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Facilitator Corner: Ani Antonyan
Boat Cruise, Fall 2012 Orientation
Name: Ani Antonyan
Country: Armenia
Major: Industrial and Systems Engineering
UW Class: 2013
FIUTS Facilitator Since: September 2012
Brief Introduction
I transferred to the UW from Mexico. Currently I am a senior year in my program. I like to interact and learn from people of different cultures because that enriches my personality and because I believe in forging a better world and in the meaning of connecting different cultures.
What does it mean to be a FIUTS facilitator?
Last year (my first year at the UW), I was an attendee of the FIUTS event [International Student Orientation]. I liked the way last year’s facilitators executed their leadership in guiding the new students and made them interact together in activities of different ranges. I thought those roles would be an excellent learning opportunity for me in forging and understanding the meaning of interacting in different backgrounds. Also I found FIUTS as a challenge since the interaction of each activity requires different skills and abilities, due to the different background of the people we interact with.
Favorite FIUTS anecdote as a facilitator
One of the best memories was the first day [Opening Day, Fall 2012 International Student Orientation], where I had to mingle among the new students so that they did not stay in one spot. While mingling I could help students with questions, and at the same time I could introduce myself. That leaded the students to introduce themselves to other new students. Also some students asked for general questions about the campus (for example: working on campus, going to the gym, UW’s academic system and more). I felt very helpful after answering those questions because I gave the new students an easy understanding of the background during their first days in a foreign country.
Tips/comments for peer facilitators
It is an experience that does not only give you leadership skills, but it also teaches you how to interact cross-functionally in teams of different backgrounds and different circumstances. Don’t miss this amazing opportunity!
Click here for more information on how to become a FIUTS Facilitator.
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