About Us
HOP Peer Counselors
Alana Souza, Major: Film
My name is Alana and I am a fun loving freshman at HSU. I am from Kailua, HI which is on the island of Oahu on the Hawaiian island chain. This is my first semester as a Peer Counselor and I am having a blast! I am a part of the Film Festival Club on campus and enjoy a good video game session on the Wii.
My name is Alex Veazey and I'm a freshman from LA. I’m doubling majoring in Political Science and History, with a minor in Public Relations. I decided on HSU because I wanted a change in scenery, it was really hard for me to adjust but I finally did and I love it here! I met one of my best friends at my orientation! The small size of the school really makes it more of a community.
Hi, I'm Alina. I grew up in Oakland Ca and I’m a Child Development major on an Elementary Ed track and a Recreation minor. I chose HSU because it is absolutely beautiful up here. I fell in love when I came to visit. I like Humboldt for many reasons, one is that the classes are mostly all small, so the professors know you by name. I also like the size of the school, it’s not too big and not too small; walking around, and you will always see people you know and people you have never seen before. And everyone is super nice and friendly here!
My name's Ashleigh, and I'm from a tiny little town in the Sierra-Nevada Mountains. I'm majoring in cellular/molecular biology (with a chemistry minor, because I like to be fancy), and I came to HSU because I heard fabulous things about the biology program. Humboldt also appealed to me because I'm a firm believer that oodles of rain is much better than oodles of snow, mainly because you never have to shovel it, and as you can see, someone with my complexion (translucent) shouldn't be caught dead in the sunnier regions of California unless they want to spend all of their grocery money on SPF 80 sunscreen.
My name is Banning Ramirez and I was born and raised on the Big Island of Hawai’i. I am currently pursuing my bachelor’s degree in the Theatre, Film, and Dance department with an emphasis on Film here at HSU and love every single minute of it. You can catch me in the dish room of the J (if you’re lucky!) scrubbing those dirty dishes or running around Van Duzer theatre helping out with the student-run Film Festival here at Humboldt. I eventually plan to pursue a career either in front of or behind the camera after receiving my MFA at the world-renowned American Film Institute in Los Angeles. Even though I miss the warm sunshine and nice beach parks back in Hawai’i, I love the cold weather and beautiful nature surrounding me and I’m glad I’m spending my time here in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Go Jacks!
Hello, my name is Belinda Sparks and I am a Kinesiology major with an emphasis in Pre-Physical Therapy. This is my third year here at Humboldt State University and I’m very pleased to be a peer mentor to so many young and bright incoming students. I'm passionate about the wonderful acceptance of this university and I'm excited to help students find and explore them. I hope your stay here at Humboldt we'll be as pleasing as mine has been!
Hey my name is Bridget Meyer and I'm a Kinesiology major, specifically Pre Physical Therapy, with a French minor. I'm originally from Folsom in the greater Sacramento area but I have moved to six other towns since graduating high school. I transferred to HSU Fall 2011 and I have completely fallen in love with the school and the area, including the beaches, redwood forests, and especially the people. I would describe myself as adventurous, driven, and independent. Feel free to come and talk to me anytime, I don't bite :]
Howdy! I am Brittney and a junior here. I am studying Anthropology with an emphasis on cultures and society, and a minor in Business Administration. I am from Los Angeles, California (I seriously live in LA or as I say L-A, L-A). I am a transfer student from an even smaller school than Humboldt in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I transferred here to be back in the good ol’ state of California, as well as being away from a city. Eleanor Roosevelt said, “Do something that scares you, once every day.” There is something that scares me here at Humboldt (in the good and challenging way); everyday and I make sure to explore new heights. I am very active and involved on campus and I would not give it up for the world. Being a part of Delta Phi Epsilon, a social business sorority, there is never a dull moment. I am glad I made the position to transfer to a school nestled between the forest and the ocean, in a small city. It is nice to be away from the city and still have some comforts of city life.
Hi! I’m Cam. I was raised in Huntington Beach, California. My major is Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. I love Humboldt State University and I am really glad to be here. My favorite thing about HSU is that I have personal one-on-one time with my professors and the staff members. On top of the 600 acres of redwood forest that surrounds the school. I love this small community because there’s no place in the world like it.
