Who Are the FPF Peer Mentors?
Peer Mentors are former Fall Program for First Semester students who serve as resources for prospective and current FPF students by answering questions, participating in events and workshops, and sharing their personal experiences in FPF.
Meet the FPF Peer Mentors
Andrea Castro
Hi! My name is Andrea Castro (she/her/ella) and I'm a sophomore from the Bay Area! I am a political science major with a minor in science, technology and society. I am involved in Raices, BSP, ASUC and SSRF. In my free time I enjoy reading, hiking and exploring the bay! I wanted to become an ambassador and share the amazing advising and resources FPF offers, so feel free to ask any questions (especially if you can't decide on your major!! I've switched over 5 times). Have a great year and #Go Bears!!
Annoshae Mirza
Hi, everyone! My name is Annoshae (she/her) and I’m a freshman from Chicago. I’m studying linguistics and Russian studies. Beyond the FPF program, I’m the president of GeoGuessr Club, a member of the Berkeley Quiz Bowl team, an editor for the Vagabond multilingual literary journal and on the board of the Pakistani Students Association. I love learning languages, reading books and exploring the Bay Area as a non-native Californian. If you want to know what it’s like to go from FPF to a really small major department, or if you just want to talk, please reach out!
Cia Chau
Hello loves: I'm Cia! I'm a pre-med student originally from New York City (secondary and high school) and Sydney, Australia (pre- and primary). Aside from FPF, I am involved with the Memory and Aging Center at UCSF, the Cognition and Action Lab at Berkeley and am a public health teaching assistant; I'm also part of the Asian American Association's cabinet, Greek life and a whole multitude of pre-med clubs on campus, so definitely a fun list. I have a really diverse set of interests (a few of my favourite things: neuroscience, concerts/raves, the Big Bang Theory and dancing) and above all, I love talking, so definitely reach out to chat (doesn't have to just be academic!!).
Hailie Atkinson
Hi everyone! I’m Hailie, a sophomore from Monterey Bay studying cognitive science and computer science. On campus, I’m really involved in tech consulting, theater, DEI, ethical finance and Greek life. Professionally, I aim to build tech products at the intersection of innovation, inclusivity and impact within the tech and fintech industry. In my free time I love doing anything related to the performing arts, nature and food! Feel free to ask me any questions about absolutely anything!
Micah Green
Hi! My name is Micah and I am from Los Angeles, California. I am double majoring in film and political science, and I love watching movies, exploring the bay and keeping up with current events. I joined FPF because I felt that I wanted to help new Berkeley students have the same help with transitioning from high school to college that I received. Feel free to ask me any questions you may have!
Osayd Asif Bashir
Hello, my name is Osayd Asif and I am a senior from Karachi, Pakistan, intending to major in business administration. With my outgoing personality and avid passion for design, I aim to explore the effects of technology on business around the world. Apart from working on my startups, I love going on hikes, taking pictures of the sunset, and spending time outdoors with friends.
Former FPF student testimonials
“I feel that FPF truly helped my transition from high school to college due to the overwhelming support and opportunities given by the program. This semester was difficult to begin with, but I don't think I would've succeeded in the same way without this program.”
—Emily Nightingale, FPF Cohort 2020
“I would recommend FPF to anyone who is worried about the transition to college, especially if they're first-generation and may not have a lot of support and advice back home. FPF's smaller classes and more accessible resources not only make the transition easier and less overwhelming but provide many resources to help you!”
—Jackie Yu, FPF Cohort 2019
“FPF was the best decision I made in college thus far. The professors were amazing and I built real connections with them. I made lifelong friends. The classes were challenging and pushed me to strive to be better.”
—Sophanit Getahoun, FPF Cohort 2018
“FPF was a very tight knit community—one where everyone knew each other and shared similar dynamics to high school. I found the courses to be very intriguing but that was thanks to the excellent professors, maybe I was just lucky. I actually also met my best friend through FPF—I really can't say enough great things about FPF and really cherish that chapter of my life.”
—Andy Qi, FPF Cohort 2010