Your Resident Assistants (RAs) are UCSB and SBCC students who are trained 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.
aelemen@tropicanastudentliving.com
Hello, everyone! My name is Anaztajia. I am from San Jose, California, and I will be starting my 4th year at Santa Barbara City College this year. Currently, I am studying both Administration of Justice and Sociology. I love roller skating, reading books, hanging out with friends, playing Just Dance (2022 & 2023), and going for walks with my crazy pup, Frankee! As a 3rd-year RA, please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need any help. I’m here as a resource to ensure you have a fun, safe, and successful year! I am super excited to meet all of you!
jgregory@tropicanastudentliving.com
Hey guys my name is Jordan! I’m from Hemet, California and I will be going into my third year as a History major at UCSB. In my spare time I like to ride my motorcycle, watch movies, and hang out with my friends. My favorite genre of movies is horror and when hanging out with my friends getting food is a must. A couple facts about me is that being half Filipino my favorite food is kare-kare and I plan on continuing school after my undergrad. I’m looking forward to meeting you all and I can’t wait to help guide you through this upcoming year.
jiraheta@tropicanastudentliving.com
Hello, my name is Jonathan Iraheta. I’m from Los Angeles, CA, specifically Boyle Heights. I’m currently a 3rd-year at UC Santa Barbara majoring in communications. Aside from being an RA, I’m also on the board of the Latino Business Association, so one can surmise I’m an advocate for the community! Two fun facts about me are that I’ve been boxing for almost 3 years and won valedictorian in my freshman year of high school. I hope to make your time at Tropicana memorable and to make you feel at home in this residence.
mjurney@tropicanastudentliving.com
Hi, y’all! My name is Maia, and my hometown is Lake Oswego, Oregon. I’m a second-year student at UCSB, where I’m majoring in Political Science and Sociology. I grew up playing soccer and basketball competitively, and I try my best to continue staying active by running and hiking! Although most of the time, you’ll find me on the couch rewatching romantic comedies from the ’80s. I’m super excited to spend the next year with you. Welcome to Tropicana!
iloredo@tropicanastudentliving.com
Hey, guys! My name is Irasema, and I am from Newport Beach, California. I am 20 years old and attending my second year at UCSB. My major is biochemistry, so if you ever have questions about prerequisites or need gen chem advice, feel free to ask! Whenever I have free time, I love watching the sunset, having dinner with friends, or watching my favorite shows such as New Girl, Suits, and many more. I look forward to meeting and getting to know all our new residents!
anguyen@tropicanastudentliving.com
Hey! My name is Annie, and I am from Garden Grove, CA. I will be starting my second year at UCSB with a major in biology. I love trying out new foods, and my favorites are boba and sushi! Some of my other hobbies include dancing and photography. I am also an ENFJ, so I am always excited to meet new people and talk! I hope to spend this year becoming friends with all our residents, so let’s have a great year together!
nmcgrath@tropicanastudentliving.com
Hello, my name is Niamh, pronounced (Neeve)! I am from Los Angeles, California, and currently attending my second year of Justice studies at SBCC. I love to travel and see different parts of the world. I enjoy anything that can get me outside, such as hiking, swimming, and snowboarding. I also love all things movies and books. My favorite genres are psychological thrillers, romance, and comedies. I am excited and looking forward to building a community with all of you. Let’s make this year a fulfilling and successful experience.
droldan@tropicanastudentliving.com
Hello, everyone! My name is Dianna. I am from East Los Angeles, California, and I am 18 years old. I will be continuing as a second-year political science major at UCSB. I love playing both acoustic and electric guitar, as well as singing. A couple of random facts about me include that I enjoy almost every genre of music, ranging from mariachi to metal (yes, that includes country). I also have a pet dog named Luna and a pet chicken named Mocha. I look forward to meeting all of you and being your RA!
esilva@tropicanastudentliving.com
Hi guys! I’m Erick Silva, I’m from San Diego, California, I am 18 years old, and I am starting my 2nd year at UCSB pursuing a Biochemistry major. I enjoy playing soccer, spending afternoons at the beach to skim board and trying new things. A fun fact about myself is I am a huge “dad-rock” fan, and it was my most listened to genre last year. I hope y’all have a good first year and get the most out of the Tropicana experience! Best of luck!
isutherland@tropicanastudentliving.com
Hey, everyone! My name is Isabel. I’m from Porterville, California, and I’m heading into my fourth year as a Film & Media Studies major at UCSB. Shows that I currently love are The Bear and Reno 911. I’m always looking for recommendations, so feel free to offer any! My goal this year is to go to the beach more often and pick up surfing. I look forward to meeting our residents for the 2023-2024 school year!
ntait@tropicanastudentliving.com
Hello! My name is Nicholas Tait, and I’m from Walnut Creek, California. I now happily attend Santa Barbara City College, and I am going into my second year of college. I am studying Business Administration in hopes of becoming a successful business owner. In my free time, I enjoy learning new skills, going to the gym, and meeting new people. All summer, I have been looking forward to returning home and jumping into this new chapter of my life headfirst. I am excited to be sharing it with all of you!