About Us
Where We Started
The Longhorn SHARE Project got its start in Fall 2021 in the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ten student leaders came together to form the Peer Support Student Advisory Group, which met weekly to share ideas, develop the infrastructure of the program, train in peer support skills, and seek peer feedback. Training curriculum was collaboratively developed to prepare cohorts of “SHARE Support Specialists” who would be recruited from across campus each year. The name “Longhorn SHARE Project” was chosen to emphasize the reciprocal nature of peer support and the impact of social connection and community-care on mental health.
SHARE formally launched in Fall 2022 with the first full cohort of trained SHARE Support Specialists, and soon added a student organization – Longhorn SHARE Connections – for students interested in alternative ways to embed peer support and connection experiences at UT outside of our main offerings. Each year a new SHARE Student Advisory Group continues to work closely with program staff to ensure our spaces, training, and culture remain vibrant, accessible, and responsive to the needs of our campus community.
SHARE Support Specialists
Our SHARE Support Specialists come from a variety of personal and academic backgrounds and all have completed at least one full semester of training in peer support and communication skills, including group facilitation, active listening, motivational interviewing, nonviolent communication, and more!
Learn more about our current Specialists by perusing their bios and interest areas below.
Saniya Ali
she/her/hers
Spoken languages: English, Urdu
Interests
- Adjusting to UT
- Imposter syndrome
- Break-ups/friendship conflict
- Loneliness/isolation
- Living through traumatic experiences
- Managing depression, grief, or loss
- Perfectionism/Fear of failure
Biography
Hi everyone! My name is Saniya Ali and I am a Senior Economics B.S major from Austin, Texas! I joined SHARE as I wanted to find a supportive community to connect with students, learn more about mental health, and help others find a safe space at UT. As a Peer Support Specialist, I aim to contribute to the inclusive spaces where others feel heard and safe to be their authentic selves. Having an understanding and welcoming community has been an uplifting and healing experience for me and I aspire to help other students feel that sense of belonging. Outside of SHARE, I am an academic tutor, a member of Texas Women in Economics, and in my free time I love skating, running, swimming, hanging out with friends and being outdoors.
Maya Arredondo
she/her/hers
Spoken languages: French, English
Interests
- Motivation & goal-setting
- Perfectionism/fear of failure
- Academic stress/pressure
- Body image; Social anxiety/rejection
- Self-worth & confidence
- Social anxiety/rejection
- Managing anxiety
Biography
My name is Maya Arredondo, and I study International Relations, Sociology, and French and aspire to study law in the future. I joined SHARE with the aim of creating inclusive spaces that embrace my own lived experiences and the experiences of others. By bridging the gap between professional mental health services and community support, I hope to be a resource for all individuals. One of my goals is to increase awareness of the numerous resources available to students and to equip peers with the necessary tools to take care of themselves and others. Additionally, I aspire to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health, fostering open and honest conversations. Through my empathetic approach, I want to empower those around me to engage in discussions and form genuine connections! I am an empathetic, encouraging, and motivated person for anyone seeking mental health support. I believe that together, we will make a positive impact on the well-being for our community and be agents of positive change in Texas and beyond.
Ishan Baker
he/him
Spoken languages: English
Interests
- Overcoming mental health stigma
- Managing anxiety
- Social anxiety/rejection
- Imposter syndrome
- Loneliness/isolation
- Perfectionism/fear of failure
- Motivation & goal-setting
Biography
Hey y’all, I’m Ishan!! I’m a second-year Neuro major from Houston. I have long been passionate about mental health and breaking the stigma associated with it, which is what drew me to SHARE. Having dealt with my own struggles with anxiety, loneliness, and lack of motivation, I understand the importance of seeking help not only from professionals, but also friends. Whether you want to solve a problem, vent, or anything in between, I’m eager to be that friend. I hope to create a safe space where everyone feels empowered to be themselves and express themselves freely. Aside from mental health, I’m passionate about music, sports, food, and spending time with loved ones. I look forward to making a difference in people’s lives in the same positive way that SHARE has done for me. :)
Krish Bangur
he/him
Spoken languages: Hindi, English
Interests
- Adjusting to UT
- Perfectionism / Fear of failure
- Imposter syndrome / competition
- Overcoming mental health stigma
- Building healthy relationships
- Mindfulness
- Embracing ethnic / cultural identity
Biography
Hey! I’m Krish Bangur, a second-year Neuroscience major from Coppell, TX. I joined the SHARE Project because I’ve seen the importance of mental health firsthand. I believe a safe space that allows us to be ourselves is crucial for healing, and SHARE provides just that! Through SHARE, I hope to create welcoming environments where everyone feels comfortable and at liberty to express their true identity. I am passionate about fostering an inclusive community and I am honored to support others on their mental health journeys. No matter the situation, I’m always read to talk and listen. In my free time, I enjoy biking, working out, listening to music, watching sports and TV shows.
