Muhammad Ovais Yusuf
MS in Computer Science
Class of 2026
Where are you from? Pakistan
Where have you traveled to? I have traveled to the United States, Canada, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I'd love to visit Spain one day to watch Real Madrid play live!
Why did you become an International Orientation Leader? I know how challenging it can feel to transition to a new country and university, so I want to help other international students feel welcome and supported.
What are you most excited about for this new semester? Meeting new students from all over the world and making sure they have a positive start at BSU.
Pauline Suomela
Master of Education
Class of 2026
Where are you from? I am from Sweden
Where have you traveled? I have traveled to various countries in Europe (Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Norway, Poland, Slovenia, Switzerland, Turkey). I have also been to Tunisia and Brazil. I have also traveled to 20 states in the United States. I really enjoyed my trip to Brazil, so I would love to go back one day. I am also very interested in exploring more of South America, especially visiting Peru.
Why did you become an International Orientation Leader? As an international student myself, I found orientation days to be very helpful. I also understand how overwhelming it can be to adjust to so many new changes, and I want to help new students through this transition. I have a strong interest in languages and cultures, so I am excited to learn from the new students as well.
What are you most excited about for this new semester? I am excited to meet new students and to get back into routines on campus!
Sreshtha Chatterjee
Psychology
Class of 2027
Where are you from? I am from India
Where have you traveled to? I have had the opportunity to visit New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Miami.
Why did you become an International Orientation Leader? To meet and learn from international students from all around the world. I am eager to learn about their diverse cultures and offer them my knowledge as an international student myself.
What are you most excited about for this new semester? I am excited to explore Bridgewater State University in new and different ways both academically and through work opportunities.
Desmond Ng
BS in Finance December 2025
Where have you traveled? Or, where would you like to go some day? One of my dreams is to travel to Madrid, Spain to experience the excitement of watching Real Madrid play live at their home stadium.
Why did you become an International Orientation Leader? As an international student myself, I know how overwhelming it can be to adjust to a new environment—academically, socially, and culturally. When I first arrived, I was lucky to receive great support from people who made me feel welcomed and guided me through the transition. Becoming an International Orientation Leader is my way of paying it forward. I want to be that source of support for others, to share what I’ve learned, and help new students feel less alone and more confident as they begin their journey here.
What are you most excited about for this new semester? I’m most excited to meet the new international students and hear their stories. I’m looking forward to helping them feel at home and building new friendships. I'm also excited to continue growing my own leadership and communication skills through this role.
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