International Orientation Student Staff
Meet our International Orientation Staff. We can't wait to see you here in August! IO Staff are either International Orientation Leaders or International Orientation Assistants. Read more about each member below.
International Orientation Leaders (IOL's)
Ana Gabriela Aguilera Silva, Class of 2014
Education, Economics and International Relations
Caracas, Venezuela
BIENVENIDOS A CASA! My name is Ana Gabriela Aguilera Silva (you can call me Ana) and I am from the land of enchantment, Venezuela. As weird as it may sound to me, I am a junior triple majoring in Education, Economics and International Relations.
I am extremely thrilled to get to know you and give you the personal welcoming you deserve to this place of infinite opportunities. For me, International Orientation was one of the greatest highlights of my first semester, and in it I was able to meet the wonderful international community Bucknell has. I know how hard it seems, to ask you to try to keep your energies up after such a tiring travel to get here, but I assure you that the International Orientation team has put together an awesome group of activities that guarantee your enjoyment. So, in those same lines, please call, yell, write or use any other medium of communication if you need anything during and after Orientation. Believe when I say that ALL the IOAs and IOLs are here to ease your transition to Bucknell and the culture of the United States.
Talking a little bit more about myself, I studied in an International school called The Armand Hammer United World College (UWC-USA '10) and coming to Bucknell was definitely one of the best decisions I have made. I am involved in several organizations on campus such as V-day and the Vagina Monologues, Common Ground, Fremont Scholars, This Is ME, among others. The extracurricular activities here can be overwhelming because we have tons and tons of clubs that you can join, yet the best part is that if you feel that we do not have the one you want, you can start it yourself!
Well, please look for me if I haven't introduced myself! Have a BLAST! back to IOL's Top of page
Gaby Andric, Class of 2013
Interdisciplinary Studies in Mathematics and Economics
Tomislavgrad, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Hello Class of 2016! Welcome to Bucknell !!! My name is Gabrijela Andric but feel free to call me Gaby! I'm a rising senior at Bucknell majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies in Economics and Mathematics with minor in Spanish. I hope you are excited for International Orientation 2012, because I AM!!!This year I am an International Orientation Leader and I can guarantee that you will have an amazing time, prepare yourself for a great orientation and a lot of laughs.
Anyway, I am from a small town called Tomislavgrad in Bosnia and Herzegovina. I graduated from United World College in Mostar and now I am here at Bucknell and I LOVE IT! I speak all three languages from my country; Bosnian, Croatian and Serbian, (I am lucky that they are 90% similar so I don't get confused much). Obviously I speak English and I consider it as my second language after Croatian, hopefully soon I'll be able to put Spanish on my list of fluently spoken languages.
I love spending time with my friends and meeting new people. Also I enjoy getting to know new cultures. However, I'm super crazy about dancing and I enjoy drawing. Sometimes I have an urge to try out new things, then creativity gets into my blood like adrenalin and I do a lot of crafts such as making jewelry, posters and other fun stuff. Also I try to be part of creative projects on campus as much as I can. When it comes to sports I have to admit I'm not a sports person but I enjoy supporting Bucknell varsity teams.
Bucknell is an amazing place and soon it will become your second home for your next four years. Be prepared for new adventures and valuable life experience! If you ever need some assistance and help, your IOL's/ IOA's will always be there for you, certainly I will.
P.S. I am still kind of addicted to Facebook (after all those years of trying to quit) so feel free to add me as your friend!
Gaby back to IOL's Top of page
Oswaldo Galicia, Class of 2014
Civil Engineering
Los Angeles, CA
Hello everyone! My name is Oswaldo Galicia and I am a junior majoring in Civil Engineering. I decided on Civil Engineering because I realized how much I enjoyed being able to see a project transform from start to finish. I also love how my work can impact people and communities which will ultimately allow me to continue making this world a better place.
I am from Los Angeles, California which doesn't really mean I am international, but I sure feel like I am, being so far from home. I am, however, a first generation American. My parents emigrated from Mexico to the U.S. and I am one of the first in my family to be born in the U.S. So in a sense, I am also an International Student!