Chandni Bhagtaney
she/they
Spoken languages: English
Interests
- Loneliness/isolation
- Managing depression, grief or loss
- Body image; Self-worth & confidence
- Academic stress/pressure
- Perfectionism/fear of failure
- Supporting friends/family
Biography
Hi, I’m Chandni, a senior pre-medical student from Sugar Land, Texas. I’m majoring in Public Health and I'm also in the Health Science Scholars Program. I joined SHARE because I wanted to further the efforts of the university to foster a safe space for discussions about mental health using peer-based support. I hope to make my fellow Longhorns feel less alone in whatever they’re experiencing and increase awareness about the resources that are available to them. I recognize the value of simply having someone to talk to, and I intend to lend an ear whenever possible.
Pierce Cedillo
she/they
Spoken languages:English
Interests
- Body Image
- Break-ups & Friend Conflicts
- LGBTQIA+ concerns
- Familial / Cultural Conflict
- First-Gen Experiences
- Managing depression, grief or loss
- Physical & Spiritual Wellness
Biography
Hello. My name is Pierce and I am a Senior with a focus in Studio Arts and Race, Indigeniety & Migration. I am from the beautiful city of San Antonio (Westside). I am currently an intern at the Red Salmon Arts, a community space for Chicano/a/x and Indigenous interests, as well as a SHARE Support Specialist here on campus. My interests involve journaling, weightlifting, listening to music and being around my loving friends. SHARE has been an uplifting & informative experience on mental & emotional health. This has been important for me to learn as I grow up, and is something I hope to share with everyone who connect with our program!
Christa Coe
she/her
Spoken languages: English
Interests
- Mindfulness
- Identifying Emotions
- Perfectionism / Fear of Failure
- Confidence / Self-Worth
- Physical & Spiritual Wellness
- Familial/Cultural Conflict
- Imposter Syndrome
Biography
Howdy! I’m Christa and I am a third-year psychology, pre-med, student from Dallas. Aside from SHARE, I am in Texas Darlins and Youth Justice Alliance, as well as the Beer Self-Regulation Lab. My favorite hobbies are reading, journaling, dancing, and watching sports (PLEASE ask me about any of the Dallas sports teams)! I joined SHARE to help support others in my community with mental health and play a role in making UT a little bit smaller by helping students find a safe space at the university. I think in lifting others up, I can support their journey in developing confidence and understanding of the respect they deserve. Part of my own journey has been navigating the kindness I strive to give and receive from others, particularly in spaces where kindness is not a given. Thankfully SHARE exists and has allowed me to be as soft as I’d like to be.
Shreya Dheenan
she/her
Spoken languages: Tamil, English
Interests
- Perfectionism/fear of failure
- Imposter syndrome
- Academic stress/pressure
- Exploring life purpose
- Identifying emotions
- Supporting friends/family
- Managing anxiety
Biography
Hi! I’m Shreya and my pronouns are she/her. I’m a junior Public Health student on the pre-med track. I love reading, watching movies/TV shows, cooking different cuisines, and I’m huge soccer fan! I joined SHARE to be a part of a supportive community that promotes mental health, especially in the stressful setting of a university. I hope to create a safe space at UT for my peers that can allow them to navigate their mental health journey in a comfortable and supportive environment!
