Wesleyan Africans Thriving Together (WATT)
2023 Cohort of WATT Mentors and Mentees
Wesleyan Africans Thriving Together (WATT) is a peer mentorship program that was launched in the Summer of 2023. The program has matched the 13 members of the inaugural cohort of the Wesleyan African Scholars Program in one-to-one pairings with returning students from Africa. The WATT Launch & African Scholars Welcome Dinner was held at Wesleyan on September 7th. In addition to the chance to participate in various WATT events and opportunities throughout the year, mentors and mentees are also part of the International Buddy Program (IBP) as Senior Buddies and Junior Buddies and invited to engage in this companion program. WATT is coordinated by the African Scholars Student Coordinator, Marouan El-Asery '26, who is also a mentor in the program.
During the Spring 2024 Semeser, continuing students will be invited to apply to be WATT Mentors for the incoming Class of 2028 African Scholars cohort. Look for emails from OISA and read the Wesleyan International Student E-newsletter (WISE) in the Spring 2024 Semester for updates about applying to be a WATT Mentor for the next African Scholars cohort. For questions about WATT, please send an email to oisa@wesleyan.edu with "WATT inquiry" in the subject line.
African Scholars Student Coordinator & WATT Mentor
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Marouan El-Asery (he/him)
Class of 2026 - Computer Science and Economics, minor in Data Analysis
Morocco
Read MoreLanguages: French, Arabic, Moroccan Darija, Tamazight, and English
Involvement at Wesleyan: Instructional Media Specialist in ITS, tutor at WELLP Beman Middle School, Circulation Office Assistant at Olin Library, Arabic Tutor in the Dean's Peer Tutoring Program, member of the Outing Club and Disengineering Club, and part of Wesleyan MSA.
Bio: Hello everyone! I'm Marouan, a rising sophomore majoring in Computer Science and Economics. I'm from Morocco. On campus, I'm actively involved in various clubs such as the Outing Club and Wescode. Additionally, I work as an Instructional Media Specialist and hold another job at the Olin Library. Moreover, I dedicate time to tutoring at a nearby middle school. Outside of school, I enjoy surfing, swimming, and hiking. I'm excited to meet all of you and welcome you to Wesleyan!
WATT Mentees - African Scholars
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Lois Amponsah (she/her)
Class of 2027 - Neuroscience and Economics, minor in Global Engagement
Ghana
Read MoreLanguages Spoken: English, French, Twi
Involvement at Wesleyan: Westrepreneurs Club, Neuro Club, Science Library, Research Intern
Bio: Hi, my name is Amponsah Lois Antwiwaa and I use she/her pronouns. I am a freshmen and planning to major in Neuroscience and Economics with a minor in Global Engagement. I grew up in Ejisu- Abenase in Ghana. On campus I am involved in Wes Entrepreneurs Club and Neuro Club. Outside of school I love writing and implementing projects as a founder of a philanthropist. I want to be part of the WATT program because of the great mentorship and the love from the community.
Why did you join the WATT Program?
I joined the WATT Program to be fully aware of the opportunities and resources available at Wes.
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Tihitina Gebeyehu (she/her)
Class of 2027 - Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, minor in Economics
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Read MoreLanguages Spoken: Amharic, English
Involvement at Wes: ISAB, Summerfields, Women in science.
Bio: Hi everyone! My name is Tihitina, and I use she/her pronouns! I am a Freshman intending to major in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry. I was born and raised in Addis Ababa Ethiopia. On campus I am involved in women in finance, ISAB and I work at summerfields. Outside of school I love watching K-dramas and writing poetry.
Why did you join the WATT Program?
I wanted to join the WATT program because it is a good opportunity to meet people from the same background as me. The mentorship program was very helpful as I transitioned and settled at Wesleyan. It was also a fun experience where I had the chance to make good friends even before coming to campus.
