ISO Intern

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  Gray West (he/him)

  Class of 2028 - Majors: Government and Economics; Minor: Environmental Studies

  Singapore and the U.S. (Colorado)

  iso@wesleyan.edu

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  Involvement at Wesleyan: Center for Prison Education, Wesleyan Institute for Policy, and Delta Kappa Epsilon

  Come ask me about: Athletics and fitness on campus, good hiking spots, and good places to eat in Middletown.  

  Favorite Wesleyan memory so far: My favorite memory at Wesleyan has probably been Spring Fling. It is so amazing to see all of Wesleyan emerge out of a harsh study season and all listen to live music together!

  Advice for new students: Take chances and explore different classes. I had no idea I was interested in environmental studies until I took an intro-level class. Wesleyan want's you to explore, so do it!

International Student Orientation Leaders (ISOLs)

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  Saheba Singh (she/her)

  Class of 2027 - Majors: Neuroscience & Behavior and Government

  India

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  Languages I know: English, Hindi, a little bit of Spanish & German, can understand Nepali 

  Involvement at Wesleyan: International Student Advisory Board (ISAB), Deans Peer Tutor, Shakti, Wesleyan Refugee Project, Consulting Pathways  

  Come ask me about: Ask me about international student life, making friends and finding your community at Wesleyan, the best coffee and food spots on Main Street, weekend trips around New England and the Northeast, cooking, or balancing academics with workouts and a social life. I'm usually either on Foss with friends, exploring a new city, trying a new café, or planning my next adventure, so I'm always happy to share recommendations and advice!

  Favorite Wesleyan memory so far: One of my favorite Wesleyan memories is a night when my friends and I stayed up until sunrise talking about absolutely everything, our futures, random hypotheticals, and whatever else came to mind. At some point, we ordered food at 5 a.m. and just kept talking. It was truly a core memory. 

  Advice for new students: Say yes to as much as you can in the beginning and keep an open mind. Try new activities, meet people outside your comfort zone, and don't be afraid to put yourself out there. Some of my closest friendships and favorite memories came from opportunities and plans I never expected to say yes to. 

  Favorite Summer Song: "Sally, When The Wine Runs Out" by Role Model

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  Akari Ikeda (she/her)

  Class of 2028 - Majors: Philosophy and Government; Minor: College of East Asian Studies

  Japan and United Kingdom

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  Languages I know: Japanese and English

  Involvement at Wesleyan: The Argus, The Writer’s Room, Discussion Facilitator for Philosophy, Tour Guide  

  Come ask me about: Some topics I can definitely help you with are: course overloading, talking to class deans, dealing with burnout, navigating the Philosophy Department, Usdan life hacks (ask me about my salad bowl), and the best groundhog watching spots.  

  Favorite Wesleyan memory so far: My favorite memories at Wesleyan are getting ready to go out with my roommate, Halloween, and the exact moment I knew I wanted to major in Philosophy.  

  Advice for new students: Here are some of my regrets from freshman year so you don’t have to repeat them: being scared of the lines at Usdan (there are lines for a reason, get the pasta and fajitas), not asking for extensions, and not talking to your class dean/academic advisor/professors (office hours!) 

  Favorite Summer Song: "You Make Loving Fun" by Fleetwood Mac

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  Hanyue Wang (she/her)

  Class of 2028 - Majors: Anthropology and Art Studio; Minor: Art History

  China (Beijing)

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  Languages I know: English and Mandarin/Chinese 

  Involvement at Wesleyan: Film board (wesleyan film series), psi upsilon, wesphoto club, wesu88.1 DJ, wesarabesque dancer, film projectionist, gordon career center photographer  

  Come ask me about: How to utilize open curriculum; how did i change from stem to art/humanities major and how to adapt; art resources on campus; best weekend night activities 

  Favorite Wesleyan memory so far: Everyone was out for Zonker Harris enjoying music and sunlight. Me and my friends were selling our clothes while listening to our friends' bands performing. Mgmt was played during breaks and everyone danced to our alum's incredible music.  

  Advice for new students: Everything would start in the most chaotic and unexpected way ever--but trust me they would make a beautiful turn. 
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  Nirvaan Mehta (he/him)

  Class of 2027 - Majors: Psychology and Economics; Certificate: Applied Data Science

  India (Hyderabad)

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  Languages I know: English and Hindi

  Involvement at Wesleyan: International Student Advisory Board (ISAB), Admissions Intern, Research Assistant in the Cognitive Development Lab, Research Assistant in the Memory, Cognition, and Self Lab, Kpop Dance Crew (KDC), National Education Opportunity Network (NEON) Teaching Fellow 

  Come ask me about: The best cafes/restaurants on main street, getting involved in research, baking using wesshop ingredients, summer research grants (I’ve specifically done the CIS Summer Fellowship and the QAC Summer Apprenticeship), recruiting/career stuff, and so much more! :) 

  Favorite Wesleyan memory so far: I love bumping into my friends all around campus, we also have family dinners together where we all cook, eat together, and send out special invites to each other. I also really enjoyed the Songkran event where all my friends and I got to run around andrus field with water guns that my friend in ThaiSA (Thai Student Association) threw!