Essie Diaz Perdomo
she/her
Spoken languages: English, Spanish
Interests
- Confidence & self-worth
- Loneliness/isolation
- Building healthy relationships
- Exploring life purpose
- LGBTQIA+ concerns
- Familial/cultural conflict
- Managing depression, grief, or loss
Biography
Howdy! I’m Essie, a junior Psychology Major and Healthcare Reform & Innovation Minor from Houston, TX. I’m involved all over campus, including with the Liberal Arts Council, Texas Student Psychological Association, TIES Lab, and Always Texas. I joined SHARE out of a passionate desire to connect with others and belief in community as an essential, healing force. SHARE has played an integral role in my personal journey, giving me a space to embrace my grief and grow towards joy. I hope to extend the same empathetic, nonjudgemental warmth I’ve experienced through SHARE to others.
Kaili Doble
she/her
Spoken languages: English, Spanish
Interests
- Perfectionism/fear of failure
- Imposter syndrome
- Managing anxiety
- Loneliness/isolation
- Building healthy relationships
- LGBTQIA+ concerns
- Familial/cultural conflict
Biography
Hi there! I’m Kaili, a senior Psychology (BA) major minoring in Educational Psychology. I became a Peer Support Specialist because attending SHARE Communities made such a positive impact on my college experience. I am passionate about the power of community in supporting one another and working together toward growth and healing. As a Peer Support Specialist, I hope to help create spaces where people feel seen, heard, and safe to express themselves, be vulnerable, and be authentically themselves. Outside of SHARE, I am a TA, a research assistant for the TIES Lab, a Women in Psychology member, and a social officer for embrACE (a social org for aromantic and/or asexual students). My hobbies include baking, playing cozy games, watching movies/TV, listening to music (especially Chappell Roan, Laufey, and Janelle Monáe), watching and listening to musicals (Hadestown and In the Heights are my favorites), and being a silly goose with my friends.
Sydney Fuller
she/they
Spoken languages: English
Interests
- LGBTQIA+ concerns
- Neurodiversity
- Confidence & self-worth
- Building healthy relationships
- Social anxiety/rejection sensitivity
- Overcoming mental health stigma
- Physical wellness
Biography
Hello! My name is Sydney and I am a third-year Psychology student. I joined SHARE to create welcoming spaces on campus that prioritize the well-being of fellow students. The various stressors and traumas that we face can be difficult to cope with, especially in unsupportive, stigmatizing environments. By providing compassionate support to my peers, I hope that I can help make coping with life’s difficulties a little bit easier. My goal as a SHARE Support Specialist is to encourage experiences that foster safety and connection through authenticity and vulnerability. When connecting with my peers, I hope to reduce shame and amplify compassion toward oneself and others. As a queer person who has struggled with my mental health, community care is and has been essential to my healing journey, and it brings me so much joy to be a part of a program committed to cultivating such care.
Grant Grissom
he/him
Spoken languages: English
Interests
- Perfectionism/fear of failure
- Academic stress/pressure
- Adjusting to UT
- Social anxiety/rejection sensitivity
- Self-worth & confidence
- Supporting friends/family
- Managing anxiety
Biography
Hey! My name is Grant and I’m majoring in Radio-Television-Film. I joined SHARE my freshman year because I really resonated with the idea of promoting connectivity and establishing support networks through communities of shared experiences. I’ve always loved getting to meet people and finding ways to connect with them, and SHARE seemed like the best place to apply that desire to a mission that is for the betterment of my community. I hope that through this program I am able to help people take on new perspectives of the world around them, then use those perspectives to better connect with others. Coming from my own experience, I know how scary it is to watch things change around me, and I hope that through SHARE I can help facilitate that process for others and help them find support in situations where they may feel alone. Back home I’m in a band with my sister and some friends, so if you ever wanna talk music, I’m always happy to lend an ear!
