Meet Your Long Island Orientation Leaders
Aldwin James
Hello my name Aldwin James. I am from North Bablyon, N.Y. This is my senior year at New York Tech, studying sociology and social work. Along with being an orientation leader this summer, I am also the current vice president of the Tau Kappa Epsilon Xi Gamma chapter on NYIT-Long Island campus and the secretary of the Behavioral Science Club. Being involved on campus has helped me both professionally and socially, getting to meet and work with a lot of different people and improve my teamwork and leadership skills. Being involved on campus is one of the best ways to enjoy your college experience to the fullest! Orientation is your first step to becoming an involved student at New York Tech. I hope you all enjoy!!
Anastasia Giddens
Hi! My name is Anastasia Giddens. I am a sophomore, majoring in electrical and computer engineering. I am treasurer for the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and also the senator for the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). I highly recommend becoming involved in some type of organization and/or club because it will help you acclimate to college life and make connections with other students. Don't be afraid to talk to your peers! I commute to school, so I understand that sometimes it can be difficult to find your people, but don't be afraid to put yourself out there and develop new friendships! One fun fact about me is that I absolutely love animals and have a pet dog and bird.
Angelica Oommen
Hi, my name is Angelica and I'm a sophomore studying biology. Before starting the fall semester of my freshman year, I was considering transferring to another school. But after I started meeting people at New York Tech and making friends, I decided to stay. New York Tech has a great environment and everyone is extremely welcoming. Don't be afraid to talk to people!! I'm a commuter, but I'm always on campus, so if you ever need me don't hesitate to come and ask for help. Try to make the most out of orientation and get to know everyone around you.
Ansel Shibu
My name is Ansel Shibu, I'm 21 years old, and a life science major. I’m the former treasurer, and now executive vice president, of our Student Government Association (SGA). I got involved on campus so I could find a niche at school beyond my major/academic life. I wasn't involved my first year on campus, which I now regret since I’ve met some amazing people and had some awesome experiences. I am from Mineola, N.Y. (a short drive from New York Tech). I love reading a good book, sun showers, and Penny boarding on summer nights. In order to make the most out of your orientation and college experience, you have to let your inhibitions go and just be open to meeting new people and trying new things. College is just as much about experiences and fun as it is about getting a proper education. You CAN do both! I look forward to being apart of your orientation experience!
David Bolocboloc
Hello! My name is David Bolocboloc and I am studying in the Physical Therapy, D.P.T. program at New York Tech. I am a sophomore and a proud member of the Alpha Chi Rho fraternity. After the first month or so of freshman year, I became curious about what else New York Tech had to offer. I grew bored of the commuter lifestyle—driving to school, taking classes, and driving back home. The Involvement Fair was the perfect opportunity for me to find the clubs and organizations that were best suited to my interests. What stood out for me was New York Tech’s vibrant Greek Life community. As a first year freshman, joining the Greek Life family made the transition from high school to college a lot easier. During your orientation, remember that while you are a student first, you’re also an ambitious teenager, so don’t feel afraid to get involved on campus. It’ll help you make great connections and build great memories. College is what you make of it. If your memories are simply classroom and labs—that’s fine. But if your memories include campus life, your involvement in an on-campus organization, or bonding with faculty members, that’s fine too! Take advantage of what New York Tech has to offer.
Denesia Mitchell
Hello, my name is Denesia Mitchell. I am from New Jersey, but throughout the school year I reside in the resident halls. I am a sophomore in the engineering management major. I am currently the vice president of the Campus Programming Board, chair of the Leadership Round Table, and a resident assistant in the dorms. This is in addition to my role as an orientation leader. I decided to get involved because I didn’t want to be bored. I wanted to meet new people and be a part of something bigger than myself. The best way to make the most out of college and orientation as a whole is to introduce yourself to as many people as you can. These simple introductions can be the start of many new and possibly long-lasting relationships. Fun fact: I have been to 13 states—well, at least drove through them!
Jesus Santana
What’s up everyone! My name is Jesus Santana and I’m from Los Angeles, California! I am going into my senior year and my major is computer science with a concentration in cybersecurity. I am currently the president of Alpha Chi Rho fraternity on campus, the vice president of the Inter-Fraternity Sorority Council, the social media coordinator for the Association of Computing Machinery, and a hall director for the King and Anthony Residence Halls. I got involved on campus because I wanted to make the most of my college experience. My advice for having fun at orientation is to talk to people—you never know who you’ll end up relating to. A fun fact about me is one time I accidentally sat on my sister’s hamster when I was 7… it died.
