Meet Your Peer Orientation Leaders

Isa Viggiano Souza

Hi! My name is Isaura Souza, but I go by Isa. I come from a city called Florianópolis in the south of Brazil, and I am entering my third year studying Psychology and Individualized Studies. One of my most memorable moments at Miami was the Alternative Spring Break trip this past semester (the ASB is a club that organizes service trips during spring break!). One of the nice things is that the participants usually come from a variety of backgrounds. I’ve done it two years and both years had people from 5 different countries. It is a really good opportunity to connect with new people, explore a new city, and contribute to a community with service. I really love it!

Once piece of advice I have is to both try things out and go slow during your first semester. It may seem contradictory, but what I mean is you shouldn’t go 8 or 80. The first semester can be overwhelming, and it is also the best time to find which clubs you like, make friends, etc. So make sure to get active, do check the events on campus, do show up to different clubs, even if you are not sure you are going to like them. Yet, don’t try to get everything done at the same time. Give yourself time to breathe and to be quiet.

Khushi Shah

I am Khushi Shah, finance major with an accountancy minor at Miami. My hometown is India. I absolutely love Miami whether it’s the beautiful campus or the academic rigor and countless opportunities I have gotten here. Few things I love doing are yapping, new experiences, and making new friends. I hope you all enjoy your Miami experience and may this be the best experience of your life.

Sofia Sun

Hi! My name is Sofia! I'm a rising sophomore at Miami and I'm currently undecided on my major. One memorable moment from my first year at Miami was when someone helped me find my way after I got lost on campus. It made me feel how kind and welcoming all the people are around me. A goal I had coming into college was to step out of my comfort zone and make new friends! By talking to people around me, I've met some of the sweetest people that I can call my best friends. Whether you need a study buddy, going out to grab a quick lunch, or just having someone to hangout will make everything so much better! So my advice to you all is to not be afraid to put yourself out there. Make new friends and enjoy Miami!

Bhuwan Bist

I’m Bhuwan Singh Bist, a third-year Ph.D. student in Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology at Miami University in Ohio, within the Department of Biology. Originally from Nepal, I have a deep appreciation for forests and a passion for learning innovative skills. I enjoy engaging in conversations about life, philosophy, sports, and geography with people from all walks of life.

Younus Bin Abdun Noor

My name is Younus Bin Abdun Noor, and I’m from Sylhet, Bangladesh. I’m currently a Ph.D. student in Chemistry here at Miami. I know moving to a new country can feel overwhelming—but take time to explore and gather the information you need. It really helps make your transition smoother.

One of my best experiences at Miami has been the amazing synchronization among students, faculty, and staff. Everyone works together in such a supportive and respectful way—it truly creates a welcoming and collaborative environment for learning and growing. I’m excited for you to start this journey.

If I could give one piece of advice, it would be: don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek help. You’ll find so many people here ready to support you.

Onisha Thapa

My name is Onisha Thapa, an international student from Nepal. I’m currently a first-year Ph.D. student in Chemistry at Miami University. One of the most memorable parts of my journey here has been the incredible friendships I’ve built with fellow international students. Being far from home, we naturally become each other’s family, and that bond is something truly special. Ever since I was young, I’ve been fascinated by Chemistry and how it can be used to make meaningful contributions to human health. That passion brought me to Miami, where I’m now conducting research on membrane proteins—a field with profound implications in drug design and disease treatment. Outside of academics, I love dancing—it brings me so much joy and helps me express myself creatively. Last year, I had the opportunity to perform a traditional Nepali dance at the Asian American Fusion event on campus, which was an unforgettable experience.

To any international student preparing to study here: Give yourself time. Adjusting to a new culture, language, and academic environment takes patience, but with time and persistence, you can thrive and achieve anything you set your mind to.