International Orientation Student Staff
International Orientation Coordinators (IOC's)
Malyse Uwase, Class of 2013
International Relations and Women's and Gender Studies
Kigali, Rwanda
Hi International Class of 2015 and Welcome to Bucknell!
My name is Malyse Uwase, and I am a rising junior (third-year) from Rwanda, double majoring in Women's and Gender Studies and International Relations. This year I am one of International Orientation Coordinators and hmm, let me see what I can say about myself... I always find it hard to do this exercise, because I prefer hearing people talk about their experiences (oh wait that is one trait!).
I enjoy meeting people and holding constructive discussions, I have a lot of energy, I appreciate moving around, dancing, being outside, and I try to stay positive, and live life as it comes. I can be clumsy sometimes and put myself in embarrassing situations, but at least I make my friends laugh! I am interested in gender issues and in promoting equality and understanding in the world.
I am really looking forward to meeting each and every single one of you, and introduce you to Bucknell and its many resources! Years here fly by so fast; when I wrote down your class year it took me back two years ago when I had just arrived, and it seems like it was yesterday, but it's not. The International Orientation will be a fun ride so buckle up and be ready to learn, meet new people, and get to know BUCKNELL!!!
Stefan Ivanovski, Class of 2012
International Relations and Spanish
Skopje, Macedonia
Hi! Welcome to Bucknell!
My name is Stefan Ivanovski. I am a senior (fourth-year); double majoring in International Relations and Spanish. I have been very fortunate to have lived and traveled in numerous countries of the world. I was born in Serbia, the land of Novak Djokovic and raised in Macedonia, the land of Alexander the Great. I spent three years in the Netherlands, and thanks to the support of Bucknell, in my junior year; I studied abroad in Argentina and Spain, where I have learned to speak Spanish fluently. I love traveling and meeting new people, because it helps me understand more about the world and myself.
As you can probably tell, I love languages! I can greet and speak fluently in four languages: Macedonian, Serbo-Croatian, Spanish and English. I would love to learn more about you, your language, and culture, so let's get together, trade phrases and share our experiences. In addition, I love having intellectually stimulating debates, analyzing different points of view and perspectives, so I would be looking forward to our discussions.
Bucknell offers a multitude of opportunities to its students. Some of the things I have done thanks to BucknelI are: volunteer work in New Orleans (doing reconstruction on houses destroyed after the Katrina hurricane in 2005), service-trip to Memphis (learning about the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960's), summer internship with the Red Cross of Macedonia, and I am currently doing summer research with the Economics Department on worker cooperatives.
One of my favorite activities is playing and watching soccer. I think that playing sports is one healthy way of meeting new people and having fun while keeping in shape.
I hope that you are going to have an educationally enriching and productive time at Bucknell. I wish you good luck with all your personal and intellectual endeavors and I will be looking forward to getting to know you and welcoming you to your new home.
International Orientation Leaders (IOL's)
Aleem Naqvi, Class of 2012
Chemistry and Economics
Karachi, Pakistan
Hello all,
My name is Aleem Naqvi and I am a senior at Bucknell, majoring in Chemistry and Economics. I am one of three International Orientation Leaders. I am from Pakistan, but I was actually born in Milwaukee, USA (most people don't believe it when I tell them). I have to say that I am really excited to meet all of you.
So, what can I tell you about myself? Well, I get excited over the oddest things such as chemical reactions and giant NMR instruments. I love watching soccer and cricket (not really good at playing either, though I try). In addition, I love discussing and debating politics and economics.
After orientation ends you will see me working all over campus. I am currently on my sixth job since I have been to Bucknell. I am also involved on campus; in fact, I am a member of the South Asian Students Association(SASA) and Delta Upsilon Fraternity.
I love talking with people, and that is why I cannot wait until I meet all of you. My experience at Bucknell has been a very good one, and I don't regret at all making the 18.5 hour trip to the U.S. from Pakistan because the fun starts immediately (both, International and New Student Orientation are great experiences). I love Bucknell, so don't worry at all, we are all here to take care of you when you come!