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Allan Cheruiyot (he/him)
Class of 2027 - Computer Science and IDEAS or Astronomy
Kenya
Read MoreLanguages Spoken: English, Swahili, Kipsigis (and some related dialects), and Sheng' Creole.
Involvement at Wes: National Education Equity Teaching Fellow, photographer in Psychology Department, assistant in Science Library, Sailing club.
Bio: My name is Allan. I am a freshman interested in pursuing CS and probably the IDEAS major or Astronomy. At Wesleyan, I am helping one of the most amazing professors I've met as she creates a new digital course. Outside school, I'm learning night sky photography, and piano (maybe drums or guitar later?). I LOVE planes and usually pass time with flight sims, which are really cool. I might get into plane spotting.
Why did you join the WATT Program?
I was looking forward to interacting with people from home and listening to their unique experiences. The mentorship from returning African students was crucial for adjusting during the first days. From then on, the scholars and mentors have become brothers and sisters to me.
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Holiness Igiraneza (she/her)
Class of 2027 - Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, minor in Chemistry
Burundi
Read MoreLanguages Spoken: Kirundi, French, Kinyarwanda, English, and Swahili
Involvement at Wes: International Student Advisory Board, Wesleyan Refugee Project, Suya.
Bio: Hi everyone! My name is Holiness Ange Igiraneza and I use she/her pronouns! I am a freshman. I plan to major in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry. On campus, I will be involved in international student advisory board, Wesleyan refugee project, and suya (African dance club). Outside of school, I love dancing, and hanging out with friends. I want to be part of the WATT program because I want to have people with similar backgrounds to guide me through the college life and maybe help others later.
Why did you join the WATT Program?
I joined WATT Program because it’s a supportive community in most of the ways (financially, mentally, and emotionally).
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Olayinka Vaughan
Class of 2027 - Computer Science, minor in Economics, certificate in Applied Data Science
Lagos, Nigeria
Read MoreInvolvement at Wes: University Communications, Chessleyan, Wesleyan Christian Fellowship, Code_Wes, African Students Association, Black Student Union
Bio: Hello there! I'm Yinka Vaughan, a passionate first-year student deeply immersed in the world of Computer Science. My roots trace back to Lagos, Nigeria, where I first ignited my passion for coding and problem-solving. On campus, you can often find me at the Wesleyan Christian Fellowship, where I join fellow believers to share in our spiritual journey. Additionally, I'm an avid member of Chessleyan, where I engage in intellectual battles with fellow chess enthusiasts. Being part of the inaugural cohort in the WATT program is a thrilling honor. I aspire to be a proud ambassador, paving the way for the next generation of African trailblazers. I'm eagerly looking forward to forging connections, soaking up knowledge, and flourishing within this incredible community!
Why did you join the WATT Program?
I became a part of the WATT program driven by a natural yearning to connect with my fellow Africans on campus. Back in Nigeria, I was surrounded by a rather homogenous community. However, by embracing WATT, I discovered a unique bond in our shared African heritage while also cherishing the beautiful diversity of our distinct cultures and origins.
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Chukwudi Udechukwu (he/him)
Class of 2027 - Computer Science
Nigeria
Read MoreLanguages Spoken: English
Involvement at Wes: Wesleyan Rugby, Auxiliary services job, Intramural soccer, Acapella
Bio: Hi everyone! My name is Chukwudi and I use He/him pronouns! I am a first year planning to major in computer science. I grew up in Nigeria. On campus I am involved in club rugby. Outside of school I love reading novels, playing frisbee and taking pictures. I want to be part of the WATT program since it offers a valuable opportunity to establish meaningful friendships and become an active member of a supportive community.
Why did you join the WATT Program?
I joined the watt program because I was drawn to its of fostering a collaborative and supportive community specific to Africans.
