International Peer Advisors (IPAs)

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 :) 

Abena Afriyie: My name is Abena Afriyie, and I’m from Charlottesville, Virginia. I am majoring in Politics & Law! I was born in Virginia but spent my early childhood in Kumasi, Ghana. I'm a member of multiple groups on campus such as the African Student Association (ASA), the Multicultural Vision Program (MVP), and Rhodes Student Government (RSG). I enjoy going to the gym, cooking, volunteering, and trying to find the best banana pudding in Memphis. I am excited to be an IPA to help international students maximize their four years on campus. Being at Rhodes is an opportunity for exceptional growth, and campus involvement is an easy way to increase exposure and receive personal enrichment. I would love to help international students find their "fit" on campus. 

Hey guys! My name is Agda, and I’m from Espoo, Finland. I’m a rising sophomore and planning on majoring in Computer Science with a minor in Math. I’m part of the Women’s Tennis team and have been playing since I was 3 years old. I also love to bake and go on walks with my friends. This summer, I’m joining a tumor research lab at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions. I can’t wait to meet all of you! 

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. 

Hi there!!! My name is Bernadette Truong, and I’m Vietnamese American but born and raised in Memphis. At Rhodes, I hope to pursue pre-medicine, and I’m exploring neuroscience and biochemistry. On campus, I’m involved in the Rhodes Orchestra, A.S.I.A, and ASBMB. This year will also be my first time being an IPA and a mentor for MVP. In my free time, I love getting involved in the Memphis community, playing tennis, learning new languages, and hanging out with friends.

As part of the Class of 2026, I have come to love Rhodes for its environment, opportunities, and most of all, the caring and supportive community. Though I’m not an international student myself, I am really passionate about meeting new people and learning about everyone’s different journey. I know that the transition may not feel easy or perfect at first, but I strongly believe that you will love Rhodes and that one day, it’ll feel like another home. I’m super excited to welcome, share, and help you on your way to unlocking your full potential. Please know that you can come to talk to me about academics, extracurriculars, campus life, or anything else that you need. You can contact me at trubt-26@rhodes.edu. Rooting for your happiness/success & looking forward to meeting you! ☺️

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!