Lindsay Hooper, Class of 2012
Art History and English-Film/Media Studies
Durham, North Carolina (NC), U.S.A.
Hi y'all! My name is Lindsay Hooper and I'm thrilled to be one of your International Orientation Leaders! I am a rising senior, born and raised in Durham, North Carolina, studying Art History and Film. When I'm not in class, I am the: hair and makeup Teaching Assistant (TA) for Bucknell's Theatre Department, the Creative Director of Bucknell's Be Fashion Magazine, a sister of Alpha Chi Omega sorority, and an attendant at the Samek Art Gallery. I am truly passionate about fashion journalism, something that I plan to pursue professionally.
Something else I'm passionate about? INTERNATIONAL ORIENTATION! I am so excited to meet all of y'all! Although North Carolina is technically in the U.S., I also had a transitional period where I had to adjust to life in Pennsylvania, and let me tell you, it was so worth it! In short, I am here to make your transition as smooth as it can be. Seriously, get excited for Bucknell (but I'm sure you don't need to be told twice). In the mean time, if you have any questions about anything feel free to shoot me an e-mail. I would loooooove to hear from you.
Mengqi (Monica) Wu, Class of 2012
Interdisciplinary of Economics and Mathematics
Nanjing, China
Hi there! My name is Mengqi (Monica) Wu and I am a rising senior from China, majoring in Economics andMathematics. Last semester, I spent a wonderful time studying abroad in London, U.K. Afterwards, I had a three-week vacation and I traveled throughout Europe with my friends, my mom, and by myself. It was such a great vacation!
I was born and raised in a multi-million people city that has a larger population than Chicago; I am a city girl who loves shopping and watching people hustle and bustle on the streets. Ironically, during my junior year of high school, I lived in a small town, called Guntersville, in Alabama, which has 0% Asian population.
This student-exchange experience, gave me a totally different outlook on life. I still miss boating, kayaking, tubing and all kinds of lake activities.
Talking about my interests, as you probably can tell, I loooove traveling! Traveling is such a great way to explore the world-experiencing different cultures, tasting local foods, making new friends, and taking loads and loads of great pictures and memories. If you are ever homesick feel free to chat to me about your home-country, food, or cultural traditions. I am a great listener. =)
What can I tell you about my Bucknell experience? I can summarize it in one world-AWESOME! My past years at Bucknell have been absolutely fantastic, and thinking about graduation is totally SCARY~ Time flies by so quickly here, but at the same time, we have formed many precious and beautiful memories. We laughed, we cried, we worked hard...
What can I tell you about International Orientation? I would not want to give out a lot of information. We, asIOA's, IOL's and IOC's, have been preparing orientation since last semester, and we cannot wait to see all of you! Fifteen hours of flight time plus traveling is difficult and tiring, but get ready and get pumped. The next few days will be one of the most wonderful moments you will have at Bucknell. So, get READY & Ray Bucknell!
Akmal Daniyarov, Class of 2012
Civil Engineering
Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Greetings, International Class of 2015!
My name is Akmal and I am super-duper-excited to be one of your IOAs. I remember how the summer before coming to Bucknell I was counting the days till the International Orientation and I am sure you are doing that as well. Don't worry, that day will come pretty soonJ.
I am from Tashkent, Uzbekistan which is also known as Sunny Tashkent because we have about 250 sunny days a year. I love my city for its hospitality and diversity.
I spent the last two years of my high school in Norway at the Red Cross Nordic United World College where I met people from over 80 countries. I love learning about new cultures and meeting new people. I am passionate about outdoor activities (I especially love kayaking, climbing and skiing) and enjoy trying out new sports.
At Bucknell, I am studying Civil Engineering and working in the Admissions Office as an Office Assistant and aTour Guide, so I know a LOT about Bucknell. I am also part of the Alumni Board, Intramural Soccer team andOuting Club. If you have any questions about the student life or just want to chat, please add me on Facebook.