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Gad Nkurunziza (he/him)
Class of 2027 - Undecided, Data Science Certificate
Rwanda
Read MoreLanguages Spoken: English & Kinyarwanda
Involvement at Wes: Soccer, Weightlifting, Sustainability Strategic Plan Ambassador, and African Student Association
Bio: My name is Gad Nkurunziza and I use He/him pronouns. I am a freshman not yet fully decided on my major here at Wesleyan. I grew up in the rural part of Rwanda. On campus, I'm involved in Sustainability Strategic Plan and SAGES. Outside of the school, I love volunteering and community building. Being part of WATT is an easy way of fostering personal growth and connection here at Wes.
Why did you join the WATT Program?
I joined WATT for enhancing inter-personal communication and social connection. -
Naomi Ivie (she/her)
Class of 2027 - Theater and Molecular Biology & Biochemistry
Nigeria
Read MoreLanguages Spoken: English (fluent); French, Yoruba, Korean (not fluent)
Involvement at Wes: The Wesleyan Christian Fellowship, Singing, Swimming
Bio: Hi everyone! My name is Naomi Ivie and I use she/her pronouns! I am a first year student who is exploring my diverse interests, so not certain of my major currently. I grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, and I am from Delta State. On campus I am involved in the Wesleyan Christian Fellowship, a community where students who love Jesus come together and have weekly bible studies and fellowship with one another. Outside of school I love to spend time praying and in admiring natural creation. I also love to sing and play basketball! I applied to be part of the WATT Program because I was hoping to have a mentor with similar experiences to me guide me through any challenges I may have here at Wes, and also give me advice to succeed very well here at Wes!
Why did you join the WATT Program?
I was hoping for the opportunity to have a mentor who has gone through the journey of being an African Student on the Wesleyan Campus before to guide me through different things I might go through, give me advice, support, and help me to navigate the challenges I may face here, with their wealth of experience.
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Yamani Mpofu (he/him)
Class of 2027 - Physics and Computer Science
Bulawayo City, Zimbabwe
Read MoreLanguages Spoken: IsiNdebele /isiZulu, Shona, English, Setswana/Sepedi/Sesotho, learning Swahili
Involvement at Wes: Patricelli Center for Social Entrepreneurship, Code_Wes. African Student Association Wes_Suya dance group.
Bio: Salibonani! I'm Yaman Mpofu (he/him). I come from KwaBulawayo in Zimababwe. I am a prospective CS major. I am also deeply curious about particle physics and quantum and in the implications of quantum mechanical systems in modern day computing technologies. But more interestingly, I am also a dancer,........I think. Like many young people from my hometown, modern pop dance is one of the things that you just cannot avoid being involved in because of how strong and popular the culture is in the city. I have as well been involved in, and plan to continue working with other young people from Bulawayo to promote the already rapidly growing youth engagement that is taking place as we together rebuild Great Bulawayo. Oh, almost forgot: I go to Wesleyan.
Why did you join the WATT Program?
To expand my network and get to know people from the Great Continent who are ahead in the journey that I am also just starting. Meeting more people with similar experiences to mine, with whom I can share ideas and perhaps collaborate with in different endeavors
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Abdiasis Daauud
Class of 2027 - Computer Science, minor in Data Analysis
Somaliland
Read MoreLanguages Spoken: Somali
Bio: Hi everyone, my name is Abdiasis Daauud and I go by Siiso. I am a freshman with an interest in the Computer Science major. I grew up in Somaliland and came to the States for the last three years of high school. I love playing soccer, running and coding on my own.
Why did you join the WATT Program?
I wanted to be a part of a community that shared similar background as me. I also wanted to experience college from the point of view of a student from a country in Africa
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Leonard Zheve
Class of 2027 - Neuroscience and Behavior, Certificate in Applied Data Science
Harare, Zimbabwe
Read MoreLanguages spoken: Shona, English, Hindi
Involvement at Wes: I am the social events chair for Spectrum. I’m also a part of ASA
Bio: Hi everyone! My name is Leonard Zheve. I am a rising sophomore majoring in Neuroscience and Behavior. I grew up in Zimbabwe. On campus I am involved in ASA and Spectrum. Outside of school I love cooking and baking. I want to be part of the WATT program because I value the connection I share with my African peers at Wes.
