Meet the NSO Peer Advisors
New Student Orientation (NSO) Peer Advisors are returning students who work during NSO; this includes International Student Orientation and First Things First.
NSO Peer Advisors assist incoming students with schedule planning and preparation for faculty advisor meetings, and provide support for other NSO activities. NSO Peer Advisors work in tandem with the Academic Peer Advisors, in order to enrich the NSO experience for students.
Students needing assistance beyond orientation can reach out to an Academic Peer Advisor. Any of the NSO Peer Advisors (bios below) would be happy to help you connect to an appropriate APA, or email peeradvisors@wesleyan.edu anytime.
2025 New Student Orientation Peer Advisors
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Addie Blumberg (She/Her/Hers)
2027: Government, History; Minor: Art History
Hi everyone! I'm Addie Blumberg, a rising junior from outside of Philadelphia majoring in Government and History with a minor in Art History. On campus, I'm involved in the Wesleyan Refugee Project as well as the dance department, and spend most of my other waking hours in Olin. This year, I'm living in Movement House, where I look forward to collaborating with my housemates and getting involved with functions that showcase the performing arts while bringing the Wesleyan community together. Outside of campus, I work with grassroots political campaigns on fundraising and outreach endeavors!
I can't wait to meet you all! If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out!
Advice to First-Year Students
As a transfer student, I understand how daunting the college transition process can be—I've done it twice. However, if I could offer any advice to incoming students, it would be the importance of communication. This change can be overwhelming at times, and completely fulfilling at others; it's essential to take stock of these moments and to work through them with other people. Talk to your friends, reach out to professor, and take advantage of the network of support offered at Wes (including your peer advisor)!
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Avika Lohia (She/Her/Hers)
2028: (prospective) Economics, Psychology
Hi! I’m Avika, an international student from India, planning to double major in Economics and Psychology. At Wes, I’m part of the Psychology of Decision-Making Lab, where I help collect and analyze data related to how people make everyday choices. I also volunteer with Pyari Education, a creative education company, focused on reshaping how sexual and reproductive health is taught in schools.
On campus, I’m involved in Shakti, Wesleyan’s South Asian student group, which has been such a fun and welcoming community. If you’re looking to get involved in research, join a cultural org, or just want to talk about finding your way at Wes as an international student, I’d be happy to chat!
Advice to First-Year Students
You don’t need to have it all sorted. Try things, ask for help, and let yourself be surprised. Some of the best parts of college come from the things you didn’t plan.
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Ikimot Siyanbola (She/Her/Hers)
2028: (prospective) Psychology, Government
Hi! My name is Ikimot Siyanbola. I’m a Nigerian-American from the Bronx, New York. Throughout my first year at Wes, I’ve been a part of different things, including tutoring Middletown students through Traverse Square and being on the Green Fund Committee as the Post-Project Manager. I’m passionate about social justice for low-income communities and advocating for these communities and the people who live in them as well.
In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with my friends and siblings, trying new foods, and watching movies. I also love vlogging and creating lasting memories. I enjoy working with people and can’t wait to help you guys through the life-changing transition that is your first year of undergrad. I’d love to share my journey as I help you make yours unforgettable. :)
Advice to First-Year Students
Life happens! College is a new experience; it may be your first time navigating such a huge change. Be kind to yourself and those around you. Try to leave your comfort zone by being open-minded, making new friends, and speaking up for yourself. Don’t be afraid to take new classes or speak to your professors because they care about your success. And lastly, have fun! College will get difficult, so take care of yourself.
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Jack St. Amand (He/Him/His)
2028: (prospective) Music, Film; Minor: Education Studies
Hi everyone! My name is Jack St. Amand and I'm planning on double majoring in music and film with a minor in education. I've played piano for 12 years now and I especially love jazz. I studied with Professor Baerman during my freshman fall semester and have participated in many jazz bands in the past throughout high school. I've also done many jazz camps including Eastman Summer Jazz. I'm also very interested in pursuing screenwriting and film scoring here at Wes! I've accompanied performers for Cabaret nights and have also been involved in sound and score on different student made films.
