Meet Your Peer Orientation Leaders

For the orientation program, all international students will be placed into small groups led by an International Peer Orientation Leader (iPOL). iPOLs are current Miami University students who can answer questions about campus life, academics, transitioning to Miami, and many other topics. Feel free to ask the iPOLs any questions you have about being a student! We hope that you have a great orientation experience and are interested in applying to be an iPOL in the future.

Fall 2024 Orientation iPOL Team

Undergraduate Student Leaders

Emily Abas

Hello everyone! My name is Emily Abas and I am a rising senior double majoring in Media & Communications as well as East Asian Languages and Cultures. I was born in Guangxi, China and was adopted and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. My interests include anything soccer related and of course, getting to know all of you! My goal coming to college was figuring out what I truly wanted to do in life. I currently work four jobs to explore my interests and gain experience, and that is how I chose my majors.

I understand how scary it can be coming to a new country alone but if I were to give you all one piece of advice, it would be to remember that many around you are feeling the same way. Just making one new friend will make this place feel a little more like home. I can't wait to meet you all and safe travels!

Syntyche Ahinakwah

My name is Syntyche Ahinakwah. I’m a rising junior majoring in Microbiology with a co major in Pre-PA. I’m from Accra,Ghana. This is my first time being an IPOL and I am most excited about meeting new faces and help settle while working hand in hand with my fellow IPOLS. On campus I’m a model for Miami University Fashion and Design, I walked for the organization’s fashion show last spring and have done that for almost 2 years now. I’m also a general body member for African student union and also the Minority Association for Pre health students. I joined these organization because I want to learn more about my career path and interests and connect with experts in this fields.

One thing I always had at the back of my mind is that, there will be challenges along the way while here but always remember the main reason and purpose for your coming here. Stay focused, feel at home, enjoy every moment here and before you know it you will be on your way to be coming whoever you have dreamt of becoming.

Tanaya Bhatkar

Hi, My name is Tanaya Bhatkar and I will be a third year Biochemistry, Pre-Medicine and Individualize Studies Major with a minor in Molecular Biology. I am an international student from Pune, India. I am a part of Society of Women in Medicine and will be the Community Service Chair for Minority Association of Pre Health Students. I am currently involved in research studying the shape of cable bacteria in different environments through Dr. Saxton's Lab. This will be my second year being an IPOL and I cannot wait for you to see the beauty of Miami’s campus. I hope it will have as transformative an impact as it's had on me.

Valerie Do

Hi everyone! My name is Valerie Do and I'm a senior double majoring in Marketing and Emerging Technology in Business and Design. I'm from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Currently, I am Director of Technology for my business fraternity Pi Sigma Epsilon. I am also a student assistant at the Performing Arts Series, where I help bring artists around the world to Miami. In my free time, I usually go get some gains at the gym, get food with my friends in uptown, play ukulele, and sing alone in my room. My advice to you when coming to Miami is to take your time to get adjusted. Don't compare yourself to others because everyone has their own route and is so different from each other in college. I'm so proud of you! You got this!

Michelle Ebu

Hi everyone, my name is Michelle Ebu and I am a senior majoring in Biomedical Engineering. I am from Nigeria. It's my second time being an iPOL and I am excited about meeting each and everyone of you. I am currently the President of the Biomedical Engineering Society, Vice President of the Nigerian Students' Association at Miami, a HAWKS Peer Health Educator, and a Global Ambassador. These roles have taught me so much here at Miami University and I hope you all can find something you enjoy while you're here on campus. My advice to you is to try everything until you find your thing and don't be afraid to talk to people. You all will have an amazing time here!

Ginevra Pascale

My name is Ginevra Pascale and I am a Senior studying Human Capital Management and Leadership as well as Italian Studies. I have lived in the Cincinnati are for 15 years but I was born in Italy! One thing I am involved in on campus is the International Student Advisory Council, which is a campus organization that specifically helps international students learn the skills necessary to be a successful professional in the American work environment. I am a part of this because I believe in equity within the student body and believe everyone should have the same opportunities regardless of where they are from. One piece of advice I would give is to say yes to as many things as possible. You only get some opportunities once and you should make the best of everything that comes your way.

Isa Viggiano Souza

Hi! My name is Isaura, but everybody calls me Isa (pronounced eye-za :)! I am a rising sophomore from Brazil, and I am studying Psychology and Individualized Studies (which means that I am building my own major!) One memorable experience that I’ve had at Miami was the Alternative Spring Break trip that I went to last semester. I spent a week in Charleston, SC volunteering and getting to know the city with a group of 12 other people that I didn’t know before. We all came from different places and different majors, but we were committed to making our spring break both fun and meaningful, so it couldn’t have gone better! This goes to show that Miami is full of incredible people with very different backgrounds. Don’t restrict yourself in the groups you join and the people you talk to, sometimes there is community in the most unexpected places!

Kayla Wood

Hey everybody! I'm Kayla and I'm a fourth-year education major from Cleveland, Ohio. I love to snowboard, read, and, most of all, socialize. This is my second year as an iPOL and I absolutely cannot wait to get started. My goal going into Miami was simply to make memories with new people and new activities, and being an iPOL has definitely helped me achieve this. My advice for ALL students is to be a "yes" person. Say yes to new friends, new foods, new activities, everything!

Graduate Student Leaders

Parisa Adifar

Hi folks, my name is Parisa and I am originally from Iran. Currently, I am a PhD candidate in the literature program at Miami University.

