(He/Him/His)

Department Student Advisors (DSAs) are senior majors who are nominated by the departments, and make themselves available to students to answer questions about the department. DSAs know firsthand what it’s like to be in the major. They are available via email, and at special campus events to answer your questions.

---

More about Ledesma

In 20 words or less, what is the best thing about being part of this department?
The questioning and challenging of structures in place foster good discussions.

What is your advice to first years and sophomores about getting connected to this department?
Ask questions and don’t be afraid to acknowledge what you don’t know. There is so much to learn and we all have to start somewhere. It doesn’t matter where you start only that you do.

What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned at K?
Classes and academics are important, but so are your friends and social life. It is okay to take a step back and have fun, I know it feels like we should be students 24/7 sometimes but that isn’t the case. Go take time to either hang out with friends or take care of yourself, both are as important as academics.

What has been your favorite class at K? Why?
RTW: Identities with Shanna Salinas. This class had enlightening discussions and ultimately led to a lot of self-reflection that helped form most of my new thinking.

How have you taken advantage of the open curriculum or experienced breadth in your education?
Being able to take classes that aren’t in my majors actually highlighted how my interests overlapped. I would often find myself engaged in similar topics throughout the quarter and find new angles to think from.

What experiential education opportunities have you participated in?
I was recently able to intern at an organization that allowed me to conduct telephone conversations with tenants at their apartment complexes. The organization worked to get unhoused people of Los Angeles into these apartments, with a particular focus on those with mental illnesses.

What is your SIP?
My SIP is in the English department and is a literary analysis of The Grandissimes by George Washington Cable. I am largely discussing the way that Cable depicts the interplay of race and racism within New Orleans and how two characters utilize Vodou as a mode of resistance.

What are your career aspirations/next steps after K?
I am going to take a gap year or two and then begin the career path to become an educator. That plan may change at the drop of a hat but that’s the fun of it sometimes.

What is a random fun fact about you?
I can do a cartwheel and can teach you how to also.