A few of my hobbies are running, organizing stuff, cleaning my room, dancing, singing (even if people don't like it), and nice long walks. I also enjoy watching movies, especially LGBT related movies, and GLEE!
At Bucknell I am involved in the Social Justice Residential College, Engineering Success Alliance, Friends of Lesbians and Gays, Bisexuals and Transgender (FLAG&BT), and Organization of Hispanic and Latin American Students (OHLAS). I am involved in the establishment of the Society for Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), I am a choreographer for Latino Dance Corner (LDC) and I am leader for International Orientation. I also work in the Admissions Office as an Assistant and a Tour Guide and I work for the Engineering Department as an Engineering Tour Guide.
I can't wait to meet everyone! We will have a great time during International Orientation and even though it might only last a few days, I will always be here for any kind of support you might need!
LOVE,
Your IOL back to IOL's Top of page
Yifan Ge, Class of 2013
Electrical Engineering
Nanjing, China
Hey! What's up! Hope you all got excited already! I'm Yifan from China, pursuing a BS degree in Electrical Engineering and a BA degree in Computer Science in Bucknell. Although it's my third year going through International Orientation, I still can remember when I was where you are - at home relaxing, enjoying my most wonderful summer, I was always thinking, "I can finally go somewhere by myself! AMERICA is going to be great!" But what can I say? Time flies. To some of you, I might even look like a local. But seriously, I have no idea how it has been three years already! I guess good time always passes fast. And now, you will go through the similar experiences; and I bet you will say the same when you find yourselves where I am now -working at Library and preparing for the exams and paper, looking forward to the next Orientation to meet my future friends.
My new story starts from International Orientation 2009. Those five days have saved me from being lost in a new life. I went to my first amusement park in U.S. (you will know where that is shortly =) ); it gave me a chance to meet new friends from around the world; and of course, it made an awesome start for my college life. I'm pretty sure you will love it as well.
Throughout these years, I can only love Bucknell more and more. It has given me so many opportunities and fabulous experiences that I would have never had in other schools. I'm a Fremont scholar, President in Chinese Culture Association and President in Mobile Autonomous Robotics Club. I also did Bucknell undergraduate research and Institute of Leadership in Technology and Management during my two previous summers. Every April, I go to Trinity Firefighting Robot Competition representing Bucknell. If you are interested, I'm more than happy to show you what we do. That's just a few thing I could remember for now, but what I have learned at Bucknell is far more than these things. So get excited! You will be impressed.
Finally, WELCOME to BUCKNELL!
Katie Janda, Class of 2013
Sociology and Spanish
Plymouth, MI
Hi everyone!!!! I'm Katie Janda and I'm so excited for International Orientation!!!!! There are a lot of ways to describe me, and I am a big fan of lists, so here it goes:
o Born and raised in the state of Michigan in the U.S.
o Ethnic food LOVER (HUGE understatement!)
o Campus tour guide
o Love to drive fast with the windows down
o Terrible singer (but I sing anyway! I'm sorry in advance)
o Sister of Alpha Delta Pi sorority
o Passionate world traveler (18 countries and counting!)
o Aspiring to work in the field of public health
o Lead a Bible study on campus
o Big fan of TV shows
o Volleyball player
o Obsessed with kayaking
o ...and last but not least, one of your IOL's!
Enough about me, YOU guys are what International Orientation is all about! Get ready for a busy week of fun activities and a fantastic experience at Bucknell! We have been preparing for your arrival since February, and CANNOT wait to finally meet all of you! If you have any questions or just want to chat, please e-mail me at kmj009@bucknell.edu ! Have a safe trip and 'RAY BUCKNELL!!!!! back to IOL's Top of page
Xiaolong Li, Class of 2014
Civil Engineering & Economics
Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
Hola Neo-Bucknellians! It's wonderful to "see" you. I'm Xiaolong from Ningxia in the big wild west of China. I double major in Civil Engineering and Economics, and minor in mathematics. I will be your IOL for this year's international orientation, and I am terribly excited to meeting you all! For me international orientation is the best start of my journey at Bucknell, and I hope we will make it an even better start for you! Bucknell is truly a place of learning and new friendship.
