Major: Government & Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies

Clubs/Organizations: I am on the E-Board of the Diplomatic Congress (Executive Officer for Social Justice & Equity), which is our student body government. I am the co-president of ISAB, where we strive to celebrate the diversity of our campus. I am also on the E-Board of Alice Drum Women's Center (ADWC).

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

I was most nervous about the cultural transition -  from getting used to new food to making friends and having day-to-day conversations. Adjusting to a new environment while balancing academic aspects that profoundly shape international students' experiences. Fortunately, those initial fears disappeared as I started to get to know the community and immersed myself in campus opportunities. 

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

I initially loved the JIC and felt so welcomed there, and that's how I actually applied for the job and became a peer-mentor. The sweetest people are there! 

Fun fact/Passion: I started my freshman year with a study abroad program in Bath, England!

Email: mpetrosy@fandm.edu

Major: Economics & Business, Organizations, and Society 

Clubs/Organizations: InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, ISAB

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

I was nervous about finding friends, because I knew there weren't many students from my country. I was also not sure if I would be able to balance academics and social/personal life. My English wasn't the best when I arrived either - but everything worked out, and now I feel like there's no better place for me than F&M.

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

Since I started my first year studying abroad in Bath, UK, my mentor, who was a previous iF&M participant, has been very helpful. On campus, JIC coffee hours and connecting with people from my home region helped me feel welcomed.

Fun fact/Passion: I love good coffee & hosting friends at my house!

Email: ykossenk@fandm.edu

Major: Data Science

Clubs/Organizations: I'm a member of the computer club, as well as the volleyball and badminton clubs. I'll also be joining the business club and frisbee this semester.

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

Making new friends. I always thought moving to a new country would be a very lonely experience, so I was nervous all the time about whether I'd be able to make new friends, whether they'd like me or not, since we come from different cultures, and whether I'd accidentally offend them without realizing it.

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

From the very beginning of the year, I was part of a friend group that helped make F&M feel like home. I don't know what I would have done if I didn't have them. They were there for me whenever I felt lonely or needed help, and they motivated me to study. We also went to the gym and played sports together.

Fun fact/Passion: I like creating English subtitles for foreign films to make them more accessible to an international audience.

Email: asarkar@fandm.edu

Major: Neuroscience

Clubs/Organizations: Red Cross Club + more to come!

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

Since I came to campus much later than everyone else, I was so scared that I wouldn’t make any friends and be behind in everything. But I actually integrated smoothly <3

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

I got the best roommate I could ever ask for.

+ As a Ghanaian myself, the Africans on campus did so much (and still do a lot) to make me feel welcome and comfortable, which I truly appreciate.

+ Intervarsity is where I first met a lot of others! 

Fun fact/Passion: I love biology and will do something great with it someday + I love reading and braiding hair!

Email: hgamelik@fandm.edu