Global Ties Program

Pronouns: He/him/his 

National Identity(ies): United States

Language(s): English, Marathi

Major: Finance and Business Information Systems

Certificate: Business Analytics

Club: Alpha Kappa Psi, Steel City Shershah, Taaza

Hello, everyone! My name is Romit and I am a sophomore majoring in Finance and Business Information Systems. This will be my first year as a Global Ties mentor and I am super excited to meet everyone! I was born in Pittsburgh and have been living here all my life, so if you need any restaurant/sightseeing recommendations or need any help navigating Pittsburgh, feel free to reach out! Whenever I’m not busy with schoolwork, I enjoy visiting new places, thrifting for clothes, tossing the (American) football around Cathy lawn, and finding new spots to eat. I would highly recommend taking advantage of the free student bus pass that Pitt provides us, as that was the #1 way I explored hidden gems in the city this past year. While I did face some challenges my first year at Pitt, the people I met, the knowledge I gained, and the things I experienced helped me overcome those challenges and truly made Pitt home for me. I hope that me and the rest of the GTM team can help you do the same! If you have any questions/concerns or just want to say hi, feel free to reach out or come up and talk to me if you see me around campus!

Pronouns: She/her/hers

National Identity(ies): United States

Language(s): English

Major(s): Pharmacy

Minor(s)/Certificate(s): Chemistry and sociologies minors

Club(s): Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA), RxPrep, Global Medical Brigades

Hi, everyone! My name is Emeline. I am a third-year student at Pitt studying pharmacy with a minor in sociology. This will be my second year as a Global Ties Mentor, and I am so excited to meet everyone! I was born and raised in Pennsylvania, so I know some pretty cool places to go and things to try in PA. I can definitely give lots of recommendations. When I am not in class, I enjoy traveling, trying new restaurants, thrifting, exploring Pittsburgh with my friends, skiing, and playing tennis. Some of my favorite activities I was able to experience as a Pitt student include seeing an opera, seeing a symphony, going to a Pirates’ baseball game, riding the inclines, exploring museums, attending Pitt sporting events, seeing Bill Nye, and even studying abroad! I also love to find unique classes to take at Pitt. I took paddleboard yoga and ancient mythology and loved it! I have really enjoyed my time here at Pitt so far. I know starting college can be a challenge, but I found my home here. I hope you do too! Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or are just looking for a friend. See you soon!

Pronouns: She/her/hers

National Identity(ies): Taiwan

Language(s): Mandarin, English

Major(s): Supply Chain Management, Business Information Systems

Minor(s)/Certificate(s): International Business

Club(s): Taiwanese Student Association (TSA), Alpha Kappa Psi, Incline Consulting Group

Hello! My name is Nicky, and this is going to be my second year as a GTM. I’m so excited to meet you all! I was born in Taipei, Taiwan. I came to Pitt just two years ago and am now a rising junior studying business. If I’m not in class, you might run into me walking around the campus, sitting in a cafe, or enjoying food anywhere there’s food! As an international student myself, I know that going to college in a different country can be very nerve-wracking, but I’m sure you will have a great time here at Pitt!

Pronouns: They/them

Major: Film and Media Studies

Concentration: Business Studies and Psychology

Nationality: India

Languages: Malayalam, Hindi, English, French

Clubs: BYO Bollywood, SCENE, Fantasy Studies Fellowship, Collab Arts

Welcome to Pitt! Hello! My name is Angel, and I am a junior from Kerala, India. I am currently involved in humanities research in minority representation in contemporary Bollywood and as part of my interest in that I run a Bollywood club on campus that hosts weekly meetings. In my leisure time, I like to dance, watch films and series, and read books on narrative and film and media studies. I also love cooking Indian food and hosting movie nights so if that is something you like, feel free to join me! I enjoy exploring the vibrant small businesses in Pittsburgh with friends over the weekends. When I am with my friends, I love doing impromptu photoshoots with friends using items around my room.

