International Student Leaders
The International Student Leaders (ISLs) are current international students who are here to welcome and introduce you to the vibrant campus life of Shoreline Community College. You'll see them at Orientation, other special events, and usually whenever you visit the International Education Department. Read more about what ISLs do and how to become an ISL.
Ratthapon, Thailand

Started at Shoreline: Fall 2023
Major: Informatics
Favorite Food(s): Thai food, Japanese food, Italian food, Vietnamese food, Mexican food and etc.
Shoreline Clubs / Activities: I'm an officer of Thai club and member of other clubs. There are a lot of activities to do here in this college. For example, Food Tasting activity from 4 clubs, which held in last Spring, Halloween night, or Prom night. Generally, there will be activities in every week, but I don't know what activities are going to be held until there is a new update on our social media platform. (・ω <)
Why did you become an ISL? When I came to this college, I was so disoriented and confused in the first day of orientation. I didn't even know what to do here, and I wanted to go home, but ISLs helped and welcomed me warmheartedly. Basically, the reason for becoming an ISL, was to do what previous ISLs did for me. I wanted to help, welcome new students and make them feel comfortable because they may feel as what I felt before.
What are your hobbies/where do you like to go for free time? I like playing computer games, cooking and studying what I feel interested. I also enjoy working out at gym. I like to go to Downtown Seattle or Bellevue to find delicious food and good restaurants before I add them to my favourite list.
Jesselyn, Indonesia

Quarter you started at Shoreline Community College: Fall 2023
Major: Computer Science
Shoreline Clubs/Activities: Engineering club + UinStem
Why did you choose Shoreline? What do you like best about studying here/living here? I chose Shoreline primarily because of the 2+2 program, which was a great fit for my academic plans. I also love experiencing the four distinct seasons here. Coming from a country with only one season, I really enjoy the variety and especially appreciate the cold weather!
What are your hobbies/where do you like to go for free time? In my free time, I love to bake and crochet while tuning into my favorite podcaster, Stephanie Soo!! (definitely worth checking out :)) If I’m in the mood to go out, you’ll find me enjoying meals with friends at Uvill or Udistrict.
Come talk to me if…you need Netflix recommendations, I’ve got plenty of shows to share :)
Mariia, Russia

Quarter you started at Shoreline Community College: Winter 2024
Major: Journalism
Dream Job: Photographer, Journalist, Fitness Instructor, Writer
Why did you become an ISL? I wanted to try activities, which will be beneficial for me as well as for other people. I am studying communication, so I want to develop this skill. For me it is a good chance to meet with other people as I am lonely now.
Why did you choose Shoreline? What do you like best about studying here/living here? Shoreline was the only college that accepted me, because sending applications from my country was too difficult. I was interested in college with dorms, and Shoreline was the best choice. Also, Shoreline helps with future careers. This school helps with university transfers all over the US.
Come talk to me if…
- You have an idea about campus event
- You dream about travelling to Europe
- You feel anxiety as an immigrant
Kristie, Hong Kong

Quarter you started at Shoreline Community College: Fall 2023
Major: Psychology
Favorite Food(s): Pineapple Bun, Egg Tarts, Sushi, Ice cream, Dark Chocolate, Matcha, Pasta
Why did you become an ISL? Being an ISL allows me to try out new things and have fun! I can work as a team and as a leader at the same time. Providing help to students and meeting new faces is fascinating! I also enjoy contributing and bringing creativity to events! This is a great opportunity for me to grow and learn. The previous ISLs were also very cool, and I want to become a cool person too, and that’s why I wanted to become an ISL!
Why did you choose Shoreline? What do you like best about studying here/living here? Although many people hate the weather here, I surprisingly really like it! It does rain a lot, but it's not that bad! There is different pretty scenery in every season, like cherry blossoms in the spring and yellow leaves in the Fall. I also like the snow in the winter! Moreover, I can find a lot of different cuisines here, which I LOVE!
What are your hobbies/where do you like to go for free time? I play different instruments, such as the piano, guitar, ukulele, kalimba, and a little bit of drums. I also like to take photos, especially with my film camera. I’m obsessed with watching movies, anime, and K-drama! My favorite anime is HAIKYUU and AOT!!! In my free time, I like to go to the theater to watch movies, take the ferry from Edmonds to Kingston, spend time next to the beach, and explore cute ice cream stores!
Shohei, Japan

Quarter you started at Shoreline Community College: Fall 2023
Major: Economics
Dream Job: Investment banker
Shoreline Clubs/Activities: DECA, Japanese culture club
Why did you become an ISL? To interact with people all over the world. When I came to Shoreline CC, I saw ISLs doing an awesome orientation. I’ve wanted to become an ISL since then.
Why did you choose Shoreline? What do you like best about studying here/living here? The reason why I chose Shoreline CC is because they have good academic support. It is really helpful that I can meet my advisor whenever possible.
What’s the best advice you have for a student to be successful and happy here? Don’t be shy!! Go talk to a lot of people. There are a lot of nice students.
What are your hobbies/where do you like to go for free time? My hobby is to play rugby. I’ve been playing rugby for 8 years. In my free time, I like to go hiking. Seattle is the best place to hike.
Vanessa Bella, Indonesia

Quarter you started at Shoreline Community College: Winter 2024
Major: Pre-Nursing
Dream Job: Travel Nurse & Public Figure
Why did you become an ISL? I want to participate in creating events for international students, lead, help, and get to know international students at SCC!
Why did you choose Shoreline? Because the nursing program here has a good reputation, and there are lots of international students.
What’s the best advice you have for a student to be successful and happy here? “If you’re shy to ask questions, you will get lost on the road” that’s an Indonesian & Malay proverb, which means you’ll disadvantage yourself if you’re shy or too lazy to ask questions about the things you’re not sure of. As a new student, you must have a lot of things to figure out, come reach out to us! We want to help you and your experience here in SCC!
What are your hobbies/where do you like to go for free time? I love singing and reading books. I like to spend my free time in my house (I’m a homebody), but I also like to go out once in a while, go to the park, cute cafes, or to the mall.
Ayrton, Taiwan

Quarter you started at Shoreline Community College: Spring 2023
Major: Computer Science
Dream Job: Game programmer, especially for simulators
Favorite Class(es): Drama
Favorite Food(s): Braised Rice with Pork and Soy Sauce
Shoreline Clubs/Activities: Mahjong Club
Why did you choose Shoreline? What do you like best about studying here/living here? I chose Shoreline because of the better environment right here. I like the vibe here, it is like on the mountain but not quite far from a big city.
What are your hobbies/where do you like to go for free time? I like to play pool in the game room, and also in the billiards room in Edmonds.
Come talk to me if…you like to play pool!