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International Student Leaders
Our International Student Leaders (ISLs) are upper-year students who can give you a student's perspective an insight into life at Laurier. Every summer, the ISLs connect with incoming international students to:
- Welcome you to Laurier.
- Answer your questions.
- Provide you with more information about being a Golden Hawk.
Throughout the school year, ISLs plan events, host student gatherings and help engage you with all that Laurier has to offer.
ISLs are a great resource if you have questions about the student experience or if you are looking for ways to get involved on campus.
Meet this year's Waterloo ISLs and Brantford ISLs.
Become an ISL
We are always looking for students to join our ISL team. The job posting for ISLs in Waterloo and Brantford opens each year in February. Upper-year international and domestic students from all programs are welcome to apply on your campus of study.
This is a one-year position that begins each year in May. We will provide training webinars over the summer. To be an ISL for more than one year, you will need to reapply each year.
International Student Leaders (Waterloo)
Hadil Abdala
Major: 3rd-year BBA
Hobbies: Going on walks, baking, watching shows.
Favourite thing about Laurier: The strong sense of community and support system.
Briona Du
Major: 3rd-year BBA
Hobbies: Shopping, playing badminton, watching Netflix.
Favourite thing about Laurier: Everyone is so friendly; they are willing to help each other whether it be academically or socially.
Wanlin He
Major: 4th-year Financial Mathematics
Hobbies: Cooking, planting, watching movies.
Favourite thing about Laurier: Everyone here is nice and friendly.
Sashini (Sash) Kothalawalage
Major: 3rd-year Economics and Accounting
Hobbies: Playing the piano, drawing, walking, cooking.
Favourite thing about Laurier: Having great opportunities for students to be engaged in the community.
Mustafa Murtaza
Major: 3rd-year Kinesiology and Physical Education
Hobbies: Playing the violin, swimming, scouting, cooking, and watching anime.
Favourite thing about Laurier: Laurier's welcoming community and the enormous opportunities it provides for students to learn, grow, and stay engaged.
Sakshi Parikh
Major: 4th-year Communication Studies
Hobbies: Painting, cooking, watching Netflix, cricket and dancing.
Favourite thing about Laurier: Laurier’s resources on campus for students success and diversity on campus.
Gursimar (Simar) Sachar
Major: 4th-year BBA with Economics minor
Hobbies: Chess, cooking, gaming and binge-watching anime/tv shows.
Favourite thing about Laurier: The community and all the opportunity it provides to student for personal growth.
International Student Leaders (Brantford)
Balsam Aboutarie
My name is Balsam Aboutarie and I am 22 years old and currently in my 4th year of Youth and Children Studies. I am also doing a minor in Human Rights and Human Diversity. A little about me is that I love to cook, go on spontaneous adventures and spend time with my family and friends. My experiences at Laurier have been great from the beginning. I loved being on campus and in residence! Joining some of the clubs at Laurier was the best thing I did during my years here. I met so many new friends and had a lot of fun being a Golden Hawk!!
Manpreet Bola
Hello, I’m Manpreet! I’m a 4th-year Law and Society student minoring in Human Rights and Human Diversity. I enjoy reading, baking and watching Netflix (my current favourite shows are New Amsterdam and Superstore.) One thing I love about Laurier is the numerous different types of clubs/extracurriculars you can join, there is something for everyone to get involved in and enjoy!
Julia Huynh
I'm Julia Huynh. I'm a fourth-year User Experience Design student at Laurier Brantford. Outside of my study time, I like to play badminton, swim, and create art. During the pandemic, I also learned to play ping pong. My favourite spot on the Branford campus would be the tall glass gym (YMCA). I also love that Laurier has a community feel. Laurier Brantford has small class sizes so that you can get to know your classmates and build meaningful relationships.
Nicole Pearson
Hi my names Nicole, I'm a graduating student from the Bachelor of Social Work program and a Brantford campus ISL. Some of my favourite hobbies/activities include playing video games with my friends and embroidery. My favourite thing about Laurier is how close knit a community it is. Its so easy to get involved on campus, meet new people, and make great connections for your future career! The staff are also extremely supportive and work with you during your degree.
Oyinda Tokun
Hello, welcome to Laurier, my name is Oyinda Tokun. I am a third-year international student in the Social Work program. I love watching reality shows, trying out new recipes, and hanging out with family and friends. The community at Laurier Brantford is very welcoming and accommodating so feel free to contact me if you are looking for new things to try or if you need support in any way.