Get to meet your CCI Peer Advisor, Marisa Lamas!
Happy October Panthers! This week we’re spotlighting our very own CCI Peer Advisor, Marisa Lamas! Whether you know her from your emails, classes, peer advising meetings, or even just a friendly face on campus, we want you all to get to know her, outside of her role. She is now a senior here at Chapman (😢) and has done so much over her four years. In this blog, get to know her as we go through her experience within the CCI department and the advice she has to offer not only as a CCI minor, but as the CCI Peer Advisor.
The Wilkinson Peer Advisor program is a resource that is often overlooked by students. Peer Advisors are trained to help students select classes that meet their interests and program requirements; provide information on academic programs, policies, and procedures; and make appropriate referrals to campus resources. They also provide advice based on their experiences as students at CU. You can learn more about the program here, but now Let's get started with our Interview!
AS: Thank you so much for taking the time to interview with me. To start off we wanted to ask, what is your name and your current grade level?
ML: My name is Marisa Lamas, and I am a senior, graduating a semester early, so I will be done by the end of this Fall 2026 semester!
AS: Wow that’s so exciting and congratulations! How is senior year going so far?
ML: So good! I love all of my classes and I feel like I’m making the most of my last semester here.
AS: That’s good to hear, I hope the rest of the semester goes just as well! But now, let’s hear more about your CCI experience! Why did you choose to minor in CCI?
ML: I’ve always considered myself a creative person, and I was looking for a minor that would satisfy that. I saw the course catalog, loved all of the different avenues of creativity, and decided on the spot that I would join.
AS: How has minoring in CCI been relevant to your studies and future career? What have you taken away from being a CCI minor?
ML: CCI classes open up your mind to all of the different industries that are available to you as a creative. I’m a PR and Ad major, so marketing is a big one that we talk about. It’s super cool because professors will often allow you to choose an industry you’d like to research and complete projects on, which allows me to dive deeper into the cultural and creative aspects of my studies.
AS: How has being a CCI minor benefited you?
ML: I truly feel so much more well-versed in culture and in media than when I started this minor. I have a ton of context for important industries and happenings that shape our media landscape and feel like I can contribute to these conversations in a meaningful way.
AS: Of course, for a while now you have been our CCI peer advisor. I wanted to talk to you a little more about the role! So, why did you decide to apply for the role of the CCI Peer Advisor?
ML: When I first started at Chapman I paid so much attention to my program evaluation. I wanted to make sure I didn’t take any unnecessary classes, got all my requirements in, and could even graduate early. I realized that I could help others do the same, and it being for CCI was an added plus. I love the minor and I’m well-versed in the classes so I can give extra guidance and personal experience when advising.
AS: What has being the peer advisor taught you?
ML: It’s taught me that CCI is for everyone! I’ve met with so many students from across all majors and it’s so interesting to see how it works for them and what they’re doing with it.
AS: What is your main role of being a CCI peer advisor?
ML: My main role is to be there for students when they have questions about the minor (and now major). I’m there for guidance and support whenever they need it.
AS: What can you help students with?
ML: I can help with course selection, 4-year plans, major/minor exploration, and personal experience/guidance!
AS: As a CCI student, what should students know about the CCI minor?
ML: I think that you can really “choose your own adventure” so to speak. You get to explore anything you want in relation to creativity and culture and you can stick with that throughout your entire experience. If you’re into music, that can be your primary focus. If you like fashion, stick with that. If you want to learn about everything across the board, you can. It’s truly so versatile.
AS: Thank you so much for sharing your experience and expertise Marisa! As you’ve heard CCI is now a new major for this school year. We wanted to know your thoughts. What do you think is most exciting about CCI becoming a major?
ML: All of the new classes! I’m actually jealous that I don’t get to stay longer and declare a major. All of the classes look so interesting, and I can’t wait to see them get built out.
AS: How can you help students that are thinking about becoming a CCI major?
ML: I love building out 4-year plans so that’s a big one. I can also help with graduation tracks, choosing classes for the upcoming semester, and just providing any answers to questions they may have.
A special thank you to Marisa for taking the time to share her experiences and amazing insight into the CCI minor and her role as a Peer Advisor! If you are interested in exploring the CCI minor or major, you are all encouraged to connect with Marisa (ccistu03@chapman.edu or book an appointment with her on Calendly) to learn more about the program and how it can complement their academic and career goals!
Also, with Marisa graduating this fall, CCI is looking for a new Peer Advisor to join the team in the spring semester! Interested in getting more involved with CCI, supporting fellow students, and sharing your passion for the minor? This could be the perfect opportunity for you! If you’re interested in applying or want to learn more about the role, reach out to shalvers@chapman.edu to get started. That's all we have for this week, Panthers. Catch you guys in the next one!
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