A little bit about myself, before coming to Bucknell, I studied in China and England and also studied two years in United World College in Norway, a place where I met many of the most amazing people around the world. Now, I regard Bucknell as my second home not only because of this friendly place called Lewisburg, but also because Bucknell is one of the few places I have settled down for more than 2 years. I like everything in the wild outdoors such as camping and traveling. I am also a terrible tea addict and a chocolate terminator. That's my weakness.
A small tip for coming to Bucknell: if in doubt, always ask a chemical engineer such as Quinn, or any of the IOAs. Don't be afraid to ask questions, because we will be here to help you have a successful transition to college. Enjoy the remaining days of B.C. (before college), and I shall see you in no time, to start a splendid Bucknell journey with you! back to IOL's Top of page
Malyse Uwase, Class of 2013
International Relations and Women's and Gender Studies
Kigali, Rwanda
Hi International Class of 2016, My name is Malyse Uwase and I am from Rwanda, a small country in central Africa also called the land of a Thousand Hills. I am a senior double majoring in International Relations and Women's and Gender Studies. I am looking forward to meeting each of you and help you discover Bucknell, my college but also what I have been calling home in the US for the last three years. Time will go by really fast and before you know it, you will be like me; a senior wondering "wait when did this happen?" Also this being the third time I write a bio for this program, I am running out of ideas hehehe. I enjoyed it so much that I had to be part of it every summer since sophomore year and you will soon see why. I am energetic, I love traveling, Indian cuisine, having long discussions at dinner time in the cafeteria, traveling, meeting new people, and I love languages. Right now I can speak four and it makes me super happy, my aim though is to get to five! Honestly I am glad you chose Bucknell and feel free to ask me any questions even beyond the orientation. This is a great program to help you transition to Bucknell, so take advantage of each moment!
See you all very soon!!
Malyse back to IOL's Top of page
Masha Zhdanova, Class of 2013
Chemical Engineering
Golubitskaya, Russia
Hello and WELCOME TO BUCKNELL!!
My name is Masha and I'm from Russia (yeah, it rhymes, I know). Whenever someone asks me, "Where exactly are you from?" I never know what to say. I was born in Yekaterinburg (on the border between Europe and Asia), grew up in a very small town, Golubitskaya, in the southwest of Russia (the Azov Sea shore), and lived in Moscow for two years after graduating from high school. I could call any of these places my hometown, and Bucknell has certainly become my "home away from home."
Students say that New Student Orientation is the best experience you will ever get at Bucknell, but I disagree! Orientation is always a blast, but for me, every minute here is the best experience. As a junior majoring in Chemical Engineering, I am involved in lots of things on campus. I am a Fremont Scholar and organize projects to help increase international awareness at Bucknell - I've worked at the Russian Department and the International Student Services. I am a member of a national sorority Kappa Alpha Theta, the Bucknell University Alumni Association, did research on campus last summer and was in the Arts Residential College during my first year. By the way, there are six different Residential Colleges that the first-years can join, and I'm sure that you can find one for yourself, too. As you can see, there are so many things on Bucknell's campus to keep you busy that it's hard to ever get bored!
So, are you excited about Orientation yet? You better be! Our entire IO team can't wait to meet you here at Bucknell, show you around, and make your time here unforgettable! In the meantime, if you have ANY questions (and I'm sure you have plenty), please feel free to contact me or any of us. 'Ray Bucknell! back to IOL's Top of page
International Orientation Assistants (IOA's)
Quinn Earl Blanco, Class of 2014
Chemical Engineering and Management for Engineers
Leon, Iloilo, PHILIPPINES
Mabuhay! My name is Quinn, a rising junior majoring both in Chemical Engineering and Management for Engineers. I was born in one of the 7107 islands of the Philippine archipelago, and spent most of my life under the tropical Philippine sun. I am so hyped and am very excited to meet all of you!