  Advice for new students: Try new things, plan your breaks out in advance, and don't be afraid to reach out to a professor for help, advice, or to get involved in research! Also remember you always have the international student community here at Wes to support you <3. Also make upperclassmen friends so they can buy you stuff with their points. :)

  Favorite Summer Song: "Cosmic" by Red Velvet 

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  Beatrice Carpinella (she/her)

  Class of 2029 - Majors: History and American Studies

  Italy (Rome)

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  Languages I know: Italian, English, and a little French! I'm also trying to learn Irish Gaelic.

  Involvement at Wesleyan: Wesleyan Mock Trial, WesClimb (climbing club), Jewelry Making club, International Buddy Program, and I'll be a TA for an American Studies FYS this fall. 

  Come ask me about: Adapting to American academic and social life, whether that be navigating the open curriculum and choosing courses, managing extracurriculars and classes, writing as an international student, or taking advantage of Wesleyan's academic resources. I'm also always happy to chat about fun weekend trips, cool events to catch on campus, and my favourite spaces at Wesleyan (be careful though, I might go on an excited rant about Olin Library because I seriously love that place). 

  Favorite Wesleyan memory so far: Spring Fling (Wesleyan's spring concert)! It was such a fun way to hang out with my favourite people in the sunshine, enjoy some music, and celebrate a transformative year. Me and my friends' Sunday breakfasts on Main Street to debrief the Satuday nights out are also very fond memories.

  Advice for new students: Don't be afraid to make use of the countless resources Wesleyan offers its students. Everybody here wants to see you succeed and they'll help you along the way, if you reach out. Also, spend as little time in your room as possible!  

  Favorite Summer Song: Right now, it's "I Feel Love" by Donna Summer!

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  Coco Rawley (she/her)

  Class of 2029 - Majors: Film and Education Studies

  Thailand and U.S.

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  Languages I know: English, a bit of Spanish, and a bit of Thai

  Involvement at Wesleyan: Wesleyan Student Assembly (WSA), Alpha Delta Phi Society, Gordon Career Center, Wesleyan Film Series, Wesleyan Refugee Project (WRP) 

  Come ask me about: Jobs and Handshake! I work at the Career Center, so please come to me with all your employment-related questions. (I need to make use of this information somehow!) Also, cafes on campus - I'll tell you where to avoid (Usdan Cafe) and where to make a part of your daily routine (Espwesso) P.S. I know all the secret menu items. ;P

  Favorite Wesleyan memory so far: Sledding down Foss with my friends during the height of the winter months. Somehow we managed to fit three people on a one-person sled, every so often getting caught in snowdrift created by hopeful skiers (I still don't understand this part). Despite all my shivering, I remember this warmly. 

  Advice for new students: Try everything! That job posting you see on Handshake, a club's first all-member meeting, an event your friend won't stop begging you to attend. You won't regret it. 

  Favorite Summer Song: "Archie, Marry Me" by Alvvays

   

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  Sally (Zihan) Hu (she/her)

  Class of 2029 - Majors: College of Social Studies (CSS); Minors: Theater and Dance

  China (Beijing) and U.S. (Groton, Massachusetts)

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  Languages I know: Mandarin, English, French (Intermediate)

  Involvement at Wesleyan: Cast of Theatre Department show Fall25 and Spring26, Tour Guide, Organizer of Ecstatic Dance, Precision Dance Club Member

  Come ask me about: Best study spots, how to get good food on campus, arts scene on campus, how to get gigs, international student transition experience  

  Favorite Wesleyan memory so far: Little open mic night at a friend's house the night before my Econ finals and the end of the spring semester

  Advice for new students: Ease into the Wesleyan scene bit by bit. Little by little, you'll naturally find your footing, your place, and your fun!

  Favorite Summer Song: "Found Me" by Men I Trust

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  Dragos Geica (he/him)

  Class of 2028 - Majors: Economics and French; Certificate in Data Science

  Romania

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  Languages I know: Romanian, English, and French 

  Involvement at Wesleyan: IMS Technician, ISAB Co-chair, WISP, Consulting Club  

  Come ask me about: Ask me anything about how to get stuff for free! I got a mini-fridge, a microwave, a brita, cooking utensils, tupperware, a fancy trashcan, 100% merino wool sweaters, snacks and so much more, all for free using on-campus resources 

  Favorite Wesleyan memory so far: When I left Wesleyan for the first time, during winter break after my freshman fall. I realized how much Wesleyan changed my perspective on this world in just one semester.  