Andi Gutierrez
she/her
Spoken languages: English
Interests
- Perfectionism / Fear of failure
- Imposter syndrome / competition
- Body image
- Break ups / friendship conflict
- Overcoming mental health stigma
- LGBTQIA+ concerns
Biography
Hello! My name is Andi and I am a second-year Public Health Major. I decided to join SHARE and become a Support Specialist because I’ve always valued and prioritized mental health. As someone who has struggled with mental health, I want to be able to help others by providing support and listening. I aim to make a safe space where we can grow together and build a sense of community. Some facts about me are that I am queer, I am Hispanic, I have BPD, I love music, and I love meeting people. I’m always open to talk and I look forward to meeting everyone!
Belle Hazzard
she/her
Spoken languages: English
Interests
- Imposter syndrome
- Body image
- Break-ups/friendship conflict
- Confidence & self-worth
- Loneliness/isolation
- Building healthy relationships
- Exploring life purpose
- Managing depression
- Physical + spiritual wellness
Biography
Hi y’all! My name is Belle and I’m a junior Plan II and Psychology major. I am incredibly passionate about building safe spaces where every individual can feel supported, understood, and heard, and I am interested most in what connects us through our unique experiences and stories. SHARE has given me the opportunity to reach out to my community—you all—and I am honored to take part in the vulnerability, growth, and healing that takes place in these spaces. I am here to understand others and to be understood as a fellow person going through life. My goal especially is to foster a space where everyone feels they can be heard and supported as their authentic selves. Outside of SHARE, I love to run, read, and get outside!
Elyse Hopfe
she/her
Spoken languages: English
Interests
- Comparison/competition/social media
- Adjusting to UT, Body image concerns
- LGBTQIA+ concerns
- Neurodiversity
- Living through traumatic experiences
Biography
My name is Elyse and I’m a Public Relations major! I decided to join SHARE to become a Support Specialist because of how crucial human connections are to our lives. I have always wanted and needed a space full of people who I can relate to and grow with… and here it is! I hope to make known to my peers that I am that someone who is waiting to understand them. Some facts about me are that I love fashion, I’m queer, I write fiction, I love TV shows, I have ADHD, I’m extroverted, and I’ve been into dance for over a decade.
Sandra Isiguzo
she/they
Spoken languages: English
Interests
- Perfectionism/fear of failure
- Adjusting to UT
- Racial trauma/minority stress
- Embracing ethnic/cultural identity
- Finding community at UT
- Loneliness/isolation
- Identifying emotions
Biography
Hello! I’m Sandra Isiguzo, a fourth-year Neuroscience major pursuing a Health Communcation certificate. I’m from Houston, TX, and was raised in a Nigerian immigrant household. Growing up, I didn’t have the tools or space to openly express my emotions. I thought bottling them up was the best thing that I could do. At UT I quickly learned that was actually very detrimental to my wellbeing. SHARE allowed me to realize the importance of embracing vulnerability. I was given resources, tools, and a nonjudgmental space to talk about my feelings with my peers. There is something very empowering about having your feelings validated by others who have gone or are going through the same experiences. My goal is for everyone to have access to these little safe havens and to cultivate a space full of healing and growth.
Riley Jorgenson
she/her
Spoken languages: English
Interests
- Perfectionism/fear of failure
- Academic stress/pressure
- Body image
- Loneliness/ isolation
- Self-worth & confidence
- Managing anxiety
Biography
My name is Riley, and I am double majoring in Psychology and Human Development & Family Sciences; I am also in the Liberal Arts Honors Program. I joined SHARE because I wanted to help foster a community that allows students (myself included) to feel supported. Support and reciprocity have been crucial to my mental health journey, so I want to share these values with others. My ultimate goal is to utilize my experiences to help support others in their journey. I am excited to meet new people, support my peers, and learn from their experiences. When I’m not in SHARE or school, I like to bake, read, and listen to Taylor Swift or Harry Styles!