Just a few things about me:
My name is actually pronounced as "kin," and not many people get it right the first time! I am a very approachable person, and it would not take you long to figure out that it is true. I love to have fun and laugh(!), and you'll soon figure out that my laugh is easy to recognize. I love new adventures and traveling, and learning new things here and there.
Let's take a break for now and let's save some for surprises. After all, this orientation is all about YOU! You will find that this will be one of your special moments here at Bucknell, so make sure that you take advantage of this opportunity and make the most out of it. Also, you will find that time at Bucknell flies really fast, and like every year, I will leave you with this formula:
x = how time normally passes
x2 = how time passed in high school
x3 = how time will pass at Bucknell
So get all BUCK-led up for this one crazy BUCKNELL ride! back to IOA's Top of page
Kirsten Clouser, Class Of 2013
East Asian Studies and Comparative Humanities
Berwyn, PA
Hello my new fellow Bucknellians!
Welcome to Bucknell! My name is Kirstin Clouser. I am a rising senior at Bucknell and my majors are East Asian Studies (Chinese) and Comparative Humanities. I am a born and raised Pennsylvanian. I grew up right outside of Philadelphia. I am not an international student, but I've had an interesting year. In the fall semester I studied abroad at the University of Legon in Accra, Ghana. In the spring semester I was studying Mandarin in Beijing, China and this summer I'm off to Kunming, China to study the economic trade between southern China and the rest of the South Asian countries.
You will love it here at Bucknell University! I would definitely suggest getting involved with the Residential Colleges. I was in the Humanities Residential College freshman year, and then continued working as a Junior Fellow my sophomore year. I also worked doing research for the English department. Next year I will be living in the Theatre House, and that's going to be pretty awesome.
Sooooo I can't wait to meet everyone of you! During orientation we'll show you what Bucknell really means, hang out, and go on random adventuring together! back to IOA's Top of page
Kunga Dagpo, Class of 2014
Chemical Engineering
Dharamsala, Tibet
Welcome to Bucknell! I'm Kunga and I am a rising junior. Just two years ago, I was in the same position as you, the incoming international students, looking forward to making Bucknell my new home. I am majoring in Chemical Engineering and I am possibly going to minor in Economics.
I consider myself Tibetan, but I have never been to Tibet. I was born in Dharamsala, India and did my schooling in six different schools, traveling all over India. I am a United World College graduate. I finihsed my high school in Mahindra United World College in India and I am also a Fremont Scholar at Bucknell. My family now lives in Canberra, Australia.
I'm sure we'll get to know each other very well and I can tell you right now that you are going to have a lot of fun and make really good friends during orientation. I'll give you a tip: be the first to get to Bucknell and you'll see and feel the excitement of all the orientation staff. I know it is true, because I was the first to arrive two years ago! I love playing football, and just to make it clear, it's called "soccer" in the U.S. but don't ask me why. So, if you ever need someone to kick around a ball, be sure to call me anytime. In my first year, I was a member of the Global Residential College and if you are thinking of joining one, you definitely should! You will make some really involved friends and also get to travel and have deep discussions.
Anyway, I'm sure it will be very exciting to meet all of you! You will have a chance to see a lot at Bucknell, settle down, meet us and make Bucknell your home for the next four years as we already have!
Rose Dimal, Class Of 2014
Accounting Major
Los Angeles, CA
Hi future Bucknellians! Welcome to Lewisburg Pennsylvania!
My name is Rose Dimal and I'm a rising junior here at Bucknell. I'm an accounting major with a minor in Psychology. I was born in the Philippines and came to the United States when I was nine. I currently live in Los Angeles, California with my immediate family. I want to travel after college to learn about different countries and their financial structures and struggles. I am studying accounting and finance today to be able to help teach other immigrants the importance of finance with the hopes that they will make the best decisions possible to establish savings.