Pronouns: she/her/hers

National Identity(ies): India

Language(s): English, Hindi, Punjabi

Major(s): Biological Sciences and Anthropology

Minor(s)/Certificate(s): Chemistry minor; Certificate in Conceptual Foundations of Medicine

Club(s): Student Government Board (Wellness Committee and SAP), BYO Bollywood, PantherWell

Hello and welcome to Pitt! I’m Vaani, a rising junior on the pre-med track and this will be my 2nd year as a global ties mentor. If you’re reading this and are intimidated by starting this new journey at Pitt, just know that you’re at the right place if you’re looking for a supportive atmosphere and guidance from all of us who have been in the same position. I was born in the US but grew up in Bengaluru, India and I’ve had the privilege of travelling across and outside India and I love immersing myself in different cultures via scrumptious snacks, conversations and linguistics. I know it can seem daunting to truly call a place your second home, but I’ve been able to do so by connecting with Pittsburgh’s history and raving about different architectural styles across the city. Every time I’m off campus and I catch a glimpse of Cathy, I’m reminded of the wonderful community we have and I’m excited for you to experience the same. I know college is filled with first impressions and experiences but I hope that I’m able to help you brave the unknowns and embrace that growing sense of familiarity and comfort at Pitt. I’m sure you’ll catch me taking pictures of flowers all over campus so feel free to come say hi and chat 🙂

Pronouns: she/her/hers

National Identity(ies): Saudi Arabia

Language(s): English, Arabic

Major(s): Economics 

Club(s): Middle Eastern and North African Student Association

Hi everyone, and welcome to Pitt! My name is Tala, and I recently transferred to Pitt just last semester. Before coming to Pitt, I was studying at Trinity College Dublin. Pitt has quickly become my home, and I couldn’t be happier about it! Without a doubt, my absolute favorite aspect of Pitt is its incredible community. In the short time I’ve been here, I’ve met some of my best friends. The people here are genuinely so nice and always ready to lend a helping hand. I can’t wait for you to experience it. I am an international student from Saudi Arabia, but I lived in Florida for 12 years. Growing up, I went to 12 schools, and that was the driving force behind me becoming a global ties mentor. This is my first year as a GTM, and I’m so excited! As someone who has been the new student in a brand-new city numerous times, I know how overwhelming it can be. I’m here to help, so feel free to reach out whether it’s about academics, the best places to eat, exploring the city, or just hanging out!

Pronouns: She/Her(s)

National Identity: South Korea

Language(s): English, Korean, Kiswahili

Major(s): International Studies/Anthropology

Minor(s)/Certificate(s): Global Studies

Club(s): African Languages Student Association

Hello everyone! Welcome to Pitt! My name is Yerin Choi, and an international student from South Korea. My major is Anthology and co-majoring International Studies as well. This is my second year at Pitt and ninth year in the States. I love to invite my friends over, cook some Korean food, and enjoy the food. Ever since I have been an international student, I have loved meeting diverse people and learning about new cultures. Feel free to ask anything about Korean culture as well! One of my favorite spots at Pitt is Schenley Park because it has such a beautiful sight of Cathedral of Learning with sunsets. Always feel free to reach out for help and I will try my best to make your transition at Pitt as smooth as possible.

Pronouns: She/her/hers

National Identity(ies): Egyptian, American

Language(s): Arabic, English

Major(s): Neuroscience

Minor(s)/Certificate(s): Chemistry minor; Certificates in Conceptual Foundations of Medicine and

Children’s Literature

Club(s): AMSA, MSA, Pitt Pantry

Hey Friends! My name is Maryam, and I am a rising senior majoring in Neuroscience. I am currently living in the Philadelphia area, but I used to live in both Georgia and Tennessee. I am originally from Alexandria, Egypt. I have enjoyed living in all these places and I like to bring pieces from each chapter into my life here. In my free time, I love crocheting, working out, reading a good book or baking something for my friends and family. My music taste ranges from early 2000s hip-hop to 2010s pop and R&B. In Pittsburgh, I love going on walks when the weather is nice and trying out new coffee shops and restaurants. Pittsburgh has an amazing and diverse selection of food and cafés to visit. I would love to arrange a time and take you to some of my favorites! Coming to college and moving to a new place can be difficult. But, Pittsburgh is a wonderful place and is incredibly welcoming. I am so excited to meet all of you and show you all the things I love to do here! See you soon 🙂

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Year: Junior

National identity: United States

Languages: English

Major: Mechanical engineering

Minors/certificates: Civil Engineering, Korean, entrepreneur innovation & product design

Clubs: Filipino student association, oSTEM, Makerspace mentoring, archery

Hi and welcome to Pitt!!! My name is Maya and I’m a rising Junior and it will be my second year as a global ties mentor! I’m majoring in Mechanical engineering, but I’m involved in a lot of different things on campus so feel free to tell me all about your major, I’d love to hear about it! I’m originally from New Jersey, but I spend a lot of time exploring different neighborhoods in Pittsburgh so I would be more than happy to give you recommendations to restaurants and novelty stores all over the city if you ask! I find that Pitt is really well integrated into the city so it’s relatively easy to explore new places and everyone on campus is super welcoming so it’s always easy to find a friend to travel with. Other than exploring places, I really love learning new skills and trying new hobbies in my free time. Most recently I’ve picked up boxing, but if you’re looking for someone to paint with or willing to tag along to a beginner’s yoga class or something entirely new, feel free to send me a message! I’m so excited to meet you and help you transition to life at Pitt!!!

