Major: Data Science & Psychology 

Clubs/Organizations: Psi Chi Honor Society of Psychology

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

I was most nervous about making mistakes or not being good enough because it was my first time taking all my courses in English and speaking English 24/7. But it definitely got better as I adjusted to the environment and got to know more people and more about the school.

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

The pre-orientation program held by Dr. Mann was really helpful for adjusting smoothly to the new environment, and all the events and resources the JIC offered made me feel more at home. Also, just studying with my friends and talking about what was new, challenging, or great about our days made me feel like I belonged and wasn't alone, since we usually have similar issues or thoughts as college students.

Fun fact/passion: I believe that handwriting tells a lot about the person.  

Email: ebudragc@fandm.edu 

Major: Data Science and Economics

Clubs/Organizations: Women Rowing Team, College Chorus

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

 I was most nervous about adapting with the new culture. I just knew about the US through social media and movies so it was hard to expect what would happed in real life.

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

My friends from my IST class made F&M feel like a second home to me. Since we were all international students, we had many similar challenges when we moved to a new country. We were always willing to support each other whenever someone needed help, which helped us understand one another better and became best friends.

Fun fact/Passion:  I like to watch thriller movies because they are fun.

Email: nnguyen3@fandm.edu

Major: Undecided

Clubs/Organizations: I am involved in the Alice Drum Women's Center (ADWC) as an E-board member, and in the International Student Advisory Board (ISAB) as a Board Member. I will also be one of the mentors for the BRIDGES program for the upcoming iF&M cohort.

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

During my freshman year, I was most nervous about the cultural transition -  from getting used to new foods to making friends. Adjusting to a new environment while balancing academics felt overwhelming at times. I believe, those are the aspects that profoundly shape international students experiences. Fortunately, those initial fears disappeared as I started to gradually get to know the community and immersed myself in campus opportunities. Over time, I began to feel a real sense of belonging.

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

After my study abroad semester in England what really helped me make F&M feel like home were the people I met through the iF&M program. The JIC was one of the spaces that welcomed me so warmly here and has been the first step of getting acquainted with people coming from diverse backgrounds while building meaningful friendships early on.

Fun fact/Passion:  The village I was born and raised in in Armenia has the name Beniamin -  which sounds a lot like Benjamin! I also love hiking and reading feminist literature.

Email: mpetrosy@fandm.edu

Major: Economics & Computer Science

Clubs/Organizations: MSA, Economics club

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

I was nervous about how to manage my school life, but the people around me supported me and helped with everything.

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

Our lab course with Dr. Mann helped me step out of my comfort zone. The people I met there made the start of my first year really positive—and they’re still here for me today.

Fun fact/passion: I love watching horror movies and true crimes -- my connection course was "American History in True Crime" and I loved it!

Email: atalgatk@fandm.edu 

Major: Undecided

Clubs/Organizations: ISAB, VSA, CRA, Bonchek Congress, Squash Aces, Club Rowing, Badminton

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

During my first year, I honestly was most worry about my future, seeing people my age get to do so many cool things and fear that I'm not doing enough or missing out, academically and life wise of course. I quickly realized that the college experience can be very overstimulating in this way and everyone has their own thing to figure out. So I like to advise people to say yes to things, to people, to classes, and always keep an open mind about what your path could look like!

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

Finding common space to "live" in really helps me make new friends and felt at home. I joined clubs and activities where there are many first years like myself. I find many close friends by lingering at common spaces and events; just simply putting yourself out there is already most of the work!

Fun fact/passion: Lancaster specific, I just LOVE Cabalar, a fast food restaurant 10min away from campus. My friends know how much I frequent the place and the workers just seem to know my order from seeing me lol.

Email: ctruong@fandm.edu