I warn you: the more you will find out about Bucknell, the more excited you'll get about coming hereJ.
Bucknell is amazing at taking care of its students and has a lot to offer in terms of academics and extracurricular activities. I feel the love of Bucknell every day, and there is enough for all of you as well. I'll do my best to make you feel that love and feel welcomed here! I can't wait to see you all!
Trang Tran, Class of 2012
Electrical Engineering and Economics
Hanoi, Vietnam
Hello everyone! I'm Trang (pronounced "Chong"), a senior from Viet Nam and I am majoring in Electrical Engineering and Economics. I was born in Ha Noi, Viet Nam and spent most of my life-before-Bucknell there. My family and I have lived four years in Brno, Czech Republic - where my younger sister was born.
I have a lot of interests: electrical engineering (obviously), cooking and eating (I love trying food from different places), learning foreign languages, discovering random music on Pandora, and maybe just sitting there, enjoying the sun on a warm spring day. Sheldon Cooper, one of the main characters from The Big Bang Theory series is my hero.
My experience at Bucknell so far, amazing! I stay busy doing what I love and I am surrounded by wonderful people. I'm really hoping to help you feel the same way when you get here. That's why I'm coming back toInternational Orientation for the fourth time! I'm really, really excited to meet all of you! Welcome to Bucknell!!!
Ana Gabriela Aguilera Silva, Class of 2014
Undeclared
Caracas, Venezuela
BIENVENIDOS SEAN TODOS! 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 sophomore (second-year) interested in Economical Development and Education.
I am extremely thrilled to get to know you and give you the personal welcoming that 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 trip 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 me when I tell you that all the IOA's are here for you to ease your transition to life at Bucknell and the culture of the United States.
Now, let me tell you a little bit more about myself. I studied in an International school called United World College (UWC-USA 2010) 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, theOrganization of Hispanic and Latin American Students (OHLAS), Fremont Scholars and Latino Dance Corneramong others. The extracurricular activities here can be overwhelming because we have tons and tons of clubs that you can join, but the best part is that if you feel that we do not have the one you want, you can start your own!
Well, please try to look out for me on campus if I haven't introduced myself to you! Have a BLAST!
Xiaolong Li, Class of 2013
Civil Engineering and Economics
Yinchuan, China
Hello Neo-Bucknellians! It's wonderful to "see" you. I'm Xiaolong from Ningxia in Western China. If you don't know where that is try finding Mongolia and I am somewhere near Mongolia's western border. Disappointing maybe, but yes, not a whole lot of horse riding for me... I regard Bucknell as my second home; because it's actually one of the few places where I settled down for the longest time (my family has just moved for the 18th time since I was born). Sounds nomadic, yes, but we have no cows and sheep like the Mongolians do...
I lived in the U.K. for a year and spent two years at the United World College in Norway, which gave me a chance to travel to some other countries and get to know more about different cultures.
I enjoy being outdoors and get wild with activities such as: camping, hiking and traveling. I'm also a big fan of photography, a terrible tea-addict and a chocolate terminator. If you like any of these, definitely let me know!
In the coming months at Bucknell, I'd love to get to know every single one of you and help you with a smooth transition to Bucknell. I am terribly excited to meet you all, and you should get ready for the fun!
Jessica Slagle, Class of 2012
International Relations
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania (PA), U.S.A.
Hello Class of 2015 and welcome! My name is Jess Slagle, and I am absolutely thrilled to meet all of you! Prior to transferring to Bucknell in the Fall of 2010, I attended Harrisburg Area Community College for three years where I was the president of the Student Government and a member of the Women's Basketball Team. At Bucknell, I'm a member of BUSTA (The Bucknell University Student Transfer Association); I've played on theWomen's Rugby Team, and I a member of the Russian Club. Currently, I'm working with several students in establishing an Amnesty International Chapter which I'm very excited about!