Hi I’m Carolanne Simon and I’m from Santa Ana CA which is in the Orange County area. I’m a sophomore majoring in Communication and Dance. I decide to come to HSU because of its small class sizes as well as where it’s located. HSU is located in this beautiful area and I feel so lucky to be surrounded by such beauty.
I'm Djuna and I'm from Berkeley, CA. I am majoring in Anthropology with a focus in Forensics and pursuing a Criminal Justice minor. I chose to come to Humboldt because they had all the programs that I wanted, plus it rains and I love the rain. I'm currently part of the HSU men’s crew team as one of their coxswains, and have created some pretty great friends while going to school here.
I am Erica Lindstrom and I am a third year Communications major with a Public Relations minor. I am from Auburn, California, and I love soccer and traveling!
My name is Erika Woodland and I am a sophomore here at Humboldt State. I am a Kinesiology major with an emphasis in Pre-Physical Therapy and a minor in Psychology. I am from Los Banos, California; also known as “cow town USA.” Coming from a small town, I love keeping busy. I’ve been involved in clubs and athletics for as long as I can remember and coming here to study didn’t change that. Being a part of the Delta Phi Epsilon sorority keeps me busy and when I do have free time I love exercising in the great outdoors. Between the Redwood Forest and the ocean blue, I couldn’t be happier with my choice to come to Humboldt State!
Greetings! I am Ivanna Tejeda. Currently, I’m an undeclared freshman, born and raised in Los Angeles, Southern CA. I’d like to mention on how welcomed I feel by Humboldt: its trees, the help of caring faculty, the access to great resources, crossing paths with many wonderful people, and participating in exciting activities in Humboldt County. I look forward to peer advising, getting acquainted with all of you, and working to ensure that you have a golden experience at HSU.
Hello, my name is Jennifer and I am a sophomore here at HSU and this will be my second year as a counselor for HOP and I am so very excited for the coming HOP session. I am originally from Santa Ana, CA which is down in Southern California and even though Humboldt County is completely different form my home town; I love it since I have been here because I have meet great people and had some great experiences.
I'm Jessica. I grew up in LA County (more specifically Hawaiian Gardens, close to Long Beach). I chose HSU because I was looking for getting away from the big city and HSU is perfect for that; I really enjoy the nature adventures Humboldt County has to offer. I'm am currently a sophomore majoring in Psychology and Spanish. I love being a student here, volunteering in the community, and being a part of the HSU Marching Lumberjacks!
My name is Jessica Lorge and I am from Santa Rosa, CA. I am a Kinesiology major with a minor in Business. This is my first year at HSU and along with being an HOP Counselor I am also a volunteer with Youth Educational Services and a member of our school's hula-hooping club, The Healing Circle. I cannot even begin to describe how passionate I am about this school and all of the amazing things that Arcata has shown me. I've learned to always keep my eyes opened and myself aware, because Humboldt has something special to offer no matter what path you take.
My name is Jon Lyans. I am a paintball/snowboarder/soccer/volleyball player from La Crescenta, California. I am a film major here at Humboldt State. I have already worked on a student feature film produced here at Humboldt State, and I can’t wait till I am in the film industry down in Southern California! I chose to come to HSU because everyone up here is a good person and wants to do good things in life. Also going to school in-between a giant forest and the ocean is simply amazing!
Hi! I'm Lauren Pang and I'm from Kauai, Hawaii. Currently I'm a freshman enrolled at Humboldt State University and enjoying every minute of it. I chose HSU because of how beautiful the campus was. The first time I visited the campus I couldn't help but be enthralled by the beautiful scenery. What really sealed the deal were the small class sizes. I find myself building good relationships with my professors and learning to my fullest capabilities. Also, everyone is super nice!
Lyssette Rodriguez, Major: Psychology.Minor: Criminology
Hello, my name is Lyssette and I am currently a freshman here at HSU and I still can't believe I'm here. I grew up in Panorama City, which is basically the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, California. This is the first time I am ever away from my parents, but adapting to the Humboldt environment was fairly easy for me. There are so many supportive people around here, I LOVE IT! I am a member of the HSU Ambassador squad, the Psychology Club, the YES house, and I am part of HSU's Campus Community Garden Committee.
