Introducing this year’s ambassadors, ready to serve Brock’s international student community.
Joana
Fourth year Kinesiology student Joana Xavier is a returning ambassador who chose Brock for its lively and welcoming community. After a positive experience with the position last year, she wants to continue supporting and guiding international students. She recommends that incoming students try new things and use all of Brock’s guidance and community involvement resources.
Going to the gym or playing intramural sports is always a fun time. I also love karaoke nights at Brock.
My eyes are very sensitive to light, but I refuse to wear sunglasses and see the world in different colours.
I hope you enjoy your time at Brock as much as I do and feel free to reach out.
Vince
Vince Flores is a third year Medical Sciences student and a returning ambassador who identifies with the BIPOC, Hispanic, Nicaraguan, Mexican and Latinx communities. His extracurriculars include the Latinx and Hispanic Students’ Association, Brock Model UN, Brock Aviation, and other volunteer positions. He believes that creating a support network to get involved and meet new people is key for incoming international students.
I was a voting delegate at the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance spring assembly this past March. I was able to provide valuable insight into the challenges international students face and have actionable solutions be drafted upon that the provincial government can act upon.
I played organized football for 10 years.
Get involved on and off campus! There is so much to do. Do not limit yourself!
Olajumoke
Fourth year Public Health Honours student Olajumoke Shobowale referenced the support she received during her admissions as one of the reasons she chose Brock. She wants to share that same support to incoming international students by leading initiatives to get them involved and keep them informed on academic support services around campus. She identifies with the BIPOC community and is active in the Black Student Success Centre and Student Life and Success organizations.
My first day on campus as I was finally able to connect the pictures I had seen online to the actual buildings. I smiled to myself and was pleased with the realization that I had made it through.
I love music, I played the saxophone for four years.
You are your biggest cheerleader, don’t give up on yourself.
Ray
Third year Medical Sciences Honours student Ray Lin urges international students to get out of their comfort zone and be fearless. He chose Brock due to the wide range of extracurricular opportunities available and the tight knit community that allows students to easily form relationships with faculty and peers. He wants to stand for equity amongst students, bridge the gap between student communities, and inspire positivity with those he encounters.
Stepping out of my comfort zone by attending events I’m unfamiliar with and talking to the other attendees has made me learn so much about a wide range of cultures, communities and hobbies. Most importantly, I’ve made friends all around campus.
I love giraffes so much that I once wore a giraffe onesie to visit an actual giraffe.
Don’t let others define who you are, or what you can or cannot do. Success is relative. Keep fighting for your passion, I’m proud of you! 🙂
Andri
First year Data Science and Analytics student Andri Hudlin, who identifies as Afro-Carribean, advises incoming students to learn about other cultures and share their own as well. As a former middle-school international student, Andri knows the challenges foreign students may face and she wants to help her peers find their home away from home at Brock and in Canada.
My most memorable experience at Brock occurred years before I applied to study here. I attended a Brock versus Ryerson (now Toronto Metropolitan University) basketball game where I thrillingly experienced the Brock Badger spirit. I believe I became a full fledged Badger that day!
I recently learned to play an instrument that is nearly identical to a ukulele, known as the Venezuelan cuatro. My favourite songs to play are Best Part by Daniel Caesar and Dos Origuitas from Disney’s Encanto!
Let’s delve into Brock’s student life and never be shy to ask for help!
Irene
Irene Charley is a third year Biomedical Sciences student planning on pursuing a career in health care. She chose to study at Brock because of its diverse and welcoming environment. She wants to share her experiences and struggles with other international students to assure them that they are not alone and that they can always seek help. Irene wants incoming international students to ask questions, join clubs, attend events, make friends, and learn and grow with every opportunity.
Pulling all-nighters with my friends during finals week and the ski trip organized by the Brock Winter Club. Seeing snow for the first time and going on that ski trip was a bucket list moment for me, making it an unforgettable experience.
I can play the drums, and in high school, I played kabaddi and football competitively. I also love traveling and exploring new places. This mix of music, sports, and adventure keeps life exciting!
Don’t be afraid to take a break! As international students, it may feel as if there is a lot at stake but remember to find a balance between studying and relaxing.
Linh
Thuy Linh Dang, entering her second year in the Master of Applied Disability Studies program, has already made an impact as a student representative, teaching assistant, and advocate for students with disabilities. She believes that celebrating the international student community and promoting intercultural dialogue is critical to Brock’s culture and is committed to making Brock an inclusive, equitable and welcoming environment for all.
The moment I presented my thesis project titled “post-secondary experiences of international students: Voices of disabled women from the Global South studying in Ontario, Canada” at a conference for the first time.
Before I came to Canada, cooking and cleaning were routine tasks often done quickly. Since arriving, these activities have transformed into mindful practices. I take pleasure in experimenting with new recipes, preparing meals, and tidying up my living space.
I believe that at Brock, our voices are heard. By raising our voices and collaborating effectively, we can foster meaningful change and create a more inclusive and equitable environment for all.
Daniel
The inclusive community, beautiful natural surroundings and international student support are the reasons Daniel Oguejiofor chose to pursue his Medical Science degree at Brock. Now heading into his third year, his advice for incoming students is to take advantage of all the opportunities and services the University has to offer. Through events and friendly one-on-one conversations, he wants to help international students have a home away from home.
When I competed in the Collegiate Leadership Competition, I represented Brock University alongside five other students. We participated in the Canadian Invitational at Wilfrid Laurier University and emerged victorious, taking home the first-place golden belt.
I have an ardent love for sports. I derive immense pleasure from playing basketball and tennis, finding them to be marvelous ways to unwind and maintain an active lifestyle.
Remember, we’re all in this together, so don’t hesitate to reach out for support or to offer a helping hand to others. Let’s make our time here unforgettable!
Rachit
Rachit Kapoor remembers the support he received from Brock International and his peers when he arrived in Canada, and he wants to pay it forward to new Badgers. The first-year grad student is pursuing a Master of Science degree in Experimental Condensed Matter Physics and Material Science. Kapoor, who identifies with the BIPOC, LGBTQ+, Asian and Indian communities, chose Brock not only for its exceptional Physics program, but for the sense of safety and belonging the University provides for immigrants as well as the queer community. He recommends incoming students create or join a social circle to feel a sense of belonging while they study abroad.
My most memorable experience at Brock was my first visit to campus. I’d been obsessing over it in countless YouTube videos and vlogs and seeing it in real life was amazing. It was a surreal moment that made me feel truly connected to Brock.
It might not be obvious at first, but I’ve got some serious moves on the dance floor!
Hey future international students, here’s my advice from the heart. When you come here, remember, we’re all in the same boat – far from home, building everything from scratch. It’s not just about studying and paying bills but also about creating a new social circle. Choose your friends wisely; they’ll become your family away from home. There are awesome folks here, both local and international. I hope you find the best of them and the best in them, and they bring the best out of you as well!