Academically, I'm a rising senior, majoring in International Relations with a concentration on Russia and if you're not careful I'll talk your ear off regarding world affairs, but don't fear, I love to listen and learn about all different kinds of views. When I graduate, I hope to attend graduate school and further my studies in Peace and Conflict Resolutions. I'm from Greenville, South Carolina, but I live in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
I'm a big fan of sunshine, being outside, and often you'll find me playing volleyball on the numerous courts around campus. I love to hike and when the Lewisburg weather complies I love to cycle (bicycling). Bucknell is full of endless opportunities, both academically and socially, but the best part is the relationships you are going to build, with your friends at the cafeteria table (Bison and Bostwick cafeterias), the professors that challenge you, and the extremely helpful staff on this campus that will do everything they can to see your dreams come true. I love to talk and I love to hear stories, so I encourage all of you to feel free to email me any time.
Judy Anne R. Romero, Class of 2014
Cell Biology/Biochemistry
Zamboanga, Philippines
WELCOME TO BUCKNELL!
I am Judy Anne and I am very excited to be one of your "go-to" people during International Orientation week. I was born and raised in the Philippines. I speak Mandarin and French and a bit of Spanish. I oddly enjoy working in labs and hence, the Biochemistry major.
This past year at Bucknell has been amazing. I've constantly learned so many new things by getting involved with different activities. I am part of the Catholic Campus Ministry where I organize dinners every Thursday night (I expect EVERY SINGLE ONE of you to be there!). I also do tutoring with kids and I bring in international students like us to talk about our wonderful traditions and cultures from our own countries.
I am a very easily amused person. I pretty much laugh at everything. I enjoy going for long (and short) walks! Often times the best conversations I've had were at 2 a.m. in the morning just having a stroll with friends. I play the guitar and I sing a lot to cover my inability to groove! Kayaking and swimming are two of my favorite activities. I also love watching comedy series and doing arts and crafts during the little window of free-time I get here at Bucknell.
Before coming to the States, I lived in Canada where I studied in an international high school for two years. I would say that those two years are very important in my life because they have greatly shaped who I am right now and how I look at the world.
I am very eager to hear about your stories! You are now part of a new, exciting, and beautiful family here at Bucknell and I welcome you to the beginning of an absolutely amazing time of your life!
Paul A. Sierra, Class of 2014
Accounting and Financial Management
Quito, Ecuador
Hello Class of 2015! Welcome to Bucknell!
My name is Paul Sierra and I'm one of your IOA's for this year! I am a sophomore (second-year), Computer Science and Engineering majors, but I will be switching to a Management major with a minor in Computer Science. I was born in the beautiful city of Quito (Ecuador), right in the middle of the world. I came to the U.S. a year 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. As I'm from South America I can also speak Spanish and I know a little bit of French.
Music is my passion and although I can't really play any instruments I just love to spend hours listening to all kinds of music. Although I call myself a "city-boy" I also love adventure-type outdoor activities. I like to spend time watching funny or intriguing movies, reading fiction novels, dancing, and partying. On campus I am part of several clubs and organizations: OHLAS (Organization of Hispanic and Latin American Students), SHPE (Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers), LDC (Latino Dance Corner), Common Ground and IO (International Orientation).
Bucknell has been such a great experience because it has put me in situations that challenge my comfort-zone, therefore expanding my outlooks in 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 if you have any questions.
Katie M. Janda, Class of 2013
Sociology and Spanish
Plymouth, Michigan (MI), U.S.A.
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:
-Born and raised in the state of Michigan in the U.S.
-Ethnic food LOVER (this is a HUGE understatement)
-Sociology and Spanish double major
-Sports fanatic
-Campus Tour Guide at Bucknell
-Terrible singer (but I sing anyways, I'm sorry in advance!)
-Coffee and chai tea latte ADDICT
-Sister of Alpha Delta Pi sorority
-Passionate world traveler (I've been to 18 countries and counting!)
