Meet the Office of Global Education Team

Countries I have visited: Uganda, South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, Egypt, Qatar

About me: Hello! My name is Kelly Acen, and I am a junior Dietetics major. I am an international student from Uganda. I love nature and the outdoors, as well as crocheting. A fun fact about me is that I've crossed the equator four times in one day. 

What is something on my bucket list? See Beyoncé live in concert 

Countries I have visited: Guyana, Italy, St. Lucia, St. Kitts, The Bahamas, France, Curacao, St. Thomas, Canada, England, Panama, Turks and Caicos, and Trinidad and Tobago.

About me: My name is Nadya, I am a Sophomore Music Industry major with a minor in Communication Studies. I'm currently a Peer Mentor for the Office of Equity and Inclusion and I am the President of Music Industry Club. I am from Queens, New York, and some of my hobbies include playing piano, guitar, bass, baking, and traveling!

Countries I have visited: Kenya, Dubai, United Kingdom

About me: hi! I'm Daniella :) I am an international student from Uganda, freshman, majoring in Biology with a concentration in pre-med. I want to work in healthcare as a physician assistant in the future. For fun, I love playing guitar, doing arts and crafts, and watching anime!!!

What is something on my bucket list? to see all my favorite artists live in concert and experiment with different hairstyles 

Countries I have visited: South Korea

About me: Hello, my name is Stephanie and I'm a Junior studying Music Industry! I would like to work in the music industry as a artist manager or tour manager. I like to listen to music and practice playing the violin during my spare time. A fun fact about me is that I like to learn languages and currently know 4: Spanish, English, French, and Korean.

What is something on my bucket list? travel to my parents' home country, which is Guatemala 

About me: Hey! My name is Sophia, and I am a Senior. I am a dual major in Anthropology and Communication Studies. Some of my favorite activities include volleyball, jewelry making, and photography. I am also part of Kappa Beta Gamma, an international sorority. Currently, I am applying to Study Abroad in Spain for this spring semester, and I am so excited to visit many countries!

What is something on my bucket list? To swim in the Mediterranean  

About Me: Hello, my name is Luis, and I am a junior studying Dietetics. My long-term goal is to graduate, become a Registered Dietitian, and work with a professional sports team, preferably the New York Mets. In my spare time, I enjoy working out, listening to music, and watching movies. A fun fact about me is that I don’t like the color green! 
 
Something on my bucket list: I have two things on my bucket list that I would really love to experience. One is traveling to Spain to visit the stadium of my favorite soccer team and attend a game in person. The other is attending the Mr. Olympia, the biggest bodybuilding competition in the world. Since I am a big fan of both soccer and bodybuilding, being able to experience both of these events would be unforgettable 
 
Why I wanted to become a peer mentor: I wanted to become a peer mentor because, as an international student myself, I understand how it feels to come to a new country far away from family and friends. I know that adjusting to a new environment, culture, and community can sometimes be challenging. I wanted to use my own experience to help other international students feel more comfortable and supported during their transition. My goal is to serve as a bridge that helps them connect with other students, make new friends, and feel like they are part of the community. 
 
Advice to International Students: My advice for incoming international students is to not let fear take away the opportunity to enjoy this experience. It is normal to feel nervous or uncomfortable when arriving in a new country, but don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone, meet new people, and try new things. Have fun, enjoy every moment, and make the most of this opportunity because it can become one of the best experiences of your life. 

About Me: Hello, my name is Rasik Shakya, and I am a senior majoring in Computer Science. I enjoy meeting people from different cultures and learning about their experiences, which is one of my favorite parts of being an international student. In my free time, I enjoy watching movies, traveling, and exploring new places. A fun fact about me is that I almost drowned when I was one year old, but my dad saved me—and ever since then, I’ve loved swimming. 

Something on my bucket list: One thing on my bucket list is to take a road trip and visit every national park in the United States. I love exploring nature and experiencing the unique landscapes and wildlife that each park has to offer. 

Why I wanted to become a peer mentor:  I wanted to become a peer mentor because I enjoy meeting international students and helping them feel welcome. I know how challenging it can be to adjust to a new country, and I want to support new students by sharing my experiences and helping them feel more confident and connected to campus. 

Advice to International Students: Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Get involved on campus, make friends from different backgrounds, explore new places, and ask for help when you need it. Most importantly, enjoy your college experience while staying focused on your academic goals. 

About Me: My name is Saranna Shevalier, and I am a senior with double majors in Anthropology and Biology at SUNY Oneonta. In my free time, I work at a local coffee shop and help care for my disabled mother. The most important thing to me in the world is my family. My mother and I enjoy walking together and have always been avid outdoorsmen. Identifying plants and looking under rocks for insects are some of my favorite things to do on walks in the woods. 

Something on my bucket list: One thing on my bucket list is to complete a marathon! 

Why I wanted to become a peer mentor:  I wanted to become a peer mentor because I have done a lot of new and scary things by myself and have just recently realized that there is so much support out there! SUNY Oneonta is a wonderful environment and I wanted to become a part of a welcoming community that can help make someone more comfortable while perusing their degree. 

Advice to International Students: Take advantage of every opportunity and be brave, you will thank yourself later! 

About Me: Hello, my name is An Imai and I am a senior majoring fashion merchandising. I like thrifting, baking and going to cafes. A fun fact about me is that I don't like sushi even though I am from Japan. 

Something on my bucket list: traveling in the States, and Europe, live by the ocean with a dog, and 
work in fashion abroad 

Why I wanted to become a peer mentor:  As an international student from Japan, I know how challenging it can be to live abroad far away from home. I wanted to help others who are in a similar situation based on my own experience. 

Advice to International Students: Oneonta has a warm and welcoming community, so keep an open mind and you will have a great experience here!