Harsha Ketavarapu
she/her
Spoken languages: English, Telugu
Interests
- Perfectionism/fear of failure
- Imposter syndrome
- Academic stress/pressure
- Adjusting to UT
- Loneliness/isolation
- Social anxiety/rejection
- Self-worth & confidence
Biography
My name is Harsha and I'm a Psychology major with a Journalism minor! I joined the SHARE Project because of my passion to connect with my peers and to create a more inclusive, uplifting campus environment. Throughout the program, I hope to encourage open-minded conversations about mental health and support my peers by reminding them that they're not alone. I believe that SHARE offers a unique opportunity for all of us to truly empower, learn, and grow from each other. For that reason, I am hoping that I can help foster community and provide a safe space for my peers to freely express their stories and identities.
Khanh Lai
she/her
Spoken languages: English
Interests
- Perfectionism / fear of failure
- Comparison / competition / social media
- Body image
- Familial/cultural conflict
- Building healthy relationships
- Social anxiety / rejection
- Self-worth / Confidence
Biography
I’m a fourth-year Psychology major pursuing a Pre-Health Professions minor and certificates in Forensic Science and Health Communication. My own struggles with mental health made me want to support as many people as possible. I know how validating and comforting someone’s presence can be, and I’m hoping I can be that presence for my fellow UT students, especially those in the pre-health and/or STEM community. I joined a support group in Spring 2022 and it was one of the most impactful experiences I’ve had since coming to college. It was a constant in my week when I could listen to others, be heard, and be accepted. This led me to join the Longhorn SHARE Project, and I'm incredibly excited to continue talking about mental health and increase our connections across campus.
Erin Lamas
she/her
Spoken languages: English
Interests
- Overcoming mental health stigma
- Exploring meaning of life
- First-gen experiences
- Familial / cultural conflict
- Neurodiverse experiences
- Building healthy relationships
- Identifying emotions
- Supporting friends or family
- Mindfulness
Biography
Hello! My name is Erin Lamas and I am a third year Sociology major here at UT. I joined SHARE looking for a safe, inviting space to have open and meaningful conversations about mental health with other students, and I have absolutely found those aspects in SHARE. My goal is to create spaces for my peers to feel seen, heard, validated, and completely comfortable in sharing their experiences and struggles. I really prioritize inclusion and want to make sure no one is left feeling unheard. I'm a big people person, so I'm very excited to meet more students in the UT community and have healing, fulfilling conversations :).
Catherine Liu
she/her
Spoken languages: English
Interests
- Body Image
- Imposter syndrome / competition
- Confidence & self-worth
- Comparison / social media issues
- Familial / cultural conflict
- Embracing ethnic / cultural identity
Biography
Hi! My name is Catherine, and I’m a fourth-year Psychology major pursuing the Elements of Computing certificate and Educational Psychology minor. I joined SHARE because I wanted to help create a safe space where fellow students could find connection, community, and support. I want to encourage open conversations about mental health and well-being, and I hope to positively impact other people’s lives the way that SHARE did for me. My goal is to ensure that peers feel included, seen, and heard in their experiences. Outside of SHARE, I’m a volunteer psychology research assistant, and I’m the managing co-director of Silk Club. In my free time, I like to draw and crochet!
Ishwori Mukherjee
she/her
Spoken languages: English
Interests
- Perfectionism / fear of failure
- Social anxiety / rejection sensitivity
- Managing Depression/ grief / loss
- Loneliness / Isolation
- Exploring life purpose
Biography
Hiii! My name is Ishwori, and I am a third-year psychology major also minoring in philosophy from Austin, Texas. I joined the SHARE Project because I deeply resonate with its mission to create safe spaces that foster genuine connections and authentic conversations. I aim to help cultivate such spaces, allowing for meaningful discussions that validate both shared and unique experiences. I am very passionate about mental health and I believe community care is a profoundly effective method for nurturing well-being. Through SHARE, I look forward to making new connections, learning from others, and growing together in our mental health/well-being journeys!