My name is Madeline (Maddie) Hoon and I am a freshman from Palmdale CA,better known as that desert about an hour north of L.A. I'm majoring in cellular and molecular biology with a double minor in psychology and chemistry. In my precious free time I enjoy spending time with the awesome people I've met, sleeping, and gallivanting through the forest that is right outside my window. My first year at HSU is shaping up to be a great one and I'm excited to see what this place has in store for me next.
Hey guys! My name is Matt and I from the Los Angeles/Whittier area. I am currently a senior majoring in History and a proud member of the HSU Marching Lumberjacks! I love to work with students, play five instruments,and hope to become a college professor one day.
My name is Megan McFarland and I am a senior English major with an emphasis in Writing Practices. I originally came to Humboldt from Fairfield, CA, a town in the East Bay Area, which is also home to the Jelly Belly factory. I chose HSU for the small class sizes and personable faculty. This is my second summer with HOP and I am also involved in music on campus, both as a jazz trumpet player and as Axe Major for the Marching Lumberjacks.
My name is Rattnak Sokhom and I am currently a freshman here at HSU. I am a major in Economics with a minor in Business Administration. I come from a suburb of L.A. called Monterey Park. This is my first year as an HSU Peer Counselor and I am so excited to start. I participate in the Humboldt Women's Rugby team and I can't wait to go to Nationals.
Hello, my name is Sabrina Navarro and I am from Oceanside, CA (a town a little north from the city of San Diego). I am a junior Zoology major with a passion for social justice and volunteerism. I transferred to HSU from a community college because of its AMAZING science programs and I loved the fact HSU is a socially and environmentally aware campus. I love the great outdoors, crafting, and thoroughly enjoy small town living.
My name is Shanae, and I am a freshman here at Humboldt State. My major is English and International Studies. I moved up here from Elk Grove, California, it’s basically Sacramento, but smaller and has absolutely nothing attractive about it whatsoever. This is my first year as an HOP Peer Counselor, so I am very excited to see what this year is going to bring. A little something about myself, I’m weird, I guess—a lot, but I am a very easy person to get along with. I love listening to people speak; for I am not much of a talker, I’m kind of quiet. I am not only involved in HOP but am also a part of the club The Legacy.
Hello, my name is Wendy Agyapong. I am currently a freshman studying Biology (General) here at HSU. I was originally born in Italy and moved to the United States when I was 10 years of age. My parents settled in Los Angeles and I lived there ever since. When I was applying for college, I was in search for a new and different environment to which I could also experience new and exciting things; Humboldt State was the best place for me to experience just that. But most importantly, I was attracted to the marvelous research opportunities available for science majors.
My name is Wenting. I’m from China. I am majoring in Business Administration and this is my second semester here. This is a nice place with great people and a wonderful environment. I have come here to fulfill my dream, and I love HSU!
Hi I am XiaoYing and am studying English and Sociology here. I am outgoing and friendly to everyone! I like movies, music, and books. I love dogs and I have one. I love him so much! I like meeting people who are talkative and outgoing like me. I love Humboldt, I love HOP! Can't wait to meet you.
HOP Office Staff
Bret Jacobson, HSU Ambassador Coordinator
Hello! My name is Bret Jacobson and I am currently a junior here at HSU. I am studying Sociology and considering a minor in Philosophy as well. I come from Temecula, CA which is about 60 miles north of San Diego, but I have lived around the United States and a few places outside the United States. So far my time at HSU has been the best experiences of my life and cannot wait to see what my future holds.
Tommy Takahashi, HOP Student Counselor Coordinator
My name is Tommy Takahashi and I a third year here at HSU. I am from sunny Torrance, CA which is a beach city in Los Angeles. I am currently a major in Critical Race, Gender, and Sexuality Studies with a Concentration in Ethnic Studies and minors in both Multicultural Queer Studies and Ethnic American Literature. I am currently the Gamma in the Chi Phi Fraternity and the Chair to the Unified Greek Council. This is my third year working with HOP and I love every minute of it.
Marissa Mourer, HOP Coordinator
Masters: Library Science, 2010; Education, 2006
Bachelors:Journalism, 2002, Humboldt State University!!
One of the best decisions that I've ever made was to study at HSU as an undergraduate! After some globe-trotting, I love being back at HSU! It's a joy to work with outstanding student leaders, give back to a great university, and to walk through the woods to the beach after work each day.
