Some of our 2026-2027 IPAs
These students provide leadership to the international student population at Rhodes by helping new international students to acclimate quickly to their new home. The IPAs are older students (US or International) who enjoy being a resource for our international students about life in Memphis, at Rhodes, in the US, and about cultural transitions.
Hello incoming international fellow students! My name is Dania Verbena, I am from Guatemala, and I am a rising sophomore double majoring in International Studies and Latin America and Latinx Studies. I am super excited of being both an IPA and RSA for International Students this year. One of the most important things for me in this position is recognizing that our presence on campus is valuable, and how necessary it is to create an environment where we all help each other, especially in a big moment of our life where we are far away from home. What I like the most about Rhodes is the small classes and the way we can connect with professors; they are very accessible and willing to help! A fun fact about myself is that I like hiking, and I am hoping to hike an active volcano during the summer at my home country🌋!!, so excited to meet you all during the Fall :)
Majors: Mathematics & Psychology
Clubs or Organizations I'm involved in: Rhodes Outdoor Organization, Best Buddies
What I love about Rhodes: Everything!
Favorite thing about Memphis: Overton Park (right across the street from campus)
Something interesting about me: I had a bakery
Piece of advice for incoming first years: Keep an open mind!
Majors: Anthropology & Data Analytics
Clubs or Organizations I'm involved in: Badminton club & Volleyball club
What I love about Rhodes: my friends & all the fun events.
Favorite thing about Memphis: Beale Street
Something interesting about me: I have a great immune system
Piece of advice for incoming first years: Take it easy at first, you'll get it!
My name is Asriyah Sisay, a rising Sophomore from Saudi Arabia. I am proud to be from Saudia, with all the fantastic food and spices. It's very festive, and even though it's scorching, I wouldn't change it for the world.
I have been in the United States for five years now and will continue to be for the rest of my undergraduate studies and my master's degree. I enjoy the clubs, organizations, and cultural events available to the students. One of my favorite events new to Rhodes was the Baazar, which gave me a sense of home. My favorite Rhodes traditional event is the Physics Club pumpkin drop in November, which I was a part of this past year. In addition to all the beautiful events and clubs on campus, Rhodes offers many supporting resources to the students, such as tutoring, counseling, writing assistance, and many more. Also, I wouldn't like to highlight the mentors, professors, and students I have met who are friendly and supportive of my ambitions.
I'm a part of different organizations around campus, such as a Posse Scholar, African Student Association (ASA), Black Student Association (BSA), Ambassador, and Women in the STEM Major that have made me feel heard, understanding, and sense of belonging on campus and I also work at the Library Help Desk. My favorite place on campus to study and hang out is in Buckman. The 4th floor has a great seating and TV area. I can't wait to continue my three years at Rhodes to gain more experience and lasting memories.
Majors: PPE (Politics, Philosophy, & Economics)
Clubs or Organizations I'm involved in: Resident Assistant & Peer Academic Coach
What I love about Rhodes: The campus when it snows or rains, the extremely qualified & helpful faculty, & being able to get so much done in a single day because of how accessible everything is!
Favorite thing about Memphis: The cafe/diner & corner shop located across from campus
Something interesting about me: My intended major and minor choices change every 2 weeks simply because there's so much to learn!
Piece of advice for incoming first years: No matter how hard you try, you won't be able to achieve perfection. It's important that you choose to look at all the progress you've made, empathize with yourself, and prepare yourself to do better in the future instead of focusing on your regrets. If you choose to look at it from that perspective, everything becomes an opportunity for you to learn and grow from!
Hello Everyone!! My name is Dawood Khatana. I am from the vibrant city of Lahore in Pakistan. Currently at Rhodes I am interested in doing a double major in Mathematics and Computer Science. My research interest is in pure math specifically in Combinatorial Game Theory. Other than academics I am an equestrian, I have an interest in eastern theology, love to analyze tech startups and am a Cricket fan (Go PCT!!). I am excited to meet new international students full of hope and passion who are looking for new horizons to discover. Rhodes has given me an opportunity to connect with excellent professors and the small classes and unique approach to teaching allowed me to polish my critical thinking.
Hey everyone! My name is John Barnett and I was born and raised in Memphis, TN. I’m in the class of 2027 and plan on majoring in Spanish with minors in Computer Science and Linguistics. I’m super excited to be an IPA this year! I love meeting and getting to know people from different cultures and walks of life. I love Rhodes because there are many unique communities to get involved in and opportunities to develop close connections with professors. Rhodes stands apart as a liberal arts college in the metropolis of Memphis.
Aside from IPA, I am involved in many organizations on campus such as Clarence Day Scholars, Rhodes Student Government (RSG), Peer Assistant (PA), Contents Under Pressure (C.U.P.), Rhodes College Dance Company (RCDC), All Students Interested in Asia (A.S.I.A), South Asian Culture and Advocacy (S.A.C.A), and work in the Interfaith Lounge with Chaplain Beatrix.
In my free time, I enjoy dancing, running, going to the gym, rock climbing, reading, learning about psychology and personal development, and eating food (of course). I am obsessed with ice cream and one of my favorite ice cream shops in Memphis is La Michoacana on Summer Ave. Please feel free to reach out and email me at barjw-27@rhodes.edu. I’m looking forward to meeting you! :)
Hi everyone! My name is Sophie and I am from Fayetteville, Arkansas! I’m a biology major on the pre-Veterinary track.
I am so excited to be a part of the IPA crew this year and I can’t wait to see what is in store for the 2023-24’ school year!
I am on the volleyball team here at Rhodes but I love going to all the sporting events and cheering on my fellow lynx! Some of my favorite things to do lately include getting a matcha latte at Starbucks, studying in FJ, going on walks around campus, and reading! I’m currently reading All Things Bright and Beautiful (I recommend it if you are also interested in the animal science field).
Can't wait to get to know everyone and make your experience at Rhodes the best it can be!