Rebecca Oladejo
she/her
Spoken languages: English
Interests
- Overcoming mental health stigma
- Comparison / competition / social media
- Adjusting to UT
- Body image
- Racial trauma / minority stress
- Embracing ethnic / cultural identity(ies)
- Self-worth & confidence
Biography
My name is Rebecca Oladejo, and I am a third year Advertising and Music double major. I joined SHARE because I wanted to advocate and create inclusive, supportive communities for students of underrepresented groups at UT Austin. Through SHARE, I hope to contribute towards a safe space where my peers can freely express themselves and feel heard in a world that may not always be open ears. Outside of SHARE, I love finding different ways to be creative through music and self-expression!
Nick Overturf
he/him
Spoken languages: English, Spanish
Interests
- Overcoming mental health stigma
- Imposter syndrome
- Managing anxiety
- Exploring life purpose
- First-gen experiences
- Mindfulness
- Spiritual wellness
- Substance misuse / recovery
Biography
What’s up! I’m Nick, a fourth-year Psych major from Houston. In my free time, I can be found at concerts, paddleboarding, or thrifting around Austin. I am also passionate about creative outlets like photography and music. Since joining, SHARE has introduced me to unique perspectives through insightful conversations, bonding through open communication, and a safe space where I can authentically express myself. The SHARE community is full of genuine and lovely people, and we would love for you to get involved!
Dona Ravandi
she/her
Spoken languages: English
Interests
- Motivation/goal-setting
- Exploring meaning of life
- uilding healthy relationships
- Managing anxiety
- Managing depression/grief
- Living through traumatic experiences
- Mindfulness
Biography
Hi there! My name is Dona, and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I'm majoring in Nursing, English Honors, and Public Health, and I'm so happy that you visited the SHARE website. I joined SHARE as a sophomore, looking for a community where I could help foster an inclusive environment for students to share (no pun intended) their experiences, learn from one another, and make lasting friendships. By increasing accessibility to these safe spaces, especially regarding our amazing SHARE Communities, I hope to positively impact my fellow Longhorns through this program!
Mary Riley
she/her
Spoken languages: English
Interests
- Managing depression, grief, or loss
- Loneliness / Isolation
- Body image
- Spiritual wellness
- Physical wellness
- Neurodiversity
- Exploring life purpose
Biography
Hi folks, I’m Mary! My major is Youth & Community Studies with minors in Educational Psychology as well as Kinesiology & Health Education. As a fifth-year senior, the courses that I have taken in the field of education have taught me the importance of growth and development through connections with one another. I’ve found that my own college experience has been sustained by emotional support from my peers and mentors; we can’t do this alone. This is why I joined the wonderful people in the Longhorn SHARE project. Some other things that make me who I am include spending time with a queer-affirming church community on campus as well as appreciating all things fine arts. I plan to work towards a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling once I graduate. But for now, I am excited to collaborate with you as a peer-support specialist– and, of course, as your friend.
Evelin Ruiz Crisostomo
she/her
Spoken languages: Spanish, English
Interests
- International or immigrant adjustment
- Racial trauma / minority stress
- LBGTQIA+ concerns
- Loneliness / isolation
- Motivation & goal-setting
- Imposter syndrome / competition
- First-gen experiences
Biography
Hi there! I’m Evelin, a third-year psychology student, originally from Oaxaca, Mexico, but I have now made Sherman, Texas my home. I first joined SHARE through the student org, Longhorn SHARE Connections, where I got to experience some of the support provided by SHARE and met some amazing people. I was moved to join the Longhorn SHARE Project because of my own experiences dealing with stigma in mental health and my desire to contribute in making this a safe space for diverse identities by bringing my experiences as an undocumented immigrant to the project. I hope to make a meaningful impact on the lives of students and make campus a more welcoming and empowering space during my time with SHARE. Outside of SHARE, I love to read, read, and read, especially mystery and fantasy!
