and to not be afraid to ask questions or to ask for help. There are many amazing people at UCR who are willing to work with you as much as they possibly can. You just have to make the effort!

P.S. Don’t be afraid to ask your Peer Mentor, or any of us in that case, for help. We’re here to help you and to answer your questions so don’t hesitate. We’ve all been first year students before and we know it’s not easy!!!