I love Bucknell and everything about it. Bucknell offers many opportunities to its students. Some of the things that I participate in on campus are tutoring high school students from the community and a dance group called Bisonettes. This summer, I will be working for Merrill Lynch Bank of America as an analyst inter. Bucknell is really good about preparing their students to enter the real world.
One of my favorite activities is reading and dancing. I like to stay active on campus as well as have fun with my friends. I enjoy meeting new people that are different from me.
I can't wait to meet you guys. Have safe trip! back to IOA's Top of page
Yiyi Maung, Class of 2015
Undeclared
Hong Kong, Hong Kong/ Yangon, Myanmar
Welcome to Bucknell Class of 2016
I am Yiyi and I am extremely excited to meet all of you! I was born in Hong Kong and raised in the Golden Land, Myanmar. I guess I can speak a little English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Burmese and a little bit of French. I am currently undeclared (which is absolutely normal), although my friends do tease me about not being a science or engineering major.
International Orientation for me last year was an extremely fun experience! Here you get to meet many different people from different places, hear their stories, and participate in fun, interactive activities together. We have an extremely awesome 'crew' (hehe :]) who are ready to help you with any problems and questions that you have. International Orientation is an experience that you will cherish and remember because you will have so much fun and make so many friends.
Let me tell you a little bit about myself. I was born in the bustling and exciting city, Hong Kong (the best city in the world) where I spent the first two years of my life and then moved to the quiet and small town, Yangon, where I spent the rest of my 16 years. For the 14 years of school prior to Bucknell, I went to the International School of Yangon. I am involved in Club Volleyball (who placed 9th in Nationals, ask me about it I love telling people :]), the Burmese Culture Organization, the Students for Asian Awareness Club, the Intermural Sports and some other activities. As you can see I love playing sports but some of the other things I love to do are meeting new people and making new friends! I am excited to meet all of you and hopefully you are as excited as I am because Bucknell is pretty awesome! back to IOA's Top of page
Mona Mohammed, Class of 2015
Environmental and Civil Engineering
Yemen
Salam and welcome to Bucknell :)
My name is Mona Mohammed and I am from Yemen. I am a Sophomore (second year) in Environmental and Civil Engineering. I love Bucknell greatly, because it has opened many different doors for me and presented me with many different opportunities, and many are yet to come. I have been involved in research with one of my Environmental Engineering Professors, I have been to Morocco, I have learned about different topics from different speakers, and I have enjoyed many cultural dinners on the weekends and performed in a few. Bucknell also introduced me to people from all over the world with whom I have made very great connections, and I already know they are going to be my friends for life.
I guess I need to start telling you a little about myself now :) I was born and raised in Yemen for the first 16 years of my life. Then I went to United World College of Hong Kong 2008-2010, at that time I visited a few countries in East Asia, such as Cambodia and the Philippines. After that I decided to take a gap year and finally I came to Bucknell (great choice!). I love music, languages and Mathematics, and I speak, Arabic, English, French and some German, so please help me brush up on my languages and come talk to me about your life!
I can't wait to meet and know each one of you! back to IOA's Top of page
Patience Osei, Class of 2014
Biomedical Engineering
Gaborone, Botswana
Dumela class of 2016 and welcome to Bucknell!! My name is Patience and I'm a first generation Motswana. My parents are originally from Ghana and moved to Botswana many years before I was born. I speak Setswana, Twi, French and English! I'm a rising junior (third year) at Bucknell. As you will get to know, I love laughing and sometimes laugh at things people don't think are funny, but it keeps me joyful. I'm also extremely ticklish...oops I just exposed my only weakness!