Why did you join the WATT Program?
Being one of the few African students at Wes can be difficult because I’m not well versed in what resources I can use to make the most of my college experiences. The WATT program exposes me to a greater African community that can guide me academically and professionally. They understand where I am coming from and know how best to guide me.
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Phidence Atieno (she/her)
Class of 2027 - Undecided
Kenya
Read MoreLanguages spoken: English, Kiswahili
Involvement at Wes: Swimming
Bio: Hi everyone! My name is Phidence Atieno and I use she/her pronouns! Am a rising freshman majoring in Computer Science/Biology. On campus I am involved in Swimming. Outside of school I love traveling, hiking, reading, adventure. I want to be part of WATT program to bring my contribution forward for the betterness of every student.
Why did you join the WATT Program?
I joined the WATT program as a mentee and also to be able to learn more about the program. -
Daphine Kemigisa (she/her)
Class of 2027 - Chemistry
Uganda
Read MoreLanguages Spoken: Luganda and English
Involvement at Wes: Track and Field, SUYA, American Chemical Society, Women in Science and the African Student Association.
Bio: Hello everyone! My name is Daphine and I use she/her pronouns! I am a rising sophomore planning to major in Chemistry on the dual-degree engineering track. On campus I am in involved in Track and Field, SUYA, American Chemical Society, Women in Science and the African Student Association. A fun fact about me is that my favorite show of all time is succession.
WATT Mentors
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Pelumi Tayo-Orisadare
Class of 2025 - Computer Science
Park Forest, Illinois; Lagos, Nigeria
Read MoreLanguages Spoken: English, Yoruba (Intermediate)
Involvement at Wes: African Students Association, SUYA
Bio: Hello World 👋🏾! My name is Pelumi Tayo-Orisadare and I am a third year student at Wesleyan University studying Computer Science. I was born in Lagos, Nigeria but immigrated to the United States at the age of 9 and I have lived here ever since. I enjoy learning about and indulging myself in African culture. I became a part of the WATT program with the hopes of stepping out of my comfort zone and providing myself as a resource to another student. As I mentioned, the ability to make a change and use my skills in a meaningful way motivates me to pursue this career path in technology, especially as a black woman in STEM. Due to the industry being predominantly white, there is alot of conscious and unconscious bias that takes place in the creation of applications, products, etc… I would like to use myself as a way to make people more aware of these biases and create projects that are more inclusive and assists my people and not just one group. That is a little bit of information about me, thank you for reading!
Why did you join the WATT Program?
I became a part of the WATT program to help a student alleviate the stress and nervousness that accompanies freshman year. Freshman was a tough 2 semesters for me, so I wanted to be a part of this wonderful program to help and provide myself as a resource in anyway that I can. I met some amazing and well accomplished students through this program and I really hope Wesleyan continues this program as a pipeline of African Students into Wesleyan!
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Fatai Olabemiwo
Doctoral Student - Biology, minor in Applied Environmental Microbiology
Nigeria
Read MoreLanguages Spoken: English, Yoruba
Bio: Greetings! My name is Fatai Olabemiwo, and I prefer the pronouns he/him. I am currently a graduate student pursuing a major in biology with a focus on the development of a groundbreaking plastic bioremediator. I hail from Lagos, Nigeria. Within the academic setting, I actively participate in the graduate student association. Beyond my studies, my interests encompass activities such as Bowling, go-karting, ping pong, and indulging in movies. My aspiration to join the WATT program stems from a desire to share my personal experiences and provide guidance to incoming scholars, ensuring a smooth transition into the Wesleyan community and the surrounding environment.
Why did you join the WATT Program?
My aspiration to join the WATT program stems from a desire to share my personal experiences and provide guidance to incoming scholars, ensuring a smooth transition into the Wesleyan community and the surrounding environment.
