Names: Sarah Carroll; Nina Papanikolaou
Year: Junior; Junior
Hometowns: Wilson, NC; Athens, Greece
Majors: Marine Biology; Biology (pre-med)
Minors: Spanish; Spanish and Neuroscience
Nina Papanikolaou (left) and Sarah Carroll (right)
Sarah Carroll and Nina Papanikolaou are this years co-presidents of the International Student Organization (ISO). ISO is great way for American students to integrate international students into American culture and society. Their quirky and outgoing personalities are bringing a new level of creativity to the organizaion this year. Read on to find out about the awesome things that ISO is doing this year and how you become a part of it!
HC: What does the International Student Organization mean to each of you?
SC: The International Student Organization is important to me because it is a way to give back. Freshman year I lived in the Honors Dorm which was conveniently located across from the International Dorm. Being in such close proximity to so many internationals students gave me the opportunity to befriend them. I valued these relationships, so being able to help international students in any way gives me a sense of satisfaction.
NP: It means being able to show international students a little bit of American culture and helping them feel more at home in a foreign country. I moved here from a different country when I was little and it was a complete culture shock, so I want to help make the transition a little bit smoother for other people.
HC: Why is the International Student Organization important at UNCW?
SC: The International Student Organization is important at UNCW because it allows International students and American students to form a fellowship. Furthermore, ISO strives to provide experiences to international students that they would not otherwise know how to go about planning. It also helps encourage students to participate in study abroad programs.
NP: It is important because we like to think of ourselves as an all-inclusive organization showing a lot of diversity. We have members from different countries, backgrounds, religions, etc. and we learn from each person.
HC: How do each of y’all define success?
SC: I define success as not letting anything get in my way to efficiently reach my goals.
NP: I define success by working hard, being dedicated, and being determined about what I do to reach a final goal.
HC: What’s the best part of being a member of the International Student Organization?
SC: The best part about being a member of the International Student Organization is the variety of people that I get to meet.
NP: Meeting people from different countries! Their stories are always interesting.
HC: What are some events that the International Student Organization puts on?
SC: We participate in events such as camping on the beach, beach sweeps, and throwing a grand Thanksgiving dinner.
NP: We put on a huge Thanksgiving dinner at no cost for International Students which has always been successful.
HC: If people want to learn more about or join the International Student Organization, how would they go about doing so?
NP: Contact Sarah or I by e-mail, mine is mpp2226@uncw.edu and hers is sdc9212@uncw.edu.
HC: Social media affiliated with the International Student Organization?
NP: We have a Facebook page, UNCW ISO.
HC: Words to live by?
SC: “Some people dance in the rain, others just get wet.”
NP: “A good friend listens to your adventures. A best friend makes them with you.”
HC: What Pokémon best represents each of you?
SC: Well my friend once compared me to pachirisu, so I guess I’ll go with that.
NP: Ninetails, because of reasons haha.
HC: Anything else you’d like to add?
SC & NP: Thanks for the awesome articles, Her Campus!
Photo Credit to Sarah Carroll and Nina Papanikolaou.