Well, Bucknell is awesome! This is my life at Bucknell in a nutshell:
Weekdays:
o Biomedical engineering student
o TEAM (Together Everyone Achieves More) Mentor
o Resident Assistant
o Class Rep- Society of Women Engineers
o Media Relations Coordinator- The Gathering Campus Ministry
o Voices of Praise Choir- Vice President
o BASA (Bucknell African Student Society)
Weekends:
o Watching movies (with a projector) in the Engineering building
o Playing taboo, mafia, guitar hero, you name it, with my crazy diverse crew
o Shopping and other cool stuff you will figure out when you hang out with me
In other words, there is always loads to do here and before you know it, you'll be graduating. I'll be sure to introduce you to as much as possible during International Orientation and the rest of your time at here Bucknell. If you ever need a listening ear, my door is open. I can't wait to meet you so get ready for an amazing time at International Orientation. Look for me on facebook. back to IOA's Top of page
Ahamed Rishard Rheyas, Class of 2015.jpg)
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Business Management
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Hey there,
My name is Rishard Rheyas and I am a rising sophomore (second year) at Bucknell, currently majoring in Business Management and in the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. I was born and raised in Colombo, Sri Lanka but I have studied abroad in India and been on a student exchange program in Germany prior to attending Bucknell University. I am so excited to be one of your international student assistants during international orientation.
I am part of the Bucknell Business Leaders, South Asian Student Association and Amnesty International at Bucknell. I love watching and playing soccer. I am also a part of the Bucknell Soccer club, which is a lot of fun because we play throughout the year and we participate in tournaments and other friendly matches. One of my passions is meeting new people and you will be doing a lot of that during your 4 years here. College is one of the most important times in your life and you could really miss out if you do not take full advantage of this opportunity. I cannot stress on how many activities and opportunities will be available to you so please make sure you make the best of it.
International Orientation will help you meet new people from all around the world and allow you to make new friends even before new student orientation begins. Therefore you will have the edge as you would already know how things work on campus before everyone else arrives! Bucknell is truly an amazing place boasting state of the art facilities and one of the most beautiful campuses. Bucknellians are very genuine and friendly. You can literally walk up to anyone and have an interesting conversation. We, as orientation assistants/leaders will help you throughout your transition to college not limited to just international orientation, so do not worry we are here for you! I love Bucknell and I am sure all of you will fall in love with this place too. back to IOA's Top of page
Judy Anne Romero, Class of 2014
Cell Biology and Biochemistry
Philippines
Hello and welcome to Bucknell! I cannot possibly explain just how I excited I am to meet you and welcome you to the wonderful, extraordinary and rich life here at our school!! My name is Judy Romero, I was born and raised in the Philippines and before coming here, I attended an international high school in Canada for two years. Right now I am enjoying a lot of science courses as I pursue my degree in Biochemistry. (Someday I wish to be surgeon..and do a lot of medical missions on the side!) This year will be my third year here at Bucknell and there are still loads of opportunities that I look forward to experiencing.
I'm a very easily-amused person which means I enjoy the simple things in life - I love going out for walks, I like the feeling of grass on my bare feet and I will go swim in a river or a lake or the ocean anytime I get the chance. I also play the guitar and singing is something I enjoy.
You can find me in the Biochem building mixing chemicals and dissecting things, but if not there, I spend a lot of my time in the Newman House, where I organize events. I am very passionate about doing volunteer work so I do as much as I can during the few windows of free time I have while in school.
I am very eager to listen to your stories! You are now part of this new, exciting, and beautiful family here at Bucknell and it's such a pleasure for me to welcome you to the beginning of an absolutely remarkable time of your life! back to IOA's Top of page
Nadia Siekert, Class of 2013
Psychology
Carlisle, Pennsylvania (PA), U.S.A.
Hello and welcome!
My name is Nadia and I am a psychology major here at Bucknell! I have a lot of experience with the process of cultural transition, and I am excited to help make your acclimation to life here as smooth as possible.
A bit about myself: I grew up switching country every three years because my parents worked as diplomats for the U.S. embassy, so before coming here I lived in the UA.E., Spain, Morocco, Switzerland and Costa Rica (my languages are English, Spanish and French). I am completely fascinated by cultural diversity and I am always eager to learn from new perspectives! I am also extremely passionate about nature, photography and all of the world's cheeses. On campus, I work as a barista at Bucknell's cozy 7th Street Café, I am a member of Bicycles Against Poverty (a student-run microfinance organization that I travelled to Uganda with last summer), and last but certainly not least I now have the wonderful opportunity to be one of your IOAs!
