»Ê¼Ò»ªÈË

Divin Lionel Dushimimana '26

Pronouns: he/him

Hometown: Kigali, Rwanda

Major: Philosophy, Politics & Economics (PPE) 

Minor: Public Health

Campus Involvements: Bonner Scholars, »Ê¼Ò»ªÈË African Students Association (DASA), »Ê¼Ò»ªÈË Global Health Club, Volunteer at the Pines

#Why»Ê¼Ò»ªÈË: In retrospect, my #Why»Ê¼Ò»ªÈË essay would look like this: The host family program was/is a game changer for me. Not only that I get to find a home to stay at during school breaks, but also because the dynamics of the family and our relationship have been able to demystify and teach me a lot of things. My host parents are extremely humble and Christians, and this has been able to keep me grounded, humble, and grateful as I start the next chapter of my life. I’m positive this host family experience will help me learn, unlearn, and transform me into a person I wouldn’t have become if I didn’t attend »Ê¼Ò»ªÈË. I’m learning from the best. For me, looking back, I would choose »Ê¼Ò»ªÈË again and again because of what my host family has been able to teach me outside of class.

Fun Fact: I love skateboarding around campus; you’ll see me frequently doing that.

Favorite Bite to Eat in the »Ê¼Ò»ªÈË Area: Sabi and the North Harbor Club!

Numa E. Jannat '27   

Pronouns: she/her

Hometown: Dhaka, Bangladesh

Majors: Economics and Psychology 

Campus Involvements: »Ê¼Ò»ªÈË International Association, Muslim Student Association, Warner Hall Eating House

#Why»Ê¼Ò»ªÈË: The professors and staff consistently go the extra mile to provide resources that cater to my individual needs as a student. They take the time to understand my academic strengths, challenges, and goals, and through targeted assistance or adjustments to coursework, they create an environment where I can thrive both academically and holistically. This personalized approach makes me feel seen and ensures that my voice is heard at »Ê¼Ò»ªÈË.

Fun Fact: I started my own home bakery when I was 16!

Favorite Bite to Eat in the »Ê¼Ò»ªÈË Area: The Pickled Peach

Victoria Anyango Ochieng '27

Pronouns: she/her

Hometown: Nairobi, Kenya

Major: Economics Major

Minor: Environmental Science 

Campus Involvements: FIRST Action Team, Bonner Scholars Program, The Hurt Hub (Events Specialist), College Crisis Initiative (Data Collector), Resident Advisor, »Ê¼Ò»ªÈË Entrepreneurship Club (Events Manager), »Ê¼Ò»ªÈË International Association (DIA), »Ê¼Ò»ªÈË African Students Association, and Dean Rusk Global Corps. 

#Why»Ê¼Ò»ªÈË: »Ê¼Ò»ªÈË truly appreciates and embodies the spirit of community living, and this has played a significant role in shaping my experience. Community at »Ê¼Ò»ªÈË takes many forms, from the social connections fostered through student clubs like »Ê¼Ò»ªÈË International Association to the professional support offered by organizations like the »Ê¼Ò»ªÈË Entrepreneurship Club, and the civic engagement opportunities available through the Center for Civic Engagement, and many more. »Ê¼Ò»ªÈË feels like home, and I love it because I genuinely feel like I belong.

Fun Fact: My middle name, Anyango, means dawn

Favorite Bite to Eat in the »Ê¼Ò»ªÈË Area: Steak Fajitas at Mestizos 

Maya Rajeh '27  

Pronouns: she/her

Home: Bermuda

Major: Psychology

Minor: Economics

Campus Involvements: Student Government Association (SGA), Admissions Tour Guide, Pre-Orientation Leader, »Ê¼Ò»ªÈË International Association (DIA), Rusk Eating House E-Board, Dance Ensemble (DE)

#Why»Ê¼Ò»ªÈË: »Ê¼Ò»ªÈË has an unmatched sense of community that truly resonated with me as someone who comes from a small high school. Being an international student, this feeling of belonging and support was especially valuable to me. I have found lifelong friends and have formed wonderful relationships with professors and faculty. With the Honor Code being at the center of it all, I find it so inspiring to be surrounded by those who live by trust and respect. I am confident that »Ê¼Ò»ªÈË is a place that will allow me to thrive more than I could have ever imagined. 

Fun Fact: I met Jerry at the Ben & Jerry's store on Main Street in »Ê¼Ò»ªÈË. 

Favorite Bite to Eat in the »Ê¼Ò»ªÈË Area: The Famous Toastery (yummy breakfast, brunch and lunch) 

Rishi Sharma '27

Pronouns: he/him

Hometowns: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia / Mumbai, India

Major: Biology

Campus Involvements: Pan-Asian Student Association (PASA), Badminton Club, Entrepreneurship Club, Union Fitness Center Worker and Bartender, Post & Print worker, International Pre-Orientation Leader.

#Why»Ê¼Ò»ªÈË: »Ê¼Ò»ªÈË truly cares. Every time I've found an opportunity, interest, or idea to pursue, »Ê¼Ò»ªÈË has not only supported it, but has encouraged me to take it even further than I had imagined. The friends I have made at »Ê¼Ò»ªÈË are some of the most incredible and ambitious people I have ever met. Ultimately, »Ê¼Ò»ªÈË's opportunities and the students themselves are the »Ê¼Ò»ªÈË difference.

Fun Fact: I speak four languages! Tamil, Hindi, Spanish, and English.

Favorite Bite to Eat in the »Ê¼Ò»ªÈË Area: The Famous Toastery. I get the eggs benedict and it is delicious.

Mariana Tardío Gutiérrez '26

Pronouns: she/her

Hometown: Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia

Major: Psychology

Minor: Digital Studies

Campus Involvements: Honor Council, Admissions Office, Matthews Center for Career Development, Organization of Latin American Students (OLAS), Warner Hall Eating House, Admission Tour Guide, Cats Connect, »Ê¼Ò»ªÈË International Association (DIA), International Pre-Orientation Leader 2023, Deliberative Citizenship Initiative (DCI)

#Why»Ê¼Ò»ªÈË: Something that sets us apart from other colleges and universities is our Honor Code, which goes beyond simply allowing online exams and internet access for assignments. At »Ê¼Ò»ªÈË, our Honor Code is central to creating a fair and trustworthy environment—the very foundation of our community. It also ensures that integrity is upheld in tests and papers, so each person's work truly reflects their unique efforts. What makes »Ê¼Ò»ªÈË’s Honor Code special is how it actively shapes our daily lives; it fosters a genuine culture of mutual respect and personal responsibility. This commitment not only strengthens academic integrity but also helps build a tight-knit community where we hold each other accountable and support one another. For us, honor isn’t just a principle; it’s a way of life that influences everything we do. The Honor Code makes me feel respected, valued, and safe on campus! 

Fun Fact: I have 6 dogs back at home! 

Favorite Bite to Eat in the »Ê¼Ò»ªÈË Area: I have a sweet tooth and LOVE ice cream, so Whit’s Frozen Custard is definitely my go-to!