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Christine Chikomborero Butawo (she/her)
Class of 2025 - Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, minor in Chemistry
Harare, Zimbabwe
Read MoreLanguages Spoken: Shona and English
Involvement at Wes: Undergraduate Research Assistant, Butterfields C Resident Advisor, African Student's Associstion (ASA) event coordinator, Major Groove, First Cardinal mentor
Bio: Kwaziwai! My name is Christine Chikomborero Butawo (she/her). I am a junior majoring in MB&B. I grew up in Harare, Zimbabwe. On campus I am involved in ASA, Major Groove and I am an undergraduate research assistant in a lab. During my free time, I enjoy cooking, reading and listening to music. I want to be part of the WATT program because the transition to a new country and being away from family is not easy, but having friendly faces with similar experiences ready to help makes it bearable. I hope to be one of those friendly faces:)
Why did you join the WATT Program?
My transition to the US and college was made smoother by my IBP mentor who was a great resource and someone I felt comfortable to reach out to without feeling like a burden. As a result, I take part in the WATT program to be a similar resource to incoming first years. The transition to a new country and being away from family is not easy, but having friendly faces with similar experiences to turn to makes it bearable. I hope to be one of those friendly faces:)
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Diana Kimojino (she/her)
Class of 2025 - Economics, minor in African Studies
Kenya
Read MoreLanguages Spoken: English, Swahili, Maasai and Kalenjin
Involvement at Wes: I work at the Science Library and also serve as a Course Assistant.
Bio: Hello everyone! My name is Diana Naiyanoi, and I use she/her/hers pronouns. I am currently a junior studying Economics with a minor in African Studies. I was born and raised in Narok, Kenya. While on campus, I work at the Science Library circulation desk. I also assist with Swahili courses and serve as the House Manager for the International House. Outside of school, I enjoy running, playing soccer, and storytelling. As an international student myself, I understand the challenges that come with adjusting to life in a new country and culture. That's why I am eager to be part of the WATT program and offer support to other international students. Having someone to rely on and confide in can make a significant difference in someone's life. I am excited to be that person for others and help them transition to their new life away from home.
Why did you join the WATT Program?
I joined WATT community to contribute to the welfare of the international student community on campus. In addition, I have also aspired to establish a stronger sense of engagement with the international community, given that I have previously received valuable assistance from international student alums.
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Ugochukwu Osondu (he/him)
Class of 2026 - Computer Science, minor in Informatics and Modeling
Nigeria
Read MoreLanguages Spoken: Igbo, Twi, English, Spanish, French
Involvement at Wes: Community Advisor for the residential life, Wesleyan Chess Club Wesleyan Refugee Club Code_Wes
Bio: Hi everyone! My name is Osondu and I use He/him pronouns! I am a rising Junior majoring in Computer Science. I grew up in Nigeria. On campus, I am involved with WesChess, Outing club, and Residential life. Outside of school, I love playing chess and watching series. I want to be part of the WATT program because I believe in the importance of a united african community.
Why did you join the WATT Program?
To make sure incoming african students are best prepared for their years ahead. To give them that sense of belonging required to adapt faster
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Deborah-Gifty Lalude (she/her)
Class of 2025 - Computer Science, minor in African Studies
Ghana
Read MoreLanguages Spoken: English, Akan(Twi), French
Involvement at Wes: Code_Wes, West African Drumming, The Wesleyan Refugee Project, African Students Association
Bio: Hey there! I'm Debbie, a junior majoring in Computer Science, and I go by she/her pronouns. I'm passionate about coding, and designing captivating visual experiences. Outside school, I'm a fanatic of luxury real estate and spend my free time exploring Pinterest for inspirations. I'm thrilled to be part of the WATT program because it allows me to share my experiences, insights, and enthusiasm with the next generation of African scholars, helping them navigate their academic journey successfully. Outside of mentoring, you can find me participating in hackathons, playing scrabble, solving complex KenKen puzzles, or cooking. Looking forward to making a difference with you all!