Pronouns: he/him/his 

National Identity(ies): Indian 

Language(s): English, Hindi, Telugu 

Major(s): Biological Sciences 

Minor(s)/Certificate(s): Chemistry minor 

Club(s): Student Government Board, Steel City Shershaah, Hooligans Soccer 

Hello and welcome to Pitt! My name is Om and I’m a rising junior studying Biology on the Pre-Med track. As an international student from Bangalore, India, having also spent a good chunk of my childhood in the UK—all while changing schools almost every year—moving has become a part of my identity. As I began my journey of assimilating to another brand-new culture at Pitt, I realized that behind inevitable fears of not fitting in, there lies real comfort in the ability to experience and enjoy these cultures from our own unique perspectives. As a first-year Global Ties mentor, I look forward to sharing my experiences and learning from others who have been in the same place. I understand how tricky it can get navigating the culture shock and a newfound sense of freedom, while simultaneously discovering yourself and your interests in an uncharted territory. I’ve found collaboration within the international community to be a keystone to bridge this transformative experience. Pitt and the city of Pittsburgh always surprise me with something new, and a willingness to explore is all that one needs to be able to have an enriching experience. This is how I discovered a passion for dance, making music and a thirst for much more while also discovering goldmines in the city and incredible people along the way. Feel free to tag along as I continue to embark on such adventures! In person you can find me hanging around at Nordy’s Place, the Carnegie Library, the pianos in WPU, or at the Cost Center playing soccer on the weekends. I’m excited to meet everyone and playing a role in your transitions to Pitt! 

Pronouns:  She/her/hers 

National Identity(ies):  American 

Language(s):  English 

Major(s):  Pre-medicine (with an interest in neuroscience)  

Minor(s)/Certificate(s):  Studio Arts minor, Conceptual Foundations of Medicine Certificate 

Club(s):  Pitt Dance Marathon, intramural volleyball & flag football. 

Hi everyone!!! 

My name is Elizabeth, and I am so excited to meet you all! I go by Elizabeth, but a lot of my friends call me Liz so you can call me whatever you like. I was born in Detroit, Michigan, but now I live in New Jersey which is great because I love going to the beach. I am going to be a sophomore this year and hope to become a pediatrician in the future. Although I am on the pre-med track, I love to draw realism portraits of people and all things crafty! I also love to play the cello, try new foods and hobbies, travel, watch rom-coms, play volleyball, go shopping, cook, go to art fairs and hang out with my dog. I love Pittsburgh because there are so many opportunities to get off campus and do something fun. Some of my favorite things I did last year include ice skating downtown and riding the rollercoasters at Kennywood with my friends. If you ever need ideas for how to spend your weekends, I have a lot of suggestions! Going into freshman year, I was really intimidated and nervous. I promise it only takes a few weeks to settle in and meet the most amazing people. Although you can usually find me in Hillman Library studying, I would love to go out for coffee or just chat whenever you can! I hope you have a spectacular first year! 

Pronouns: she/her/hers 

National Identity(ies): Saudi Arabia and New Zealand  

Language(s): English, Arabic  

Major(s): Philosophy  

Minor(s)/Certificate(s): Creative Writing  

Hi, my name is Tamara and welcome to Pittsburgh! I am a philosophy major, and I am minoring in creative writing, which means I do a lot of writing and a mountain of reading, some might call that a nightmare, but I’ll take that over an exam any day. I am embarking on my second semester as a junior and this is my first year as a global ties mentor, I’m so excited to help you make yourself at home in Pitt. It’s always daunting moving somewhere foreign and it takes time to find your footing, but as a mentor I’m someone you can lean on and rely on to navigate this new chapter! I’ve been in your shoes too and have lived to tell the tale, having moved every few years growing up. This is an exciting road ahead for you and I’m glad to be a part of it. There is so much Pittsburgh has to offer and there is definitely something that will interest everyone, from diverse food to the arts (there are so many theatre productions and cinemas all over the city), sports (I’m partial to hockey games, LET’S GO PENS !!!) and there are so many different kinds of people you will meet and get to know. I am always here and happy to hear from you!

