Major: Undeclared

Clubs /Organizations: Conference and Events, TLC, Muslim Students Association, Sophomore Year Cabinet 

When you are a first year, what were you most nervous about? 

I was most nervous about my GPA and academic success. I worried that I might not be smart enough, and I was concerned that people wouldn't understand me, because of my accent. Public speaking was particularly nerve-wracking at first, but I like to challenge myself. In the end, I was speaking not only in front of my class but also in front of the entire college at the TND performance.

When you were a first-year, what helped you make F&M home? Were there specific people or groups that welcomed you? 

Dr. Mann's office hours were a great resource. I felt comfortable asking any question, and Dr. Mann always responded with kindness and understanding.

My Peer Academic Coach, Elshaday, was incredibly helpful with registration, class selection, and even the smallest tasks.

And finally, my Central Asian friends, whom I met at the JIC Coffee Hour, were amazing. I celebrated my first Ramadan and Nowruz with them and studied for finals as a group. Their support made me feel truly welcomed here!

Fun fact/passion: I love reading Kyrgyz and Russian literature, poems, manga, and watching K-dramas and theatre performances. Recently, I was fascinated by a Broadway show. By the way, check your email in October and sign up for a free trip to New York—it's definitely worth it!

College House: Ware

Email: aadylbek@fandm.edu 

Major: Computer Science & Psychology 

Clubs/Organizations: Phi Sigma Pi

When you are a first year, what were you most nervous about? 

I was most nervous about making mistakes and not knowing how to navigate through college life since it was my first time traveling alone to a new country and studying in a completely different education system. However, I made so many valuable connections with my friends and faculty members who always support me, so everything went smoothly during my first year. 

When you were a first-year, what helped you make F&M home? Were there specific people or groups that welcomed you? 

Dr. Mann and my supervisor Amanda Sollenberger helped me a lot to settle in at F&M. Also, everyone at JIC was always so sweet and supportive. They provided instructions for practically everything, so we were able to smoothly handle all of our documents and other necessary tasks. They host a variety of cultural events at JIC, and I learned a lot about my friends' cultures from these. Furthermore, all of the professors were excellent. They were always willing to answer my questions and assist me when I was having challenging times with my academics. And of course it is always fun and supportive to hang out with my friends and hear about each other's days. They know how to not make me feel welcomed and belonged.

Fun fact/passion: I believe that person's handwriting says a lot about that individual. 

College House: Brooks

Email: ebudragc@fandm.edu 

Major: Economics & Computer Science

Clubs/Organizations: MSA, AAA

When you are a first year, what were you most nervous about?

I was nervous about the new education system, since it is very different from the one in my country, but fortunately the college staff was always cooperative and helped in everything.

When you were a first-year, what helped you make F&M home? Were there specific people or groups that welcomed you? 

The IST course and people from IST course. It was very easy for me to make friends thanks to this course and these students brightened up my new experience!

Fun fact/passion: I really love going to the mountains and always exploring nature.

College House: Bonchek

Email: atalgatk@fandm.edu 

Major: Government & Psychology 

Clubs/Organizations: President of Phi Sigma Pi Fraternity, ISAB member, FAAR, Mi Gente Latina, Psi Chi Honor Society,  Pre Law Honor Society, many more. 

When you are a first year, what were you most nervous about?

I was most nervous about finding a space where I could “fit in” at a PWI. With time, I realized that belonging matters more than fitting in, because it means to find or create a space where you can be yourself. I try to make a space of belonging for others too :)

When you were a first-year, what helped you make F&M home? Were there specific people or groups that welcomed you? 

When I was a first year, I suffered a lot of homesickness. So, one way I brought home to F&M is by incorporating aspects of my culture into my daily life. Some examples are listening to rancheros or decorating with symbols. However, home can be found through the warmth of fellow Weisians, my wonderful roommate, classmates, supportive professors, extracurricular activities, the JIC, and even the friendly staff at Blue Line and CC! In other words, build a support system on campus with people who make you feel like you can be authentically you. Where there is authenticity, there is home. 

Fun fact/passion: I’m someone who’s always looking for new adventures to satisfy my curiosity. I’m passionate about advocacy, Japanese studies, nature, and creative projects!

College House: Weis

Email: smartine@fandm.edu

Major: Computer Science

Clubs/Organizations: Muslim Students Association

When you are a first year, what were you most nervous about?

Overcoming homesickness and time management.

When you were a first-year, what helped you make F&M home? Were there specific people or groups that welcomed you? 

Certain organizations and classes that had people who shared my interests and passions. But biggest support I received was from the (international) upperclassmen who were willing to guide me through my first year.

Fun fact/Passion:  I love classical Russian and English literature and love their movie adaptations!

College House: Roschel

Email: stojieva@fandm.edu