Maumita Sadhukhan
she/her
Spoken languages: Bengali, English, Spanish
Interests
- Motivation/goal-setting
- Perfectionism/fear of failure
- Imposter syndrome
- Body image; Family conflict
- Embracing ethnic/cultural identity
- Loneliness/isolation
- Self-worth & confidence
- Managing anxiety
- Mindfulness
- Physical wellness
Biography
Hi! I’m Maumita, a fourth-year Public Health major on the pre-med track. I have always been interested in how people behave and respond to the environment around them, which is what led me to the Longhorn SHARE Project. I joined SHARE to help foster a more supportive community that is receptive to the mental health needs of students at UT Austin. I hope to both make my peers aware of the numerous resources available to them and to equip them with the necessary tools to take care of themselves and others. I know what it feels like to bottle up your emotions and feel alone, which is why I would like to facilitate safe spaces for students to find their community. Outside of SHARE, I am involved in the Natural Sciences Council, Student Health Advisory Committee, Health Careers Mentorship Program, and Austin Sunshine Camps. I also love to run, read, and explore Austin!
Tarunika Sasikumar
she/her
Spoken languages: Tamil, English
Interests
- Body Image
- Imposter Syndrome/Competition
- Academic Stress/Pressure
- Loneliness/Isolation
- Building Healthy Relationships
- Social Anxiety/Rejection
Biography
Hi! My name is Tarunika Sasikumar and I am a junior Public Health major and Pre-PA student from Long Island, New York. I joined SHARE so that I can experience the value of peer support and to promote mental well-being on campus! I recognize the significance of being a supportive presence for others, and I strive to be that comforting figure whenever I can. Aside from SHARE, I am a clinical assistant at a pediatrics clinic and a member of Texas AED! Some of my hobbies include reading, trying out new food, and going on walks. I'm always down to chat and talk about anything!
Jennifer Solis
she/her
Spoken languages: Spanish, English
Interests
- Imposter syndrome
- First-gen experiences
- Social anxiety/rejection
- Self-worth & confidence
- Managing anxiety
- Mindfulness
- Physical wellness
Biography
Hi, I’m Jennifer, a junior pre-PA student from Richmond, Texas! I’m majoring in Human Development and Family Sciences with a minor in Sociology. I became a part of SHARE with the intention of nurturing a secure space to discuss mental health and advocating for the necessary resources to facilitate such conversations. My goal is to establish a welcoming haven where my fellow peers can openly share their challenges and concerns without fear of judgment. Outside of SHARE, I am the Vice President of the Latinx Health Professionals Organization (LHPO) and an undergraduate research assistant for Project JUNTOS, which focuses on the well-being of Latinx/Hispanic students.
JJ Song
he/him
Spoken languages: English, Korean
Interests
- Motivation / Goal Setting
- Perfectionism / Fear of Failure
- Imposter Syndrome
- Academic Stress
- Comparison / Social Media Issues
- Familial / Cultural Conflict
- Embracing Ethnic / Cultural identity
Biography
Hello! My name is JJ Song and I am a Junior Pre-Med HDFS major from Houston, Texas! I joined SHARE to systematically learn the basics of mental health and how to better communicate with myself and others. I hope to cultivate safe spaces wherever I go while we each traverse through our beautifully diverse journeys. Outside of SHARE, I am a part of the American Medical Student Association, Joint Medical Admissions Program, Camp KESEM, and Music United. I’m also an avid music listener (#1 Twenty One Pilots fan) and love practicing all things martial arts!
Deepa Sunkad
she/her
Spoken languages: Hindi, Kannada, English
Interests
- Motivation / Goal-setting
- Perfectionism / Fear of failure
- Imposter syndrome
- Academic stress or pressure
- Overcoming mental health stigma
- Comparison / Competition / Social media
- International or immigrant adjustment
Biography
Hello! My name is Deepa Sunkad. I am a Sophomore Biology major on the Pre-Med track. I enjoy reading , music and volunteering! I am I joined the SHARE Projects with the goal of learning more about the fundamentals of mental health and help my friends and peers on their mental health journeys. As a part of the SHARE Project I want to help cultivate a sense of community among students and create a safe and inclusive space for everyone to navigate their own mental health journeys. I look forward to meeting everyone!