Pronouns: He/Him  

National Identity(ies): Chinese  

Language(s): English, Mandarin   

Major(s): Finance, Accounting 

Minor(s)/Certificate(s): Computer Science  

Club(s): Alpha Kappa Psi  

Hello everyone. I am Chenhao Wu, and you can call me Carl. I am an upcoming Junior student and a first-year Global Ties Mentor. I was born in Beijing, China, and grew up there. When I was young, I made up my mind that I wanted to go to different countries to learn about different cultures, which inspired me to come to the United States for university study. Of course, this process did have some problems at the beginning. When I first came to the United States, I also faced issues with life, culture, communication, and many other aspects. Living here longer, I gradually solved these problems and got to know the culture better. I am grateful for what I have been through and hope to help more students who are new to the Pitt through my experience. I know it's a big challenge for you to move to a new city or even a new country. When you face these challenges and try to discover the beauty of life on the Pitt campus, you are sure to love it. You should always be able to find me in the library or Eatery, please feel free to stop by and say hello or chat with me, I have a lot more want to share with you. 

Pronouns: she/her/hers 

National Identity(ies): Indian 

Language(s): English, Tamil  

Major(s): Biological Sciences  

Minor(s)/Certificate(s): Applied Statistics and Chemistry minor; Certificate in Global Health 

Club(s): Women in Research 

Hello everyone. I am Dharrnhi, a rising junior on the path to immerse myself in the nuances of molecular biology. I am a first-year Global Ties Mentor. I grew up in India my whole life with a short escapade in the US during middle school which brought me back here for college. Navigating my life as an international student in middle school and college has always left me with so many lessons to take forward. And here I am, eager to help other international students have the easiest transition at Pitt with the knowledge I have gained from my experiences. Transitioning to my life in the US both times has never been easy, but to find a community of people who have been through similar experiences and with people extending their hands to help in your journey gives the boost and makes you feel welcomed. Every time I meet people navigating their life in the US by maneuvering even the tiniest of things, I feel belonged and supported by the new community of people I am surrounded by. Pitt has given me some of the best experiences of my life such as meeting people from different walks of life, immersing myself in a global atmosphere, and exploring other cultures including some from my home country I was unaware all of which I will relish for a lifetime. And I hope you all find such relishing moments to carry with you forever as well. You can find me hanging around William Pitt Union or the O’Hara Student Center, so feel free to come and say hi:)  

Pronouns: He/Him 

National Identity(ies): Brazilian 

Language(s): English, Portuguese 

Major(s): Computer Science 

Minor(s)/Certificate(s): Engineering Data Analytics 

Club(s): Computer Science Club, Music Production Club 

Hello, and welcome to Pitt! I’m Erick, or you can call me Koji, a sophomore studying computer science at Pitt, and this will be my first year as a global ties mentor. Here is a little about myself: I am the third generation of Japanese-Brazilians. I grew up in the rural area of a city called Mogi das Cruzes in São Paulo, Brazil. Outside classes, I am involved in the Computer Science Club and the Music Production Club. My hobbies include searching for unknown vinyl records, producing music, DJing, photography, and cooking.  

Another thing that I enjoy is talking to people of various backgrounds. Getting to know the culture, experiences, food, and especially the music they like is an irreplaceable experience, so feel free to come and talk to me whenever you want! I understand that coming to college can be a scary and daunting experience, but I hope that I can guide you to conquer your fears and experience what the best college has to offer. If you ever find me walking around campus with my headphones on, feel free to talk to me and ask what song I am listening to. 

Pronouns: she/her 

National Identity(ies): Egypt 

Language(s): Arabic, English 

Major(s): Molecular Biology 

Minor(s)/Certificate(s): Neuroscience, Conceptual Foundations of Medicine 

Club(s): Dental Science Club, MSA 

Hello everyone and welcome to Pitt! My name is Shahd and I’m a rising sophomore majoring in molecular biology and minoring in neuroscience. I’m an international student from Egypt, but I’ve spent a huge portion of my life living abroad in different countries like Jordan, USA, and Japan! Leaving your home country behind to live in a foreign one can seem scary at first, but as a person who has been moving around so much, I can tell you it’s worth it. You make a lot of new friends and learn more about different cultures, perspectives, and even yourself. The Pitt campus also has an amazing blend of diversity, so I can guarantee you that you won’t feel alone. As a first year Global Ties Mentor, I’m super excited to help create a warm and welcoming environment for you when you start your journey at Pitt! When I’m not in class, you can find me anywhere in the William Pitt Union either studying or reading (I can give you good book recommendations if you’re interested!), hanging out with friends, or volunteering. If you ever need help with any academics or just want to chat, feel free to reach out to me or say hi! I look forward to meeting you all when you arrive! 