Advice to First-Year Students
Try different things! Wesleyan has so many awesome courses that I never would have thought of and I encourage you all to explore what's out there. And don't hesitate to reach out to your professors! Once you start getting to know them, everything gets easier.
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Jane Gesser (He/Him/His & They/Them/Theirs)
2027: (prospective) Philosophy and Psychology
My name is Jane Gesser (he/they) and I’m from New York City! I’m a prospective philosophy and psychology major and this is my first year working as an NSO peer advisor. I also begin working for the writing center in the fall. Outside of academics, I go to the board game club and I sing in the a cappella group Onomatopoeia. I love crafting, singing, anime, romance novels, and going to concerts. I’m excited to meet everyone!
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Jasmine Jhun (She/Her/Hers & They/Them/Theirs)
2028: College of Letters, (prospective) Science & Technology Studies
Hi everyone! My name is Jasmine and I'm from the Los Angeles area! I'm majoring in Science & Technology Studies (prospective) plus College of Letters. At Wes, I'm involved in the Writers Room, the National Education Equity Lab, and various civic engagement initiatives through the Jewett Center -- one highlight is my voter registration work on campus for the 2024 presidential election (read more about our efforts)! In my free time I'm always having movie nights (this is what happens when you're friends with too many Film majors) or fueling up on caffeine at Pi Cafe. As your Peer Advisor, I'm here to connect with you for anything and everything. Don't hesitate to reach out!
Advice to First-Year Students
Embrace the new and unknown! The most unexpected experiences might become the most special ones :)
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Nora Whiteside (She/Her/Hers)
2028: (prospective) Biology
Hi! I’m Nora Whiteside. I’m from Albany, New York and a prospective Biology major. I am also interested in potentially pursuing the Data Analysis minor. At Wes, I am an abortion doula for the Wesleyan Doula Project and a player on Wesleyan’s non-cis-men club ultimate frisbee team, Vicious Circles (Instagram). I volunteer weekly for Food Rescue, where we support the Eddy Shelter and reduce food waste by delivering unused food from the dining halls. This year, I am living in Community Engagement House, one of Wesleyan’s program houses that is focused on community service and social justice. Last year, some of my favorite non-major classes included a Japanese Art History class, Psychology, and American Sign Language.
As someone who came into Wesleyan not knowing at all what they wanted to major in, I am happy to answer any questions about creating a schedule of classes to help you discover your interests and passions!
Advice to First-Year Students
Broaden your extracurricular interests! Your first year of college is a great time to learn something you’ve never learned before, or haven’t picked up in years. There are so many highly unique clubs, projects, and opportunities going on at Wes! I had never played ultimate frisbee before college, but I have learned so much and found an amazing community by being a part of Vicious Circles.
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Sami Smith (She/Her/Hers)
2027: Economics, Psychology; Minor: Dance
Hi! My name is Sami, I use she/her pronouns and I am currently in the class of 2027. I am part of the Women’s Varsity Ice Hockey and Lacrosse teams on campus! I am double majoring in Economics and Psychology and minoring in Dance.
I am also a Diversity Equity and Inclusion Rep for our women's lacrosse team. I work very closely with a great group of athletes who care deeply about the well being of the student body. I am also very well connected with the accommodations office. Out of the school life I love watching movies and going on walks in the woods!
Advice to First-Year Students
It is going to be overwhelming and confusing, but enjoy the process and love every second! Wesleyan is such a special place and trust me it will all work out! So just have fun!
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Tess Soraire (She/Her/Hers)
2028: (prospective) Science and Technology Studies
Hi my name is Tess. I'm a sophomore at Wesleyan, and I'm from Long Island NY. I'm a prospective Science and Technology Studies major with concentrations in Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, and Mathematics as well as a minor in Data Analysis. I'm part of the outing club and got to pet goats with them, and I've been to a few of the events hosted by LASO (Latin American Student Organization) and I'm mainly involved in the dance group Collective Motion (Instagram). I've choreographed several dances for the group and have danced in even more dances with them, which has been so much fun. I also started taking ASL courses at Wes. It's been so immersive, and helped me make some of my friends.
Advice to First-Year Students
The first year at Wesleyan is a big adjustment. Give yourself time, and don't forget it's a big adjustment for everyone. You will be okay.