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.
Josiah Ophaskiatikul, Thailand
Started at Shoreline: Summer 2022
Major: Business
Favorite Food(s): Japanese food such as ramen, sushi, and Japanese curry. I actually can eat almost anything! I like to eat other countries' food too, such as Korean food (Kimchi, Ramyeon), Thai food (Tom yum, Red curry), and Indonesian food (Soto, Rundang).
Shoreline Clubs / Activities: I have joined Chess club and Bible club. My friends plan to make a club and I will join them. Everyone can come and join too.
Why did you become an ISL? I want to have an experience of working and leading along with growing and being a quality adult. To improve my social skills and communication skills. I am really happy to help and make students grow and develop their skills. Being an ISL is an honor and an opportunity to grow together. This chance can guide me to successfully step out and fully be a good adult in the society.
Why did you choose Shoreline? What do you like best about studying here/living here? I like nature and the activities here in Seattle. My cousin recommended that I come to Shoreline. At SCC, there are a lot of activities and a nice campus. It’s near shopping centers like Aurora Square and has lots of ways of getting to the college campus, such as the bus and shuttle to E-line. It's also close to hiking places like Boeing Creek Park. I also like the study system here; I like how I can learn with real experience, not just in the classroom.
What are your hobbies/where do you like to go for free time? I like hiking and traveling. I love to explore beautiful nature... especially in Washington, the Evergreen State. I like to walk near the school, especially at Boeing Creek Park. It’s a really nice park to hike! There are other parks that I have hiked and enjoyed the views nearby too. There are a lot of places to explore in Shoreline as well as the city nearby like Edmonds and Seattle. I love to see new things and enjoy the creation that the world has made.
Nanami Yoshida, Japan
Started at Shoreline: Fall 2022
Major: Biology
Dream Job: Pediatrician
Favorite Food(s): Italian Pizza, Ice cream, Soba, Boba, etc.
Shoreline Clubs/Activities: ESL tutoring
Why did you become an ISL? “Superheroes with green t-shirts.” This was my first impression of previous ISLs I met at the new student orientation in September 2022. I couldn’t sleep at night. I continued thinking about them. “Who are the green t-shirt people? They are so cool!” Since then, I have wanted to be like them and be helpful to other students as I was helped by previous ISLs in my campus life.
What’s the best advice you have for a student to be successful and happy here? Do you have a dream? I believe that one of the best ingredients to be a successful and happy student here is having a dream. Having a dream makes you recognize the right options to choose. Having a dream motivates others. Having a dream makes you passionate to live your life. Even small dreams, such as “I want to go to Happy Lemon!,” help you to be happy. Let’s make your dream come true at Shoreline!
What are your hobbies/where do you like to go for free time? Do you like watching movies or anime? Do you like traveling or playing/watching sports? Do you like reading books or volunteering? If your answer is yes, we should hang out someday! I especially love watching movies and anime. I usually go to a movie theater to watch new movies, and I love an anime called “K-ON!”. Nice to meet you!
Aleks Mirchev, Bulgaria
Started at Shoreline: Fall 2022
Major: Computer Science
Favorite Food(s): Doner Kebab, Shkembe Chorba, Banitsa, Italian Cuisine
Come talk to me if... you have any song or movie recommendations, or if you just want to talk about stuff.
Why did you become an ISL? I made the choice to become an ISL as it resonated with my core being. Among various options, it was the ISL role that best fit my authentic self and aspirations. The shared goals and values of ISLs align with my personal growth, making the decision a natural and fulfilling one!
What’s the best advice you have for a student to be successful and happy here? Don’t stress too much. Focus on yourself and your growth as a person. Get out of your comfort zone, make memories and friends, and laugh!
What are your hobbies/where do you like to go for free time? I like to keep my day busy so I do a bunch of stuff. I go to the gym, play video games, and go on hikes. I also like making music and cooking (I’m pretty good at making pizzas!).
Come talk to Aleks if you have any song or movie recommendations.
Huy "Tony" Hang, Vietnam
Started at Shoreline: Fall 2022
Major: Biochemistry
Favorite Food(s): Pho, Kaya Toast, Laksa
Favorite Class(es): Inorganic Chemistry
Shoreline Clubs/Activities: Japanese Culture Club
Why did you become an ISL? An ISL was the first person that I met during my orientation, and I was fascinated by their job. I would love to help other students have the best learning experience and college life during their time at Shoreline CC.