-Rising junior (third-year)
-Crazy dancer
-Big fan of TV shows
-Volleyball player
-Obsessed with kayaking
-Aspiring to work in the field of public health
... and last but not least... ONE OF YOUR IOA'S!
Enough about me, YOU 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 March and CANNOT wait to finally meet all of you! If you have any questions or just want to chat, please do not hesitate to e-mail me! Have a safe trip and 'RAY BUCKNELL!!!!!
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 Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Electrical Engineering and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Computer Science at Bucknell. I can still remember the summer before Bucknell just where you are right now- at home, relaxing, reading some introduction about the IOA's and I was saying: "Wow! Those guys are so cool!" Their life seemed so distant to me. But what can I say now? Time flies. I am one of "those guys" on the page now. I have no idea how two years passed by already! And now, you will go through the similar experiences; and I bet you will say the same things when you will be where I am right now-having a great summer time on campus looking forward to meeting your future friends.
My new life story at Bucknell dates back to the International Orientation of 2009. Those five days of orientation have saved me from being lost in the new life. Orientation took me to my first amusement park in the 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 was an awesome start for my college life. I'm pretty sure you will love it as well.
With the passing of time, I can only love Bucknell more and more. It gives me so many opportunities and fabulous experiences that I would have never had in other schools. I'm a Fremont Scholar, secretary (future president) in CCA (Chinese Cultural Association), SAAB (Students for Asian Awareness at Bucknell), MARC (Mobile Autonomous Robotics Club), Bucknell Undergraduate Research, and ILTM (Institute for Leadership in Technology and Management). I also went to Trinity Firefighting Robot Competition representing Bucknell in April. If you are interested I'm more than glad to show you what we do. That's just a few things I could remember for now, there is more...
So get excited! You will be impressed.
Finally, WELCOME to BUCKNELL!
Karel Parve, Class of 2012
International Relations
Viljandi, Estonia
Hello everyone and welcome to the United States and Bucknell!
My name is Karel Parve and I am a native Estonian. I grew up in Estonia and did not leave my country until college, so I know exactly how excited/scared/nervous/anxious/tired you must be right about now. Do not fret though; your IOA's are here to help you navigate through the craziness of the first couple of days.
This is my first time being an IOA and I am super excited to get to know all of you! We will definitely get a chance to get to know each other better, but let me start off by telling you a little more about myself.
I am a senior and International Relations (IR) major. I like to stay as involved as I can with most-things-diversity on campus-that is where my true passion lies. Next to being your International Orientation Assistant, I am the President of FLAG&BT (Friends of Lesbian and Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender people at Bucknell), I work in the Office of LGBT Awareness (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) as an intern, and I'm the founder and current leader of the Gay Men's Discussion/Support Group on campus. Also, I am a Facilitator for Common Ground, a student-led diversity retreat that takes place every year during Fall Break. Next to civil rights/liberties and IR, foreign languages are of great interest to me. I am fluent in Estonian, English, Russian, German, and I am currently learning French.
Bucknell, while it has its ups and downs, is one of my favorite places in the world. I have met some of the most wonderful people here who have become part of my family. I am truly excited for all of you to have the chance to get settled in and truly start taking advantage of all the wonderful things this campus has to offer.
I think that's enough out of me for now. I hope you are getting excited for Orientation. We have been preparing for your arrival for months now and we absolutely cannot wait to meet all of you! 'RAY BUCKNELL!
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: "Where exactly are you from?" my answer is the longest one. I was born in Yekaterinburg (on the border between Europe and Asia), grew up in a very small town, Golubitskaya, in the south of Russia (the Azov Sea shore), and lived in Moscow for two years after graduating from high school. I can call any of these places my hometown, but 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. Being a sophomore majoring in Chemical Engineering, I've become involved in lots of things on campus. I'm a Fremont Scholar and organize projects to help increase international awareness at Bucknell while working in the Russian Department. I am a member of a national sorority Kappa Alpha Theta and an Arts Residential College participant. By the way, there are six different Residential Colleges that freshmen (first-years) can join, and I'm sure that you can find one for yourself, too. There are so many things on the Bucknell 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 any of us. 'Ray Bucknell!
