Orientation Leaders
Leila Li (she/her)
Residential Campus Student
Shanghai, China
[email protected]
Talk to me about… movie, travel, food, cats, social work……ANYTHING!
If I could give one piece of advice to a first-year student… Prioritize self-care and make the most of the abundant resources at CSSW. Everyone here is brilliant, and of course, including you! Embrace the supportive community to thrive both academically and personally.
Lathifa Dinar (she/her)
Residential Campus Student
Medan, Indonesia
[email protected]
Talk to me about… Bookstores and affordable grocery shops around campus
If I could give one piece of advice to a first-year student… Be confident in involving yourself in many campus activities and making friends from other schools at Columbia.
Kev Ith (he/him/his)
Residential Campus Student
Bridgeport, Connecticut
[email protected]
Talk to me about… Research opportunities, Arsenal, public health, NYC rooftops, and Billie Eilish
If I could give one piece of advice to a first-year student… Often, the best advice comes from you. So hey, trust in yourself. It will work out in the end.
Ruthnaomi Liquisa (she/her/hers)
Residential Campus Student
Bandar Lampung, Indonesia
[email protected]
Talk to me about… Your favorite books, exploring parks, social innovation, and child welfare!
If I could give one piece of advice to a first-year student… It’s easy to be trapped in impostor syndrome especially in the first months of grad school but know that feeling will pass and you will feel comfortable sharing about your views in your classes!
Marilyne Njuraita (she/they)
Online Campus Student
Nairobi, Kenya
[email protected]
Talk to me about… Prison abolition, costly love, restorative justice or anything arts-related and I’m all ears!
If I could give one piece of advice to a first-year student… Be present and communicate your needs. You have a great deal of support and it will require you speak up.
Danielle Blakkan (she/her)
Residential Campus Student
Sunnyvale, CA
[email protected]
Talk to me about… Harm Reduction, Housing and Abolition. Local hikes, foraging, and the best birding spots in town.
If I could give one piece of advice to a first-year student… Be as collaborative as possible, and don’t forget to eat.
Noor Ahmed (He/Him/)
Residential Campus Student
Yonkers, NY
[email protected]
Talk to me about… Texas, Law, Journalism, Movies, Food…Marvel, Sports, Netflix Shows, food, and traveling!
If I could give one piece of advice to a first-year student… Don’t forget to take time to enjoy your life outside of grad school. Also, don’t spend too much money at Baba’s.
Abby Hayden (she/her)
Residential Campus Student
San Juan Capistrano, CA
[email protected]
Talk to me about… Your favorite books, travel, social justice, cats, and your journey to finding social work.
If I could give one piece of advice to a first-year student… Seize every opportunity that presents its self and reach out to professors and peers as much as you can, the community you build here is important for self-care and will create joy and happiness.
Mackenzie Aranda (she/her/hers)
Residential Campus Student
Lakeland, FL
[email protected]
Talk to me about... Music/concerts, self-advocacy, moving to New York, coffee, running, or anything else that might be on your mind!
If I could give one piece of advice to a first-year student… The people make the place at CSSW! Take the time to get to know the people around you – there is so much to learn from your peers, professors, and the entire faculty and staff!
Noa Seligsohn (she/her)
Online Campus Student
Philadelphia, PA
[email protected]
Talk to me about… Books, tennis, mental health and music.
If I could give one piece of advice to a first-year student… Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Take advantage of everything that Columbia has to offer.
Sanam Rizvi (she/her)
Residential Campus Student
Houston, Texas
[email protected]
Talk to me about… your NYC bucket list, favorite books, travel experiences, goals, fears, and anything else you fancy!
If I could give one piece of advice to a first-year student… Build relationships,–your cohort/tribe of friends and professors will be some of your strongest allies and support system that help you through the highs and lows of “season one” of grad school. Also, don’t be afraid to dive-in to what calls to you, or add what you think might be missing in the program. Your voice and authenticity matter–know you belong and are meant to bloom in community!
Xiaoyu Zhang (she/her/hers)
Residential Campus Student
Chengdu, China
[email protected]
Talk to me about... Food, Transitions when moving to NYC, Pets, Resources on a variety of things at CSSW.
If I could give one piece of advice to a first-year student… Explore as many options as you are passionate about, and remember to self-advocate every step of the way to make the most of your MSW journey.
Benji Hadar (he/him)
Residential Campus Student
Syosset, NY
[email protected]
Talk to me about… Your favorite band/artist, karaoke, mental health, harm reduction, supporting family members w/mental illness, NAMI, and the Jewish Caucus!
If I could give one piece of advice to a first-year student… Utilize the excellent staff at the writing center early on! It will make you a better writer and editor.
Melany Chavez (she/her/ella)
Residential Campus Student
Salt Lake City, Utah
[email protected]
Talk to me about… living in NYC, dogs, Bad Bunny, and immigration policy!
If I could give one piece of advice to a first-year student… be open-minded about attending CSSW events! They end up being great opportunities for meeting other like minded colleagues and creating bonds within your network.
Evelyn Kim (she/her)
Residential Campus Student
Boise, ID
[email protected]
Talk to me about... K-culture (K-pop, Korean BBQ, Ktown in NYC), mental health, tennis, running, international student experience, residential student experience or anything you want!
If I could give one piece of advice to a first-year student… Build your community in CSSW! Participate actively during orientation week and attend student life events and social gatherings throughout the year. Try engaging with the broader community, be brave and introduce yourself to others. This will be the key to enriching your graduate experience!
Jasmin Yangwaue (she/her)
Residential Campus Student
Blaine, Minnesota
[email protected]
Talk to me about… Hmong, food, dogs, advocacy, social justice, and exploring NYC.
If I could give one piece of advice to a first-year student… Try your best to be involved in caucuses, student life events, and many other activities CSSW has to offer.
Shelly Karan (She/Her/Hers/Ella )
Residential Campus Student
Brooklyn NY
[email protected]
Talk to me about… unhinged women in literature, post soviet diaspora, your favorite niche ice cream flavor, bizarre animals.
If I could give one piece of advice to a first-year student… Dont push yourself to do everything if it leaves you burnt out, breathe and take time and space and make sure to pursue a few activities at a time that feel fun and good and safe and even push you out of your comfort zone a bit 🙂
Sa’eed Mustafa (He/His/Him)
Residential Campus Student
West Point New York
[email protected]
Talk to me about... Therapeutic Equine, Music, Meditation, Walking Along The Hudson River, Stress Reduction and Military Transition To Civilian Life.
If I could give one piece of advice to a first-year student… Think seriously about your self care plan, and have a healthy outlet from the rigors of study. You Belong Here and You Can Do This.
Jessica Salony (she/her)
Online Campus Student
Staten Island, New York
[email protected]
Talk to me about… Mental health, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, body-positivity, tattoo art, and all things dogs.
If I could give one piece of advice to a first-year student… Take this time to self-explore your “social work identity”! Absolutely everything you’ve ever worked for has brought you here to Columbia University. Bring all your personal and professional experiences into the graduate school content and remain mindful, judgement-free, and practice self-compassion. You belong here!
Imam Rezki (he/him/his)
Residential Campus Student
Bali, Indonesia
[email protected]
Talk to me about… Anything! broadway shows, good food around campus, traveling around South East Asia, and more.
If I could give one piece of advice to a first-year student… Join as much activities in the orientation as possible! most of my close friends throughout the entire year was from the orientation.