International Voices at Queen’s

Alyssa Foerstner, Student Academic Success Services (SASS) staff and PhD student, discusses the impact of engaging in cultural and linguistic opportunities. Alyssa shares about developing an awareness of your own culture, the asset of multilingualism, and the critical role of asking questions

Aileen Editha, PhD student in Law, discusses creating inclusive experiences. Aileen shares about weathering transitions, knowledge translation, and interpersonal skills.

Graziella Bedenik, a PhD student in Mechanical and Materials Engineering, discusses supporting and empowering each other through connections. Graziella talks about communication and finding her way to Queen’s, supporting women in STEM, mentoring others, and having fun with your research.

Simarjeet Singh, an undergraduate student in Sociology, discusses learning through challenges by building on his strengths. Simarjeet shares about cultural assumptions and expectations in communication, being vulnerable, and leadership skills.

Shima Hassanpour, a PhD student in Neuroscience, discusses how curiosity and openness has helped her discover interests and appreciate differences. Shima also talks about how to effectively engage with science topics from podcasts to journal articles.

Daniel Reddy, a PhD student in Chemistry, discusses the importance of developing communication skills for academic success. Daniel talks about communicating science well, growing through communication fears, and making connections and developing skills through student-led groups.

Raz Abbasi, a PhD Student in Chemical Engineering, discusses how each communication experience is an opportunity to learn and grow. Raz shares about the importance of establishing a network of support and connection, how communication skills are essential for success, and the impact of having a growth mindset.

José Giovanni Leite de Brito, a PhD student in Chemistry, talks about returning to university after gaining a decade of work experience. He shares tips for developing a network as a graduate student and shares some of the resources that have helped him thrive.

Aarchi Shah and Donghyun Kim, students in Physics, talk about how connecting with other students, their instructors, and people at their jobs have helped them try new things, develop skills, and network for internships.

Vipushan Raveenthiranathan, a student in Health Sciences, talks about how he has made connections with others through his work study at the Yellow House and going on exchange to Singapore. He shares what he has learned from his experience as a first-generation university student.