Why did you join the WATT Program?
I joined the WATT Program because I want to be part of a community that values diversity and inclusivity. I believe in the power of mentorship and want to help incoming African students navigate their academic journey with confidence. By participating in the program, I aim to contribute to a supportive and welcoming environment for all students and make a meaningful difference in their lives.
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Lumen Constance Hirwa (she/her)
Class of 2025 - Neuroscience and Behavior Program, Psychology, minor in Chemistry
Rwanda
Read MoreLanguages Spoken: Kinyarwanda, French
Involvement at Wes: ASA, MAPS, WesCF, ResLife
Bio: Hi everyone. My name is Constance and I use she/her pronouns. I am a rising senior majoring in NSB and PSYC. I grew up in southwest of Rwanda in a small village of Nyamasheke District. On campus, I am involved in ResLife, African Student Association, MAPS, and Wesleyan Christian Fellowship. Outside of school, I enjoy poetry, painting, photography, cooking and jewelry making.
Why did you join the WATT Program?
Being part of WATT program is an opportunity to connect with other African students and as a mentor, I get to support the new students with their transition to the US academia and culture.
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Venessa Ochieng
Class of 2026 - Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, minor in African Studies
Kenya
Read MoreLanguages Spoken: English, Kiswahili, Dholuo
Involvement at Wes: African Students Association, outing club
Bio: Hi everyone! My name is Venessa. I am a sophomore majoring in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry. I grew up in Kenya. Outside of school, I love making desserts, doing jigsaw puzzles and running.
Why did you join the WATT Program?
I wanted to help make the transition into life at Wesleyan smooth. It was a daunting experience for me, but through the African community at Wesleyan, I never felt alone. I wanted to reciprocate the same to the new scholars.
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Melat Amde Gebremeskel (she/her)
Class of 2025 - Computer Science and Mathematics
Ethiopia
Read MoreLanguages Spoken: Amharic, English
Involvement at Wes: Chess club, Math Workshop
Bio: Hi everyone! My name is Melat and I use she/her pronouns. I am a junior majoring in Computer Science and Math. I grew up in Ethiopia. Outside of school I love writing poetry, playing chess and playing table tennis.
Why did you join the WATT Program?
I joined the WATT program because I love coming together with my African friends, mentors and mentees to have fun, discuss about our classes and ultimately thrive together.
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Fatoumata Gaye
Class of 2024 - Economics, minor in Data Analysis and African Studies
Dakar, Senegal
Read MoreLanguages Spoken: French, Wolof, Spanish, and English
Bio: Hi everyone! My name is Fatou and I am a senior studying economics, data analysis, and African studies. I was born and raised in Dakar, Senegal although I have also lived in other countries. Over the past 3 years, I got involved in several student groups and campus departments to pursue my interests and have enjoyed being a mentor for this program in particular.
Why did you join the WATT Program?
I joined the WATT program to connect with an awesome cohort of students. When I started my Wesleyan journey, I met incredible juniors and seniors within the African students association and beyond who became great friends and mentors. For this reason, I wanted to pay it forward and am glad to provide any support to mentees from the WATT program.
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Ama Agyeman Tuffour (she/her)
Class of 2026 - Psychology, minor in Global Engagement and Education Studies
Ghana
Read MoreLanguages Spoken: English, Twi, French
Involvement at Wes: Office of Residential Life, Auxiliary Services Office, Cheer team, West African dance team, Tutor in SAWA program.
Bio: Hi everyone! I'm Ama Agyeman Tuffour and I use she/her pronouns. I am a sophomore hoping to major in Psychology and minor in global engagement and education studies. On campus, I am working two jobs and I am a tutor with the SAWA program. Outside of school, I love music and dancing and I'm on the cheer team. I love the WATT program because it provides immense support for African International Students.
Why did you join the WATT Program?
I was excited at the opportunity to be of help to a scholar and make their transition into Wesleyan as smooth as possible.