Michael Kumcu, Class of 2012
Neuroscience
Istanbul, Turkey
Merhaba Arkadaşlar!!! My name is Mike Kumcu. I am a rising senior at Bucknell University - part of the class of 2012 - and I am a Neuroscience major. I was born in the United States, but I have lived in Istanbul, Turkey, my entire life. This is going to be my second year as an International Orientation Assistant (IOA). Last year we all had a lot of fun; but I bet we can top last year...
As a Neuroscience major I am in a lot of biology and chemistry classes, but I do my best to branch out into different disciplines as well. During my freshman and sophomore years, I was part of Common Ground, both as a participant and as a facilitator. Common Ground is a student-led diversity retreat that takes place every Fall Break; it's a blast every year and it is something that everyone should try at least once. In my first years at Bucknell, I was in a club called A.C.E. (stands for Activities and Campus Events). A.C.E. organizes all of the on-campus student activities from sport competitions, to comedians; from magicians, to the end of the year ball called Chrysalis. A.C.E. is a great way to meet a lot of people on campus. In addition, I am part of Bicycles Against Poverty, which is a non-profit organization that sends bicycles to Uganda; and I am a part of the Black Student Union (BSU). I am also a member of Lambda Chi Alpha (which is one of the fraternities on campus).
But enough about me, I bet most of you are going to be too excited about meeting new friends and starting your Bucknell life to remember all of this about me anyways. If you have any questions about Bucknell or about anything in general, please don't hesitate to ask me. Hopefully I can be a good resource for you during your first year at Bucknell. I can't wait to get to know all of you. See you this August!!!
Kunga C. Dagpo, Class of 2014
Chemical Engineering
Dharamsala, Tibet
Welcome to Bucknell! I'm Kunga and I am a rising sophomore. Just a year ago, I was in the same position as you, the incoming international students, looking forward to making Bucknell my new home. And after a year, it has become my 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 6 different schools and travelled all over India. I am a United World College graduate, finished my high school in Mahindra United World College in India, and I am also a Fremont Scholar at Bucknell. I live 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 because I was the first to arrive last year!!! I love playing football, and just to make it clear, it's called soccer in the U.S., 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 should, because not only will you make some really involved friends, you will also get to travel and have very deep discussions.
Anyways, I'm sure it will be very exciting to meet all of you! You will have a chance to see a lot at Bucknell, to settle down, to meet us and make Bucknell your home for the next four years as we already have!
Quinn E. Blanco, Class of 2014
Chemical Engineering and Management for Engineers
Leon, Iloilo, Phillipines
Mabuhay! My name is Quinn, a rising sophomore, majoring both in Chemical Engineering and Management for engineers. I was born in one of the 7,107 islands of the Philippine archipelago and spent most of my life under the tropical Philippine sun. I am very excited 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! Even though I'm a Chemical Engineering major, I actually enjoy the arts more (speaking of irony). I love to sing, and even dance and act! I get thrilled learning new songs in new languages; and as of this moment, I actually have a compilation of six songs that I have learned in different languages.
I am a very approachable person and it would not take you long to figure out that this is true. I love to have fun and laugh (!) and I always try to look at the positive side of things. I love to talk about anything, be it random or serious (well there are some exceptions such as American football, baseball, or American TV shows). 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 surprises for later. After all, this orientation is all about YOU! You will find that this will be one of your special moments 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 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!
Gabrijela Andric, Class of 2013
Interdisciplinary Studies in Economics and Mathematics
Tomislavgrad, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Hello Class of 2015! Welcome to Bucknell!!! My name is Gabrijela Andric, but feel free to call me Gaby! I'm a rising junior at Bucknell majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies in Economics and Mathematics with a minor in Spanish. I hope you are excited for International Orientation 2011, because I AM!!! I can guarantee that you will have an amazing time and that you will laugh a lot. I'll try to make you laugh, even though I don't think that I'm particularly funny person, but people like to make fun of me so that will come in handy!