Why did you choose Shoreline? What do you like best about studying here/living here? I love the chill and calm pace at Shoreline, but how it's bustling at Seattle. I love to study here because it is accessible and I can find literally everything, including food from different cuisines and even Chinese medicine.
What’s the best advice you have for a student to be successful and happy here? Do what you love, and love what you do. You can find everything here between Shoreline and Seattle. Just be yourself and do whatever you are passionate about.
Archangela "Ella" Christovani, Indonesia
Started at Shoreline: Fall 2022
Major: Chemical Engineering
Favorite Class(es): Math (Calculus series)
Shoreline Clubs/Activities: ISL, Tutoring, and clubs such as Indonesian Student Community and U-In-STEM
Why did you become an ISL? I wanted to make international students feel welcomed and have their best time here in Shoreline. Also, I wanted to connect with people all around the world.
Why did you choose Shoreline? What do you like best about studying here/living here? The people I meet here are very friendly and fun! We help each other out, especially being far away from our home countries.
What’s the best advice you have for a student to be successful and happy here? Be active! Join clubs and campus events to meet new people and experience new things. You can enjoy your college life while achieving your academic goals.
What are your hobbies/where do you like to go for free time? I enjoy doing sports. When I have time, I'll play volleyball or badminton to keep my body moving!
Come talk to Ella if you watch K-Dramas and like boba!
Cho Shing "Jason" Cheung, Hong Kong
Started at Shoreline: Fall 2022
Major: Computer Science
Dream Job: Entrepreneur
Favorite Food(s): Sushi, Pizza, Pasta and Bubble Milk Tea
Why did you become an ISL? The main reason I became an ISL is that I wanted to help others the way past ISLs helped me. They truly assisted me in adjusting to this new environment by organizing various activities and events, which made me want to become an ISL to help more people in need. Also, becoming an ISL is an excellent opportunity for me to achieve personal growth.
Why did you choose Shoreline? What do you like best about studying here/living here? By the time I was applying, I was not yet 18 so it’s nearly impossible for me to come to the US and study in colleges. However, I found that Washington State Community Colleges offer a high-school completion program, which allows me to come and study as a college student. Having the opportunity to experience a whole different culture and meet with different people from different countries is a fantastic experience that you’ll never be able to have if you decide not to study abroad. The people I have gotten to know and the experiences I have had here are two of the best things you can have happen to you while studying.
What’s the best advice you have for a student to be successful and happy here? Work-life balance is extremely important. Compared to my experience in Hong Kong, the education here is way less stressful and allows you to have a lot of free time to do your personal stuff. Therefore, don’t stress out too much! Make sure you go out and have fun sometimes. It’s extremely important, as it not only helps you to be more focused and efficient when studying... but also allows you to get to know more people and enjoy your college life.
What are your hobbies/where do you like to go for free time? In my free time, I enjoy playing the piano and trying new recipes. I'm also a big anime fan, so I watch anime and dramas. I also like going out to different places - just to feel the sunshine and fresh air - which helps me to relax.
Manyuan "Tony" Chen, China
Started at Shoreline: Fall 2022
Major: Public Communications / Design
Dream Job: Designer
Favorite Class(es): 2D Design
Why did you become an ISL? Becoming an ISL was the exciting opportunity I’ve been looking for, as I have been deeply involved with and always interested in any leadership experiences all my life. Forming connections and meeting new strangers has been something I’m good at and comfortable doing. And it’s always exciting to be able to motivate and empower individuals to make a positive difference within our community.
Why did you choose Shoreline? What do you like best about studying here/living here? Shoreline was recommended to me by my mentor while I was studying in SoCal, and the acceptance letter for a two-year program from UW also helped me make my decision. Going to a new state and being surrounded by bigger and better opportunities always sounds exciting, so here I am. My favorite part about living/studying at Shoreline is not only the outstanding new friends I get to meet, but also the convenient public transportation, as well as the fantastic scenery.
What’s the best advice you have for a student to be successful and happy here? Get yourself out there, be open-minded, proactive, and always make sure to stay positive. “The one thing you’ll ever regret in life is knowing that you could, but choosing not to.” Good luck!