ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø

Malavika Kalani '24

Pronouns: she/her

Hometown: Kolkata, India 

Major: Mathematics and Computer Science 

Campus Involvements: Fostering Inclusivity and Respect in Science Together (FIRST) Action Team, ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø International Association (2022-23 President), International Student Orientation Team, ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø Dance Ensemble, ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø Theatre Department, Math and Computer Science Tutor 

#WhyÌÒñ«ÉçÇø: One of the most rewarding aspects of being a ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø student has been the amazing resources and opportunities I've had access to. More importantly, I've truly felt like I'm at an institution that looks out for every student and empowers them to do the same for other people. 

Fun Fact: I went skydiving with some of my friends during finals week of my junior fall semester and it was the best thing I've ever done! 

Favorite Bite to Eat in the ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø Area: Anything from Milkbread! 

Arshi Husain '26 

Pronouns: she/her

Hometown: Islamabad, Pakistan 

Majors: Economics and Philosophy Double Major 

Campus Involvements: Pan-Asian Students Association (PASA), Chidsey Leadership Fellow, Humanities Fellow, Deliberative Citizenship Initiative (DCI) Fellow, The ÌÒñ«ÉçÇøian (Features Editor), Muslim Student Association (Treasurer), Wellness Wendy (Committee Head), Academic Access & Disability Resources (Student Assistant)

#WhyÌÒñ«ÉçÇø: Because every time I question if ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø is the place for me, if I fit in, if I’m good enough, ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø always finds a way to give me a conclusive answer: yes. At ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø, I find opportunities, friends, and new experiences even when I’m not actively seeking them. From a professional and personal lens, ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø has given me the chance to grow—whether it be by participating in career treks over spring break or being able to take charge of Asian affinity work on campus. At ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø, I have never felt pressured to fit a mold—rather, I have the freedom to create my own. 

Fun Fact: I believed in the Tooth Fairy up until high school.

Favorite Bite to Eat in the Area: Pickled Peach 

Mariana Tardío Gutiérrez '26

Pronouns: she/her

Hometown: Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia

Majors: Psychology and Digital Studies

Campus Involvements: Matthews Center for Career Development, International Pre-Orientation Leader, ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø International Association (DIA), Warner Hall Eating House E-Board, College Union Fitness Center Worker, Deliberative Citizenship Initiative (DCI), Tour Guide 

#WhyÌÒñ«ÉçÇø: Even though ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø was the only institution that accepted me, I can’t imagine myself anywhere else; I believe it was God and destiny who agreed for me to come to this perfect school. What I love most about ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø is that it makes me feel at home, despite being thousands of miles away from Bolivia. As international students, we have countless opportunities and resources to make a smooth transition into American culture. From the Writing Center,  International Student Programs (shoutout to the most welcoming and loving group of people on campus) to the Host Family Program, ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø is the ideal place for international students. 

Fun Fact: I have 6 dogs back home!  

Favorite Bite to Eat in the ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø Area: ²Ñ±ð²õ³Ù¾±³ú´Ç’s

Divin Lionel Dushimimana '26

Pronouns: he/him

Hometown: Kigali, Rwanda

Major: Public Health

Campus Involvements: Bonner Scholar, Belk Scholar, Deliberative Citizenship Initiative (DCI) Fellow, Tutor at Community School of ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø, ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø Global Health Club

#WhyÌÒñ«ÉçÇø: In retrospect, my #WhyÌÒñ«ÉçÇø 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 ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø. I’m learning from the best. For me, looking back, I would choose ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø again and again because of what my host family has been able to teach me outside of class.

Fun Fact: I have hiked Mount Bisoke in Rwanda; an elevation of 3,711 meters above the ground. The exercise will stretch you too thin, but it’s worth it. 

Favorite Bite to Eat in the ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø Area: Arroz Con Pollo (A.C.P) at La Unica has been my favorite bite in the ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø area. I 100% recommend it.

Samuel Waithira '24

Pronouns: he/him

Hometown: Nairobi, Kenya

Majors: Economics

Minor: Applied Mathematics

Campus Involvements: Bonner Scholar, Resident Advisor, ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø International Assoc., ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø African Students Assoc., Rotaract, ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø Finance and Investment Assoc. 

#WhyÌÒñ«ÉçÇø: I love the resources ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø has for its students. ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø has unmatched resources for international students, and I have been fortunate to use them. ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø has lots of resources and opportunities for students and I love describing ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø as a bag of opportunities.

Fun Fact: I am a huge Adele fan! My passion for her music knows no bounds, and my Spotify stats confirm it – I'm among the top 0.001 percent of listeners who just can't get enough of her soulful melodies.

Favorite Bite to Eat in the ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø Area: Kung Foo Noodle in Birkdale Village in Huntersville. I always get the Pot belly soup noodle with pot belly substituted with fried Tofu.