Pronouns: He/Him 

National Identity(ies): China 

Language(s): English, Mandarin  

Major(s): Media and Professional Communications  

Minor(s)/Certificate(s): Economics/Sociology  

Hey guys and welcome to Pitt! My name is Alfred and I’m a rising junior from Beijing China. As a student majoring in communication, I love to communicate with people and make new friends, which is one of my main purposes for joining Global Ties. I changed my school every single year since 7th grade due to uncontrollable factors, but every single year I can get into a new friend group and participate in student orientations. It gives me an opportunity to learn how to make efficient communication and handle various affairs. I also love traveling, as a huge aviation fan, I have flown 20 airlines and visited 50 airports, which is not only a way to transport but also a way to explore new destinations. Every trip is memorable and full of meaning with the culture and history behind the city. Pitts is a friendly, comprehensive, and diverse community. For me is more than just a campus with a long history, there are many interesting places for us to explore. I look forward to meeting you and helping you through this new journey.  

Pronouns: She/her/hers 

National Identity(ies): United States 

Language(s): English 

Major(s): Communication Science  

Club(s): Pitt Program Council 

Hi everyone, and welcome to Pitt! My name is Princess, I’m a rising junior majoring in Communication Science, and this will be my first year as a Global Ties Mentor. I’m from New Jersey, but I love exploring new places and opportunities which is why I came to Pitt. In my free time, I like to volunteer at events, read books and Webtoons, draw, exercise, dance to music, and try new foods. My independence and love for exploration has allowed me to partake in fun experiences at Pitt, such as studying abroad in Costa Rica and going on volunteering trips. As an introvert who struggles at times to fit in and feel connected, I can empathize with how daunting it may feel to find your place in a new environment. However, I’m hopeful that you all can find a sense of community here, especially with support from Global Ties and Pitt’s variety of clubs and organizations. If you ever need a fitness buddy, academic support, a foodie to try new foods with, or someone to be weird or goofy with, feel free to reach out to me. You can always find me overwhelmed by the food options at the Pitt Farmer’s Market or speed walking through campus, but I would love to slow down and chat. I can’t wait to meet you all, see you soon :).  

Pronouns: She/Her 

National Identity(ies): Indian American 

Language(s): English, Tamil, Korean 

Major(s): Neuroscience 

Minor(s)/Certificate(s): Chemistry Minor, Korean Minor, Sociology Minor, Asian Studies Certificate 

Club(s): Asian Student Alliance 

Hello! My name is Madhu, and I am a senior on the pre-med track, with this being my first year as a GTM. I was born in Chennai, India, but grew up in the United States. I know it can be intimidating to come a long way from home to a new setting, but I am confident that you can make meaningful connections and discover many new passions with an open mind here at Pitt. I, myself, gained an interest in Asian Studies and a passion for Korean and even got the opportunity to study abroad in South Korea – something I never imagined I would do coming in. I am so excited to greet all of you and know the amazing Pitt community will embrace you with open arms! 

Pronouns: she/her/hers 

National Identity(ies): Vietnamese 

Language(s): English, Vietnamese, basic German 

Major(s): Pharmacy 

Minor(s)/Certificate(s): N/A 

Club(s): Global Ties 

Hi everyone! My name is Nghi Vo, you can also call me Jasmine. I’m a rising junior at Pitt majoring in Pharmacy, and it will be my first year in Pharmacy School the following semester! I’m an international student from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Looking back, my journey at Pitt started out surprisingly better than I expected. Being one of the very few Vietnamese students here, I was anxious about trying to fit in with such an unfamiliar environment by myself and was desperate to find connections. Fortunately, through Global Ties events I was able to expand my social circle and meet people who guided me so much in my freshman year that eventually became my closest friends. This year, I’m eager to provide you with the support that I once received, so if you are currently nervous about the journey ahead, please rest assured that I’m here to help, or just simply, to listen! Beside that, I find myself as someone who is really invested in things that interest me, so growing up I had many hobbies that I maintain until today like reading, listening to music, playing video games, hanging out with my friends, and especially drawing. At the beginning I was not that good an artist, but after years of practicing I’m satisfied enough with my drawing skills serving as a tool to visualize my imagination. I’m looking forward to meeting you all and hearing your stories! Welcome to Pitt!