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 official languages of my country: Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian, (I am lucky that they are 90% similar, so I don't get them confused). 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 languages I speak fluently.
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 feel so good when I have time to draw. 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's 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 experiences! If you ever need some assistance and help, your IOA's will always be there for you, and certainly I will be here for you.
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
Yue Hua, Class of 2013
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Nanjing, China
Hello class of 2015, Welcome to Bucknell!!!!
My name is Yue and I am a rising junior (third-year) major in Civil Engineering. I come from Nanjing, a lovely city in which I spent most of my life before I went to Bucknell. Besides, I was an exchange student in a small town, Dinslaken, in Germany, for one year during my high school. I really loved that experience and miss that place a lot. And now, Lewisburg has officially become my second sweeeet home and I am sure that you will be in love with this place as well.
Here are some of my personal interests: I love traveling, meeting different people from different cultures, hanging out with friends, watching movies, and cooking whenever I am not stressed out by any engineering work. I am a big fan of Chinese food and that's why I have been really trying to 'practice' my cooking skills =). I am a member of the German Club, Chinese Culture Association and Students for Asian Awareness at Bucknell(SAAB). Also, as a Presidential Fellow I am currently working with a professor from the Civil Engineeringdepartment doing summer-research on structure vibrations. Throughout the semester there are always various activities offered on campus and academic opportunities for students, so make sure you join the ones you like.
Even though I am almost half-way through college (I still cannot believe it! - the time really goes by faaaast!), the memory of International Orientation is still so fresh and it is one of the best experiences I have ever had at Bucknell. I believe you will all enjoy it as much as I did and I hope it will make a great start for your next awesome four years! I hope you are all getting excited (I know I am!) and I look forward to meet all of you at Bucknell soon!!! If you have any questions feel free to email me.
Oswaldo Galicia, Class of 2014
Civil Engineering (Major) and Environmental Science (Minor)
Canoga Park, California (CA), U.S.A.
What's up my future buddies!!!???
My name is Oswaldo Galicia and I am now a sophomore, class of 2014, at Bucknell University. I am majoring inCivil Engineering with a minor in Environmental Studies. I am from Los Angeles (L.A.), California, which does not really make me an international student, but I sure feel like one since I am so far away from home. I am a first generation American, meaning my parents emigrated from Mexico to the U.S. and I am one of the first in my family to be an American born citizen. So, in a sense, I am also an international student! I am also participating in my first International Orientation just like all of you! We already have two things in common and you haven't even arrived on campus!!! I can already see us being BEST FRIENDS!!!
One of the main reasons I decided to come to Bucknell was because of the atmosphere and environment of Bucknell's campus. The liberal arts atmosphere is truly amazing and very different from the big city of L.A. I wanted to experience new things and live in a campus that is very different than home.
At Bucknell, I am involved in the Society for Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Friends of Lesbian and Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender people at Bucknell (FLAG&BT), Latino Dance Corner (LDC), Organization of Hispanic and Latin American Students (OHLAS), The POSSEFoundation, and I also have a job in the Admissions Office (If you call the office, I might answer!!!).
One of my favorite things to do on campus is hang out in 7th Street Café! I enjoy running and shopping for clothes (when I actually have the money). I also enjoy watching GLEE! It is one of my favorite shows of all time. I will get you all to watch an episode at some point. I enjoy singing (even though I am not good) and dancing!!! I want to travel all around the world, so make sure to invite me back to your countries at some point during your four years at Bucknell!
I can't wait to meet all you and make tons and tons of new friends on campus! We will have a great time duringInternational Orientation and even though it might only last a few days, I will always be here for any kind of support you might need!
Becoming an International Orientation Assistant or Leader
Interested in being a member of the International Orientation Staff for 2012-13? Please check back in February, 2012.