  Advice for new students: Time goes by quickly, and to make the most out of your experience at Wes, I would suggest planning everything ahead of time and being strategic. Obviously explore as much as possible, but do it strategically, not carelessly.

  Favorite Summer Song: "Hot" by INNA 

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  Mariia Kornilova (she/her)

  Class of 2029 - Majors: College of Science & Technology Studies (STS) and Biology

  Russia and Spain

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  Languages I know: Russian, English, and Spanish 

  Involvement at Wesleyan: Varsity Tennis Team  

  Come ask me about: Students can ask me about managing a busy schedule, how to balance academics with athletics or any other commitments. I am also happy to talk about science-related opportunities, productive routines, and academic support systems. I can help with questions about getting involved with residential communities such as Science House. I could also help with navigating athletics at Wes and explain how to get involved with that part of campus life.  

  Favorite Wesleyan memory so far: My favorite memory at Wes was clinching our match against CMS for Wesleyan to advance to the National Championship final. And later that week brinign the trophy home.  

  Advice for new students: Say yes more often, say yes to meeting new people, to opportunities, and challenges. Don’t be afraid of change; embrace it. Let this place shape you, but make sure you leave your own mark on it as well. 

  Favorite Summer Song: "Summer Love," "12 to 12," and "One Step at a Time." Sorry, I couldn’t pick just one. :)

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  Chahd Taha (she/her)

  Class of 2029 - Majors: Physics and Economics

  Morocco

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  Languages I know: Darija, Arabic, French, and English

  Involvement at Wesleyan: Arab Students' Association (ASA), Muslim Students' Association (MSA), Wesleyan African Student Association (WASA)  

  Come ask me about: Students can ask me about the best study spots, where to find free food on campus, and how to survive Foss Hill without losing all feeling in their legs. I can also help decode Wesleyan traditions, explain why everyone seems to know everyone, and identify which campus events are actually worth leaving your room for.

  Favorite Wesleyan memory so far: My favorite memory at Wesleyan was attending Commencement as a freshman and watching some of my senior friends graduate. Seeing the pride, excitement, and emotion of that day made me realize how meaningful the Wesleyan journey is and how quickly time passes. It was a special moment because, for the first time, I could picture myself standing in their place a few years from now, celebrating everything I will have accomplished.

  Advice for new students: Leave your door open, literally and metaphorically. Some of the most meaningful parts of my first year as an international student came from conversations, friendships, and opportunities that I never planned for. The people you meet, the risks you take, and the moments in between classes will shape your Wesleyan experience just as much as anything that happens in the classroom.

  Favorite Summer Song: "Maisha" by LB74

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  Jasmine (Jasminabonu) Ismailova (she/her)

  Class of 2029 - Majors: College of Letters and Psychology; Minor: Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies

  Uzbekistan (Tashkent)

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  Languages I know: English, Russian, Uzbek, and a little bit of French

  Involvement at Wesleyan: CA for RUSS 102 (Beginner Russian II) and soon RUSS 201(Intermediate Russian), Club Tennis, Outing club, Science Library Staff, Psi Upsilon

  Come ask me about: Students can feel free to ask me about anything! I can share the best study spots, be that for group work or private focus/interviews. I can help with navigating course selection, housing, coursework, or anything related to my majors. I’m also happy to discuss social life, traveling off campus, adapting to college or things I wish I knew as an incoming freshman if it’s of interest!  

  Favorite Wesleyan memory so far: It’s very hard to choose but out of more recent ones I loved Spring Fling! The concert was a beautiful moment and had everyone out on Foss enjoying the music and atmosphere! It was really nice spending time with my friends, trying different rides (one of which tested my limits), talking to different people, getting temporary tattoos and dancing. 

  Advice for new students: Say yes! Wesleyan has so many opportunities to build connections, grow professionally, explore, and have fun!  

  Favorite Summer Song: "Just Like Heaven" by The Cure, "Radio Ga Ga" by Queen, Люди - Дайте Танк (!)

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  Haakon Kohler (he/him)

  Class of 2027 - Majors: Mathematics; Minor: College of East Asian Studies

  U.S. (New York City)

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  Languages I know: English and Chinese

  Involvement at Wesleyan: Theatre, Mathematics Dept., Biking Club

  Come ask me about: Best specialty coffee in the area, how to connect with faculty members in your major, healthy study habits, course selection 

  Favorite Wesleyan memory so far: Jumping off the rock at Miller's pond! 

  Advice for new students: Leave room for experimentation in your schedule!

  Favorite Summer Song: "The Boys of Summer" by The Ataris