On August 7, 2024, Skyline College warmly opened its doors to a new wave of 70 students, ushering in the Fall semester with an unforgettable New Student Welcome event. Held in Building Six from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM, the event was a harmonious blend of excitement, connection, and the promise of a bright academic journey ahead.
The festivities started with a heartfelt welcome from one of the International Student Program’s (ISP) Student Ambassadors, William, who set a positive and encouraging tone. “Today’s event is all about welcoming you, our new students, and providing you with an opportunity to connect and get to know the many resources available to you here at our college,” William shared, his voice warm with enthusiasm and care.
The event featured a series of inspiring messages from Skyline’s esteemed leadership, including Acting President Dr. Newin Orante, Vice President of Instruction Dr. Vinicio Lopez, Acting Vice President of Student Services, Dr. Luis Escobar, and Interim Dean of the Global Learning Program and Services, Zaid Ghori. Each speech was a testament to the college’s commitment to student success, leaving the audience both inspired and excited about their future at Skyline.
This was followed by introducing the ISP staff and Student Ambassadors, who are crucial in supporting the students throughout their time at Skyline. The Program Manager, Clair Yeo-Sugajski, Detail Retention Specialist, Thanh Nguyen, and Academic Counselor, Carlos Romero, warmly welcomed the new students. They were followed by the Student Ambassadors (William Ordoyo, Zwe Mann Kyaw, Mabel Lynn, Andre Bernal, and Cem Quinto), who introduced and shared a bit about themselves.
A highlight of the day was the interactive icebreaker Bingo led by Zwe, which encouraged students to mingle, laugh, and make new friends. The fun did not stop there; students were also treated to a thrilling trivia game focused on F-1 regulations, where the winners proudly took home exclusive ISP merchandise. The camaraderie built during these activities set the stage for the next event: a Campus Tour Scavenger Hunt. Guided by the ever-enthusiastic Student Ambassadors, students explored key locations on campus, getting a taste of the vibrant community and available resources.
As the event drew to a close, students gathered for a delicious lunch, followed by a critical health insurance presentation by Kari, ensuring they were well-informed about their coverage during their studies. A work opportunity was presented by our on-campus bookstore manager, Kevin Chak, who explained the ins and outs of getting a job. The Homestay Program also gave a talk to students. This talk was led by Chikako Walker, Acting Director of International Education, and Jia Chuan Lu, Program Specialist, from the District Office’s International Affairs department, who provided an overview of how the program operates. The excitement peaked with a raffle, where lucky students walked away with more than tote bags and prizes. They walked away with new friendships, a sense of belonging, and the comforting knowledge that Skyline College would be their home away from home.
Article by William Wai Phyo Ordoyo Oo | Photos by Mia Coo and Mei Lee