Bridge Peer Mentors

Hi, I am Raja Abubakar Khalid. I am from Rawalpindi, Pakistan. I am a PhD candidate in Civil Engineering and serve as a Bridge Peer Mentor Coordinator at the International Center. As an international student, I know firsthand what it's like to land in Grand Forks not knowing anyone, figure out a new academic system, and adjust to a different culture. This is a big part of why I care about this program and why I get to help make that first year easier for the next student. I'm multilingual in English, Urdu, Punjabi, and Pashto, and have experience teaching and mentoring for the last seven years.

I am from Galle, Sri Lanka, a beautiful coastal city known for its historic fort, sandy beaches, and vibrant cultural heritage. I’m a graduate student here at the University of North Dakota, driven by a passion for chemistry and discovery. Outside the lab, I love playing chess, experimenting with new recipes, and spending time with my cats. I became a Bridge Peer Mentor to help students confidently navigate new experiences, share insights from my journey, and make them feel truly welcomed and supported.

My name is Jay Singh Sankhla, I'm from Jodhpur, India and I am a Commercial Aviation major. I love exploring the city, traveling around, and going on bike rides. I chose to be a peer mentor to be able to share my view of UND and Grand Forks with the newer students and help them settle in!

I am from Tokyo, Japan. I have been studying abroad for four years. I enjoy spending time working out and flying! I am excited to get to know more international students, and I would be happy to assist!!

I love to watch true crime documentaries on Netflix in my free time. I also like to read books and do journaling whenever I have some spare time.

I was born and raised in Fargo, ND and moved to Grand Forks to obtain my undergraduate degrees in Spanish and Biology in hopes of pursuing a career as a physician. I am currently a second year medical student at UND SMHS. In my free time, I enjoy going for walks, baking, spending time with family and friends, traveling, and going to the lake when I am able to. Through experiences in high school and college, I have found a love for language learning and cultural immersion. The Bridge Peer Mentor Program is an exciting opportunity that will help UND and Grand Forks feel like home for all and encourage cultural appreciation from current students like myself. I look forward to using my many years at UND to better assist International Students on campus, while learning from everyone each step of the way.

My name is Obianuju, and I can be called Oby (pronounced orr-bea), proudly Nigerian, and a mum of two awesome girls. I am currently a PhD student and Graduate Instructor in the Department of Communication, and I am starting off the second semester of my first year this Fall, so technically I am still an NKOTB! But wait, you think I have no experience? You bet! Before graduate school, I worked for over 14 years helping businesses look good to their customers. In a nutshell, I am a Brand and Communications Professional who talks for a living. I have worked across sectors, including education, telecommunications, and not-for-profits, before venturing into the service industry to manage global brands in banking and consumer packaged goods, such as Unilever, Arla Foods, and Lafarge. I also teach public speaking skills to help people speak more confidently in public spaces. I chose to become a Bridge Peer Mentor because starting a graduate program can feel overwhelming, especially for students from different backgrounds, returning to school after time away, or mums worried about balancing academics and family. I understand the struggle of not being sure if you are doing the right thing, yes, impostor syndrome they call it, the days when the pressures hit and you suddenly feel like dumping it all to take the next flight back to your peace. I want to offer fellow students just starting this journey, especially a fellow mum (if any), support, honest advice, a listening ear, and reassurance that they are doing well, remind them not to be hard on themselves, and help them navigate this journey minute by minute.

Hey there! I go by Sunday or Oluchi. I am from Abia State in Nigeria and pursuing my graduate degree here at UND. I am an adventurous person. I love ice cream, traveling, music, swimming, and reading. I recently started fishing but that has not been productive so far maybe my bait needs more work done on it. My journey as an international student in U.S.A has been hitch-free to a fault, and this is as a result of the resources at my disposal here at UND. The advising, the Graduate student opportunities, networking events, industry speakers, innovation center just to mention a few. My short-term interest to serve as a Bridge peer mentor is centered on my desire to help ease the tension and reduce the anxiety of newly admitted students by highlighting pathways to meaningful resources, being relatable, and discreet. In the long-term, being a part of UND LEADS Strategic plan. In my opinion, a peer mentor has walked in your shoes and figured the hack to this 'task' called life/school. It is a privilege to be a part of an initiative targeted at developing and aiding educational institutions, especially here in North Dakota. I serve as a student delegate in the North Dakota Student Association and my academic journey started with a bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering and Master's in Energy Engineering. Championing clean energy access, resilience, sustainability, and security fuels my joy and dream of a safe and secure world. In final words, the change we seek and desire in society starts from us, my thought process, my decisions, and the effect it has on others. My legacy is to develop world leaders who are compassionate, diligent and have a sense of self-awareness.

My name is Shariful Islam, and I am from Bangladesh. I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of North Dakota. Besides academic responsibilities, I enjoy playing table tennis, photography, and learning about different cultures. I also value connecting with people from diverse backgrounds and fostering meaningful relationships through shared experiences. I chose to become a Bridge Peer Mentor because I understand both the excitement and the challenges of transitioning to a new country and adapting to a new academic environment. As an international student, I recognize the importance of having someone who can provide guidance, answer questions, and offer support during this significant transition.

My name is Tenzin Kano. My hometown is Honolulu, Hawaii but I was born in New York. I am half Japanese and half Tibetan. In my free time I like to take walks and go on hikes with friends. I wanted to be a mentor because I have experience since middle school and throughout high school with helping exchange students or foreign students, and helping them adjust to the new environment.

Hello! My name is Timothy, and I'm from Nigeria. I'm currently pursuing my Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences at the University of North Dakota. Outside the lab, I enjoy playing musical instruments and spending quality time with family and friends. As part of my commitment to giving back to the international community, I chose to become a Bridge Peer Mentor to help new students feel welcomed, connected, and confident as they begin their journey at UND. I'm happy to share my experiences, answer questions, and encourage new students as they navigate graduate school.