Peer Counselor: Erika Gonzalez Zepeda

My name is Erika Gonzalez Zepeda, and I’m your first-period peer counselor! I’m super excited to start this new school year with you all. I’m a really outgoing person—I love talking and getting to know new people. Most people describe me as charismatic, bubbly, and really loving. I’m proudly Mexican (Jalisciense), and even though I’ve been living in the U.S. for 10 years, I still speak Spanish perfectly, which I’m really proud of. I love where I come from, and my culture means a lot to me. Here at Olympian, I try to stay involved as much as I can. I’m part of Link Crew, Dance Co, and the Aux Club. I also did girls flag football and even tried a little bit of wrestling. One of my favorite things I’m part of is APM (Advanced Peer Mediation). Outside of school, I love going to the gym, cooking (my favorite thing to make is taquitos dorados de carne or pollo), doing my makeup, and learning more about it. I also love music—Grupo Frontera is my favorite, and I would absolutely love to go to one of their concerts and scream every song. After high school, I want to go to SDSU or a community college and study psychology. I’ve always been really interested in understanding people and why they do the things they do. I’m super excited to be your peer counselor this year, and I really hope I can help make this school year a great one for you and for me. Just remember: “The difference between a good and a bad day is your attitude.” 

Peer Counselor: Ariel Thomas

Hey Eagles! I’m Ariel, The period 2 Peer Counselor! At school, I am the vice president of the Fashion Club. I also am taking Advanced Peer Mediation to continue my personal growth and ability to help others! The Peer Mediation experience has taught me so much and will be an experience I’m always grateful for; not only because it helped me personally but also gave me the chance to do this! Next, outside of school, I play volleyball for Storm VBC. In my free time, I love listening to music, watching TV and movies, sewing, fashion design, playing instruments, gaming, and more! A fun fact about me is that I’ve wanted to be a PC since freshmen year! In the future, I want to major in psychology and pursue a career in family and marriage therapy. Helping others emotionally has been one of my biggest passions since I was young and I’m so happy I get to share that with all of you! 

Peer Counselor: Mariana Lopez Rivera

Hello everyone! I'm Mariana, your period 3 Peer Counselor! You may also know me from the stage, as I've been a proud member of the Advanced Drama program for three years now. Or maybe you'll be seeing me at Breaking Down the Barriers, as I'm currently in the Advanced Peer Mediation class. You might also find me at the Anime Club room every week if you'd like as I've been president since my freshman year. When I'm not at school, I love to sing, write, paint, and play video games if I'm not out with my friends, family, or dog somewhere. I'm very passionate about the arts, but I'm also passionate about mental health and my peers' well-being. One of my dreams is to see all the people around me happy and free from the unnecessary stresses life throws at us. You can bet that anything you go through, I'll understand and do my best to help you feel seen and heard about. Peer Mediation has helped me find a big part of myself I thought I lost during the 2020 pandemic, and I have grown a big love for helping others because of the class. Because of this, I'm super mega EXTRA excited to be your peer counselor! I'm always working on becoming an even better version of me I can be and making sure I get helped as much as I can help you. I don't think you can find a room more welcoming than our office here on campus, and you can count on our door will always be open for anything you need! Love you lots, and I hope to see you here soon! 

"Everything's a process; do your best to push it in the right direction."