Ishmael Ifill
Hello! My name is Ishmael Ifill and I was born and raised in Queens, N.Y. I am a video games beast, just saying. I am currently in my sophomore year majoring in health sciences. I became an orientation leader simply because of the way I felt during my orientation. I fell in love with the way the orientation leaders helped students feel welcomed and encouraged them to get out of their shells. I knew right away that I wanted to be a part of that team and to share that experience with other students. My orientation goal is to help you connect with other students and staff members, so that your transition this fall will be as smooth as possible. I hope to make it easier for you find your place at New York Tech and to begin to make the friendships that will last you beyond your first year at school.
Jiayu Zhuo
My name is Jiayu Zhuo. I come from China. I am currently a senior majoring in accounting. I am also a member of the Accounting Club. Being involved on campus has made my college experience much more fun and memorable. I was able to connect with a lot of people and develop the leadership skills essential for future success.
Kaushal Chauhan
Hey everyone! My name is Kaushal Chauhan, but I am often called KC. I am a graduate student studying energy management. I am from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. While I know that may be a mouthful, it is the place I call home. I am currently an international student ambassador as well as an orientation leader. What drove me to get involved on campus was the opportunity to build new relationships and develop my leadership and communication skills. Here are my tips: familiarize yourself with your school; go out and meet new people; ask lots of questions; and don’t forget to have fun! There is so much potential at this college—so join intramurals, utilize campus facilities, and don’t forget about your academics!
Lajja Gajjar
Hi everyone. My name is Lajja Gajjar and I am a junior majoring in health and wellness. I am also an international student ambassador from Ahmedabad, India. I encourage you to participate in on-campus activities—they will help you meet new friends and grow your network. Don’t forget to relax, stay calm, and be positive. You are going to have a wonderful experience at New York Tech. I faced my biggest life challenge when I quit my job to come to New York Tech and begin my studies in a completely different field. Thanks to New York Tech tutoring, I’ve been able to build the new skills I need to succeed in my new field. Here’s a fun fact: I love to dance and read to help me de-stress. I am really excited to meet incoming students and look forward to sharing my New York Tech experiences with you.
Mellisa Mahadeo
Hey everyone! My name is Mellisa Mahadeo and I am a graduating senior majoring in health sciences. I am currently in my second term as president of the Student Government Association, as well as being an orientation leader and a first-year experience mentor. I became involved at New York Tech because it gave me a sense of belonging and because I’m passionate about helping others. While you're at orientation, just try to be open minded. You'll meet many people that you may not have initially expected to meet. Post-high school is quite an experience, so enjoy every single moment!
Pranati Mathur
Hey! I am Pranati Mathur, a second semester graduate student in computer science. I am currently the secretary of the Graduate Student Association. I am also an international student ambassador and a member of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM). My hometown is Hyderabad, India. To make the most of your experience at New York Tech, meet new people on campus, get involved, and always remember that career services offers both on-campus and off-campus opportunities.
Shannen Greer
Hi! My name is Shannen Greer and I'm a graduating senior studying electrical and computer engineering. During my first year of college, I felt ostracized in many of my classes to the point where I considered changing my major. Then in March 2014, I attended the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) 40th annual national convention and from then on I've always felt empowered to continue on my path of engineering. Seeing 6,000+ black engineers working towards similar goals gave me the strength and motivation to continue in my major. Looking back now, I realize that this was the moment when I made the choice to become more involved on campus. Since then, I've served as a chapter senator, secretary and president for the NSBE NYIT-Long Island chapter and as a resident assistant for two years. For the 2016-2017 year, I decided to further challenge my leadership skills by stepping up to the Region 1 Executive Board as New York Metropolitan/Long Island Zone chairperson. This year, I continue to serve as vice chairperson. During my last four years of college, I've learned that you can't truly discover yourself until you step completely out of your comfort zone—but once you do step out of that zone, the amount of change you can bring is undeniable. Other than being a student leader, I enjoy listening to music, reading, and photography.
Shivkumar Devogowda
Hi, my name is Shivkumar Devogowda but I answer to Shiv. I am an electrical and computer engineering graduate student from Bangalore, India. Along with my role as an orientation leader, I am also an international student ambassador. One tip for making the most out of your experience at New York Tech is to start from day-one exploring the campus, contacting career services, networking with others, finding a mentor, making use of the all the available technology, and trying to make as many friends as possible. A fun fact about me is that I am very jovial kind of person and can fit into almost any kind of situation. I’m also very enthusiastic!
Theresa Oriental
Hello, my name is Theresa Oriental. I am currently a sophomore majoring in biomedical engineering. Besides being an orientation leader, I am also a student ambassador. I also serve on the Executive Board of the Society of Women Engineers as treasurer and as secretary of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). Once I started my freshman year, I was able to connect instantly with different people and I made many great friends who I know will stay with me during my remaining years at New York Tech. My favorite sport is volleyball, and this summer I plan on having a great time with all the incoming students. Feel free to ask me any questions you may have about all the free resources available to you as a student! Stay active and get involved.