I have been working as an iPOL for the past three years, and I really enjoy the work I do. When I'm not engaged in research, I love spending time with friends and meeting new people from all walks of life. Learning about different experiences and hearing people's stories is something that brings me great joy. In my free time, I like to explore new hiking trails, especially during the beautiful autumn season, when the colors are magical.

I firmly believe in celebrating our individuality and cherishing every accomplishment, no matter how big or small. We all have something unique and valuable to offer to the world. So, let's embrace our differences and celebrate what makes us who we are!

Simon Atoyire

I am Simon Atoyire, a first year Master’s student. I am reading Statistics. I am from Ghana. My most memorable moment as a student at Miami was the international students orientation week. This is memorable for me because coming to the USA, I was a bit skeptical about what to expect in terms of reception and integration. However, that week of orientation gave me assurance that I can style in with ease since the system supported it. For the first time in my life, I got to make many friends and tried new foods at the orientation. My advice to international students is that academics at the Miami University can be very challenging and competitive as the faculty and departments will do well to bring the best out of students by challenging students. Also, sometimes the language and cultural barrier could make it difficult. Nevertheless, you must make it a point to get yourself involved in every class activity. Make it a point to never miss class as much as possible, take part and share ideas during group discussions and most importantly go for office hours in order to interact with professors individually.

Christina Bao

My name is Christina Bao. I am a second-year master's student in statistics from China. I attend Miami University because I want to gain the skills to live for myself rather than for others' expectations. One piece of advice that I want to share with international students is to take every chance to try new things.

 

Bishal Bhandari

Hello everyone! My name is Bishal Bhandari, and I am a first-year graduate student pursuing a Master's in Computer Science at Miami University. Originally from Kathmandu, Nepal, I've always been passionate about playing soccer, traveling, and exploring different cultures. Currently, I am a Graduate Assistant at the Myaamia Center on campus, where we focus on developing technology to preserve the culture of the Myaamia tribe. This role allows me to combine my interests in technology and cultural preservation, contributing to a meaningful project while gaining valuable experience.

My advice to new international students is not to worry too much; Miami University is an incredibly welcoming place with abundant resources ranging from health and housing to studies and recreation. You'll find that everything you need is readily accessible, and there are numerous opportunities to thrive both academically and personally. Welcome to Miami University, where you're set to have an enriching and exciting journey!

Romana Ferdous

I am Romana Ferdous, a grad student of Public health promotion and health education at Miami University. I am at the end of completing my first year and excited to start my second year. I am from Bangladesh. I have my Bachelors of Medicine and Bachelors of Surgery from Bangladesh.

 

Obinna Odo

My name is Obinna Casmir Odo, from Nigeria. I am a PhD student, studying gerontology. I love travelling, exploring new cultures, and connecting with people. I have visited 10 countries and explored many interesting and great tourist sites. Traveling and connecting with people from diverse cultural backgrounds and orientations helps to broaden my perspective on life and strengthen my networks. As expected, you will experience challenges ranging from adapting to the educational system in the U.S. to connecting with people. However, you will scale through! ALWAYS TRUST YOUR GUT AND CONFIDENCE! Start early to connect with faculty and peers on campus and in the Oxford community. CREATE YOUR HAPPINESS AND FUN; MAKE EVERY MOMENT OF YOUR STAY IN MIAMI AND IN THE U.S. MEMORABLE.

Oluwaseun (Seun) Olubodun

I am Oluwaseun Olubodun, a 4th year PhD student in the Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology program. I am from Ondo State, Nigeria. I have lived in Oxford, Ohio, for over six years now, as I also had my master's degree in environmental science here in Miami. I enjoy the quiet here! My goal is to ensure all new international students feel at home here in Miami. I am the President of Ambassador's Fellowship- a Christian fellowship of the Redeemed Christian Church of God here in Miami.

I thoroughly enjoy my community and am always ready to welcome new students. My advice for new students is to be a part of a community that will help them settle in well, and please do not isolate. Anything you are going through, someone else has passed through or is currently passing through, but you will never know if you don't ask. I look forward to meeting all the new students in Oxford.

Karim Sammouri

Hey incoming students. Welcome to the Miami family. My name is Karim, and I'm a second-year MS computer science student from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. I also did my undergraduate studies at Miami, and this is my second time working as an iPOL. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Miami, and I especially look back at my first semester fondly. It was a memorable time where I met new people and made new friends, especially with other international students who were also in the US for the first time. A piece of advice I have for fellow international students who are about to fly thousands of miles is to get involved on campus and not be afraid to try new things. Miami offers plenty of extracurricular opportunities and supports over 600 student-run organizations. In addition to bolstering your resume, being involved is a fantastic way to meet people with similar interests. It is also a great way to gain new experiences.

 

Krishna Sapotka

Hello everyone! I am Krishna, a doctoral student at the Department of Sociology and Gerontology. I am from Nepal and have traveled to Japan, South Korea, and India. The environment at the university is excellent, and everyone is welcoming. Every semester, there are many travel opportunities with many students, and I visited Cincinnati, where I got to meet students with diverse backgrounds. We enjoyed exploring Cincinnati city, and I tried ice skate; it was fun. Likewise, I have been a member of one club at the university, and being in the club enhances my interpersonal and networking skills.

Lastly, I suggest you search for people you may know in Miami and start building connections, which will help you settle down quickly and start your education smoothly.

I welcome you all to Miami University.