My name is Van Santander and I am a fourth year geology major. I was originally in Kresge, but I currently live off campus in a house. I play basketball and guitar in my free time and other than that I’m either studying or with friends. I love UC Santa Cruz and I think you will too.

Hometown

Chatsworth, Los Angeles, CA

Major(s)

Earth science major with a geology concentration.

Minor(s)

N​/​A

Describe your college experience

College is unlike anything else in life and I believe it drastically changed me into the person I am today. The friends I have made in college will definitely stay my life long friends and the experiences I’ve had will never be forgotten.

Tip for future students

Take your time in college and really cherish every moment. Freshman year flew by and nothing else will ever really feel like that again, so really relish it and don’t take it for granted.

Favorite class

My favorite class has been EART 109 field geology. I met some of my closest friends in that class and we got to go on geologic field trips to make geologic histories and learn about California geology.

Career goals

I hope to go do the GIT and get my geologist certification and try to get work from there.

Ideal way to spend a free night

Hanging out with friends or making music.

High school or secondary school

Granada Hills Charter High School

Previous college

N​/​A

Favorite spot on campus

Rachel Carson West field house. I love playing basketball and this is the most beautiful court on campus.