Michelle Veneros
she/her
Spoken languages: Spanish and English
Interests
- Rejection sensitivity
- First-gen experiences
- LGBTQIA+ concerns
- Loneliness / isolation
Biography
Hi! I am Michelle, a second-year communication studies major and I am originally from Houston, TX. My motivation behind becoming a SHARE specialist was to support the universal need to feel seen, heard, and connected. My first year was full of adjustments and yet SHARE gave me a space that I felt completely myself in, regardless of my mood, I could always count on my community to let a giggle out in. Outside of SHARE, I am obsessed with dramatized reality shows, gaming videos and learning about various traditional cultural foods.
Robby Walia
he/him
Spoken languages: English, Some Hindi/Punjabi
Interests
- Perfectionism / Fear of failure
- Imposter syndrome / competition
- Loneliness / isolation
- Exploring life purpose
- First-gen experiences
Biography
My name is Harpreet Singh Walia, but I go by Robby. I am a Mathematics B.S. Major with a Business Minor from Fairfield, Tx. One fact to know about me is I am a loud and very extroverted person, so I am very hard to miss. I joined SHARE because I had a hard time adjusting to UT. I came in with all these expectations and fell flat on my face when I got here. SHARE gave me confidence with my own personality and creativity to both be myself in a lot of robotic classrooms. I hope this program grows and reaches out to more students like me who want to find their own personalities and let their own voices be heard.My interests outside of SHARE would be that I watch a lot of Formula 1 and the World Poker Tournament. Also, I try my best to learn more about my major every day with the help of a blackboard because I always carry around chalk.
Elijah Woodson
he/him
Spoken languages: English
Interests
- Perfectionism / Fear of failure
- Academic stress or pressure
- Racial trauma / Minority stress
- Finding community at UT Austin
- Social anxiety / Rejection sensitivity
- Supporting friends or family
- Managing anxiety
Biography
Hey everyone! My name is Elijah Woodson and I am a Junior Psychology B.A. major from Leander, (basically Austin) Texas! I joined SHARE because I was eager to find a space on campus where I could learn more about mental health and how to help my peers with their struggles. I love being part of SHARE because you are able to be your authentic self, and you can use that authenticity to relate to and help other members of the community! Outside of SHARE I am one of the TUBA! Head Section Leaders of the Longhorn Marching Band, the President of LHBlacks, a member of the Applied Psychology Lab, a lover of (almost) all music (my all-time favorite artist is Beyoncé), avid sunrise/sunset enjoyer, and die-hard fan of In-n-Out!!
Alexa Yeager
she/her
Spoken languages: English
Interests
- Perfectionism / fear of failure
- Imposter syndrome
- Social anxiety
- Confidence & self-worth
- Loneliness / isolation
- Building healthy relationships
- Exploring life purpose
Biography
Hi everyone! My name’s Alexa! I’m a junior majoring in Women’s and Gender Studies and Sociology. I joined SHARE because I know how meaningful and impactful it is to have welcoming, safe spaces where community, understanding, and validation are at the forefront. I’m here to help continue SHARE’s mission of providing a place where students can find belonging, empathy, and empowerment. Outside of SHARE, some of my favorite pastimes are sunbathing with my dog, Tony, reading (preferably with an iced coffee at my side), doing pilates, and journaling.
Program Staff
Adrian Lancaster, M.Ed
he/they
Peer Support Project Coordinator
Biography
Greetings! I’m Adrian, the founder and Coordinator of the Longhorn SHARE Project. I grew up in the Chicago suburbs and earned an M. Ed. in Human Relations and a B.S. in Sociology. I’ve been working at UT Austin since 2015 prior to joining the Longhorn Wellness Center in May 2021. As a transgender person with lived experience managing anxiety and ADHD, it’s been a joy to build this program and mentor our amazing SHARE Support Specialists as they co-create inclusive, nonjudgmental spaces for Longhorns across campus to support each other through shared challenges. My other interests include storytelling, community-building, interpersonal communication, program planning, career guidance, and finding new ways to inspire exploration, growth, self-efficacy, and meaning-making in students so they graduate knowing their own worth.