Peer Advisors
Looking for guidance about Athens and Ohio University? Trying to find off campus housing? Have a question best answered by a current student?
Our team of peer advisors will support you and your fellow incoming international students prior to and during orientation!
The peer advisors offer a contact for questions or concerns you may have, and support or guidance as you manage life in Athens, Ohio and begin to navigate your first semester at Ohio University.
Isatou Secka (Aisha)
Country of Origin: The Gambia
Languages I Speak: English, Wolof, Pularr, and Mandinka
What I Do: I am pursing a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership at the Patton College of Education, Ohio University.
About Me: I am an educationist, women and youth development activist, and a social justice advocate. I have work experience from both private and public institutions in The Gambia in the areas of student services, human resource management, data collection, analysis and reporting. I have a strong interest in the interface between policy, planning, programming and the practice of educational transformation within the context of socio-economic development. To this end, I have been engaged in initiatives to address educational challenges in various capacities, including teaching, educational administration, coaching/ guiding and counseling of students, and educational policy development, teacher education and supervision, girls and women’s education.
Parwana Hamdam
Country of Origin: Afghanistan
Languages I Speak: I can speak Dari, Pashto, Hindi, Urdu, and English, and read and write Arabic.
What I Do: I am a second year Masters student in the Communication and Development Studies Program.
About Me: I believe in equality, respect, and diversity. I love street food, exploring the local market of different countries, and spending time and talking with Mobina Jan (My MOM).