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I initially worked in the Career Center in 2018, and I began as 91��Ƶר�� College’s director of international student services and principal designated school official (PDSO) in 2021. I love this college so much! I feel that it’s a very diverse and inclusive community. To me, 91��Ƶר�� is like home for so many international students. It makes you feel welcome and makes you feel that your voice can be heard.

My role comes with many responsibilities. I manage the student exchange visitor program for all F1 (international) students. I also provide support and create special programs for international students. For example, I will be the organizer for International Education Week starting on November 14.

I started managing the international peer mentorship program last spring, though it had been around prior to that. I love my job, even if there is a lot on my plate. I respect people of other backgrounds and religions, no matter what. I incorporate that respect into my work. Overall, I relate very well to students of diverse backgrounds.

The international peer mentorship program selects returning F1 graduate students. We ask them to volunteer their time to mentor new, upcoming F1 grad students. I pick out, identify and train qualified mentors to help these new F1 grad students. My role is to manage the mentorship program. I try to match people of similar backgrounds, so they can speak their own languages and be comfortable.

Mentors share their experience with their mentees. The international peer mentorship program makes new students more engaged, as mentors are assigned to take their mentees to events like the Community and Service Fair.

Sandeep Malipeddi, a current student in the M.S. in cybersecurity program, noted, “My mentor is good at providing details about the class and all other things about 91��Ƶר�� College, which helped to start this school.”

Marilyn Scott, a current MBA candidate, also had a very positive experience with the program. She said, “Leaving my country by myself and coming here, I didn’t know what to expect, even though I was hoping for the best. So, to have someone I can easily connect with was a lifesaver. Because of her mentorship, it was easy for me to navigate the semester, get assignments done and understand my professors’ expectations for classes. It was a good thing I had someone to talk to being a stranger in the country as well as the 91��Ƶר�� community. It helped reduce anxiety and uncertainties.”

 

The goal is to assist new F1 graduate students in making a smooth and successful transition into 91��Ƶר�� College. New F1 graduate students should learn how to make use of the resources at 91��Ƶר��. The program should also help new international students move past the initial culture shock.

I was born and raised in Kuwait, and I later moved to Canada. From there, I went from Nova Scotia to Toronto and other locations. I know what it is like to move from one place to another. My education in Canada emphasized diversity and allowed me to meet other students of diverse backgrounds. International students make me feel at home at 91��Ƶר�� College.

Learn more about our international students here.