Newcomer Friends Club

You're Not Alone

The Newcomer Friends Club is designed to support international students who have just arrived in the United States adjust smoothly to school and a new environment. Each student is paired with a Buddy who speaks the same language, making communication easier and helping them feel more comfortable. This support allows Newcomers to overcome language barriers and other challenges they may face. The club also offers opportunities for members to help and volunteer for newly arrived students, while earning service hours and exquisite badges. No matter your country, age, or background, if you need support, the Newcomer Friends Club is here for you. 

Our Overview

These are our overviews translated into multiple languages. Feel free to explore!

• Overview Document

Who Can Join, and Why

Any Newcomer students can join our club! Whether you just arrived in the U.S. or have been here for a little while, you are welcome. We also welcome anyone regardless of age who needs help adjusting to a new environment or has a warm heart and wants to support other students from their home country through our club. That means anyone who wants to join can join:) Moving to a new place is hard, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Here, you’ll find people who understand and want to help!

Meet Our Board Members!

♤ President - Eva Tian (tyc9763eva@gmail.com)

Hi, I’m Eva — the founder and president of the Newcomer Friends Club! I moved to the United States from China in 2024. When I first arrived, my middle school counselor assigned me a Buddy, and she was always there to support and take care of me. I’m so grateful for her help, and we’re still good friends to this day. That experience was one of my biggest inspirations for starting this club.

I want to remind every Newcomer: everyone starts from a different place, and it’s okay not to compare yourself with students who have lived here their whole lives. As long as you keep trying your best, your efforts will never go to waste! 💪

♤ Vice president - Ruth Lee (bugyeongi977@gmail.com)

Hi, my name is Ruth. I still remember when I first came to the United States. At first, I had a lot of worries and faced many challenges. But there were people around me who helped and supported me. Thanks to them, I was able to gain more meaningful things in my life. Now, through this club, I want to help others like you who are going through similar experiences. As vice president, I’ll do my best with the president to help more students feel confident and settle into new environments easily. And if you’re going through a tough time, remember you’re not facing it alone. There are friends who are going through the same experience with you. Don’t forget to believe in yourself!

♤ Secretary - Isabela Arcia (iarcia023@gmail.com)

Hi, my name is Isabela. I came to the United States not long ago, and I still remember how overwhelming everything felt, from the school system to simply trying to belong. This is why this club means so much to me: because we’re here to make sure no one feels alone. As secretary and experience sharing program manager, I want every Newcomer to know their voice matters, their story matters, and that they have a place here. Our goal is to offer the tools and guidance we wish we had, helping them discover their strengths as they adjust to this new chapter.

Ser nuevo no es fácil, pero tampoco es algo que debamos enfrentar solos. A veces, un pequeño gesto, una conversación, una sonrisa, un pedacito de casa, puede hacer toda la diferencia.

♤ Public Relation - Amina Aznabakiyeva (aznabakiyeva.amina@gmail.com)

Hi, my name is Amina. Although I came to the United States in 2014, I still remember how difficult it was to overcome language barriers and find true friendships. It took time, patience, and the support of kind people around me to feel like I belonged. That is why being part of this club means so much to me. As the Public Relation, I want to help build a supportive and welcoming community where every Newcomer feels, seen, heard, and valued. I understand how hard it can be to start over in a new place, and I want to be someone who helps make that journey a little easier.

♤ Creative Director - Esme Chang (Esmegenova@gmail.com)

Hi, I'm Esme! I was born in the United States, but growing up, I switched schools multiple times and struggled a bit at first to form new connections. Thanks to the many friends I met, I felt less alone, and it felt less difficult to belong. In this club, there may be students searching for a friend to support them and make their time at school easier, or to simply relate to them and form a bond. I understand how it feels to be a little lost in a new place, so I want to help other students to receive kindness and support from a community similar to how I was welcomed by others. My friends have always made me feel heard and understood, and I hope that can be the case for anybody, especially students in an unfamiliar place. Even when things get tough, remember that there will always be those who want to reach out and lift you up.

♤ Treasurer - Lily Wong (Lilypop1618@gmail.com)

Hi, my name is Lily Wong. I’m a high school student with a strong passion for creativity, learning, and growth. I’m so happy to be a part of Newcomer Friends Club, a club dedicated to helping students who are new to the country and still learning English. Although I was born here, I deeply understand the struggles that come with adjusting to a new environment, and I’m excited to support others as they find their place. As treasurer, I will do my best to manage our resources responsibly and support events and projects that help Newcomers feel welcomed, included, and supported.

♤ Program Managers

• Membership Program - Eva Tian

• Buddy Program - Amina Aznabakiyeva

• Badge Incentive Program - Maya Faraj

• Service Time Incentive Program - Evolet Estrada Hernandez

• Experience Sharing Program - Isabella Arcia

• Community Plan - Eva Tian

• Official Website Plan - Ruth Lee

Course Selection

Course selection is the process of choosing your classes for the upcoming school year. It helps you meet graduation requirements and explore your interests. Think about your future goals when selecting courses, including college or career plans!! Go ahead and explore!

• 📘 9th – Rising 10th

• 📘 10th – Rising 11th

• 📘 11th – Rising 12th

Grade Level Pages

We encourage you to visit the pages for 9th to 12th grades and discover helpful information!

• 🎓 Freshman Forum

• 🎓 Sophomore Stop

• 🎓 Junior Junction

• 🎓 Senior Scene