Get pumped (you're in for a wildly fun orientation experience) and do not hesitate to contact me with any questions!
See you soon! back to IOA's Top of page
Paúl Andrés Sierra, Class of 2014
Management
Quito, Ecuador
Hello Class of 2016! Welcome to Bucknell!
My name is Paúl Sierra and I'm one of your IOA's for this year! I am a junior (third-year) here at Bucknell working on a Management major with a minor in Economics. I was born in the beautiful city of Quito (Ecuador), right in the middle of the world. I came to the U.S. two years ago to study at Bucknell. I became fluent in English while living in Ecuador. Since I was very little my parents encouraged and influenced me to learn the language. Because I'm from South America I can also speak Spanish, but I also know a little bit of French.
Music is one of my passions and although I can't really play any instruments I just love to spend hours listening to all kinds of music. I like to spend time watching funny or intriguing movies, reading fiction novels, dancing, and partying. In my free time I usually spend my time either studying, hanging out with my friends, or at meetings with the clubs and organizations I am part of: BASA (Bucknell African Student Association), ISE (International Student Exchange) and IO (International Orientation), because I just love learning about other cultures and Bucknell has really opened my eyes to have a global perspective.
Aside from being in clubs, I also have two jobs on campus, which is really cool. In the first one, I work at Admissions as an Office Assistant, where my tasks go from covering the front desk of the office to taking phone calls from prospective students and parents. In my other job (this is the one I love the most), I am a Campus Tour Guide, where I take prospective families all around campus and share my experiences and anecdotes about Bucknell.
Bucknell has been such a great experience because it has put me in situations that challenge my comfort-zone, therefore expanding my outlook on many aspects of my life. I am very excited to hear from all of you and to get to know you. We will have so much fun at Bucknell and feel free to contact me at any time if you have any questions. back to IOA's Top of page
Jess Slagle, Class of 2012
International Relations
Gettysburg, PA
Helloooo Class of 2016!! My name is Jess Slagle and I so excited to meet all of you! I'm a second-semester senior and an International Relations Major. I come from the great southern state, South Carolina. This is my second year as an IOA and though I'm not an international student, I can easily say that this program has been one of my best experiences at Bucknell. As a transfer student to Bucknell I know how hard it can be transitioning to a new school, but the activities and experiences you will have at International Orientation will make this transition easier and SOOO much fun!
A little bit about me now. I love learning and engaging with new people. You'll soon find out that I'm what I call myself, a "chatty Kathy" meaning I like to talk a lot! So, if you ever want to talk about anything and everything I've got a great listening ear and endless curiosity. I love to travel and experience new cultures. Last summer I spent my time studying conflict and peace in Northern Ireland and over winter break I spent time in Croatia and Italy. I spend a lot of my time outdoors by going on hiking trips with the Outing Club on campus, or kayaking on the Susquehanna, but I also am a huge nerd. I read a lot of books, Russian literature tends to be my favorite and I'm also an avid video gamer. If you want to talk or have questions before you come to orientation feel free to contact me at my email jms101@bucknell.edu or find me on facebook if you like. Safe travels and 'Ray Bucknell!
Hein Tun, Class Of 2013.jpg)
Civil Engineering and Comparative Humanities
Myanmar
BA-NA-NAAAAA! Firstly, I apologize for my banana introduction if you don't fancy bananas for some reason. But if I may ask, how do you peel a banana? Do you open it from the top or from the other top? Whatever end you open the banana from, I am certain that you are going to call it the "top" (correct me if I am wrong). And here are some interesting facts: people from Australia, China, Nigeria, Singapore, UK, US and Zimbabwe open bananas from the handle. On the other hand, Burmese, Cambodian, Russian and Ugandan people (and monkeys) open bananas from the other side.
Before I forget, my name is Hein and I am a sub-senior (I'm in my fourth year out of five) double majoring in civil engineering and comparative humanities. I'm from Myanmar (or Burma) - a country in Southeast Asia. Last semester, I studied abroad in UK and saw lots of cool stuff and met fantastic people. I am also planning to study abroad in China during my fifth year. On campus, I'm mainly involved in Burmese Cultural Organization but also actively participate in diversity/cultural events in general. Some of my daily routines at Bucknell include saying Hello or Ni Hao to people on campus, greeting them with "Good Morning" even though it might be evening and posting fun and weird stuff on my Facebook wall. And I love Lady Gaga!
Ok - enough about me for this intro - I want to talk a bit more about bananas! At Bucknell, you will realize different people open bananas from different ends. You might even find people who open bananas from the middle. And over the four years at the university, you will get to know these people, make friends with them and learn from them. Considering all the pros and cons, you will become more appreciative of your traditional way of opening bananas, abandon it completely or discover some really cool ways to combine different techniques. I guarantee you will evolve and before graduation, you will have some crucial ideas about how to open a banana for yourself! (I know I did!) So just be open-minded and get ready for this life-changing experience! And welcome to Bucknell!!! back to IOA's Top of page
Nguyen Vo, Class of 2014
Chemical Engineering
Can Tho, Vietnam
Welcome to Bucknell!
My name is Nguyen Vo, a rising junior majoring in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Computer Science. I was in born in Can Tho, Vietnam, when it used to be a town but is now a city. I went to study abroad in Singapore at the United World College (UWCSEA) when I was 12. I lived and studied at UWCSEA for 6 years and graduated in 2010. UWCSEA is more than just my second home, it was a place where I grew up to be who I am today. During my time in Singapore, I picked up some Mandarin and Singlish (Singaporean English, an awesome language!!! :D). Having been at Bucknell for two years, I feel that it has become my third home.
Speaking of my interest, I love playing badminton, basketball, and games (namely Dota 2). I also enjoy traveling and tasting international cuisine. At Bucknell, I'm a member of SAAB (Students for Asian Awareness at Bucknell), and I participated in K-WIDE (KEEN winter interdisciplinary design engineering), and summer research. Bucknell has a lot of programs for students for during school and over breaks, and it will certainly keep you busy all the time. If you are interested, I'm more than happy to talk to you more about these programs and my experience with them.
Enough said about me for now. I hope you are all excited for the orientation. Looking forward to meet you all! back to IOA's Top of page
Maxy S. Xiao, Class of 2015
International Relations
Shanghai, China
HELLO EVERYONE!!!!!!! Welcome to Bucknell!!!!!!!!!
My name is Maxy, I am a rising sophomore; major in International Relations and minor in Spanish, Japanese. I was born in Shanghai, China, which is an incredibly busy city. During middle school, I did an exchange program in Australia which totally changed my life--a city girl suddenly fell in love with a little town, Ipswitch (outside of Brisbane). Later on I decided to spend my high school year in the northeast of PA, and then I came to Bucknell!
Bucknell is definitely one of the best choices I have made in my life because I feel HAPPY and I can find what I want. I have met so many great people in my first year and I will cherish these friendships for life. For almost my entire life, especially the past five years, I have been traveling and moving around; Bucknell will be the place where I will stay the longest by the time I graduate. I love traveling, meeting new people and learning culture and languages. The world is so big, how can I stop discovering it? I am so excited to meet you all and I bet I will learn a lot from you.
Well, guess I am not listing all the activities I am doing at Bucknell because I think I will forget some of them (shhh, I know I am lazy). Just remember to EXPLORE, you will find more than what you expect!
Enjoy the sunshine, the snow, the rain, the wind, the leaves, the grass, the squirrels, the ducks, and the smiles of people at Bucknell!
I wish you a wonderful start and great year! back to IOA's Top of page
Interested in being a member of the International Orientation Staff for 2013-14? Please check back in February, 2013.
