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International Student Services

Division of Student Life

InterConnect Program

interconnect logo

The InterConnect program seeks to support new international students with their cultural, social, and academic transition to Reed by matching them with a current Reedie.

New students and their mentors will get to know each other through frequent individual meetings and a series of InterConnect events that will occur during the school year.

InterConnect Mentors Fall 2025

Xavier da Silva

Lead Mentor
Oi I’m Xavier (he/him) and home for me is Brazil (land of soccer and samba, but I’m terrible at playing soccer or dancing samba). I am a junior philosophy major. I love food, and you can often find me in a kitchen. If you have a family recipe that you want that you make you feel at home, I’m your guy. I'm also passionate about languages. I speak Portuguese, French, Spanish, and am on this journey to learn Arabic! I'm thrilled to help make your transition to Reed as smooth and memorable as possible. I'm looking forward to connecting with all of you! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions, or concerns or just want to chat :)

Soraya Mwangi

Lead Mentor

Hello, my name is Soraya! I'm an English Major and a film minor, and I'm super excited to get to know you! I enjoy watching video essays, discussing social issues, and cartoons! I'm from Kenya, Mali and France and including the US, I've lived in 7 countries.

Alina Kim

Hi! My name is Alina and I am a rising sophomore political science student. My home is in Almaty, Kazakhstan and this is my first year in the US. When I'm not studying, you can find me obsessing over movies, reading Russian literature, or thrifting. I also love hiking and being in the nature. If you ever want to discuss Dostoevsky or the best Tarantino movie, I'm your person!

David Zhou

Hi, I’m David Zhou, a sophomore studying computer science and physics. I dream of using AI to uncover the theory of everything. I’m from Beijing and came to the U.S. in 7th grade, attending St. Mark’s School in MA. I love robotics, was captain of FRC Team 3566, and still build LEGO—this summer, a Technic Porsche GT4. I play PC games like Siege (was once champion ranked), and lately I’ve been into cars and go-karting. I have a cat at home (Lucy); I miss my dog George. I enjoy anime (my favorite is Oregairu), cooking, and hanging out with Martin (another mentor and amazing chef). I’m excited to make friends with you and help you while you enter Reed!

Ezra Scheuermann

Hi! My name is Ezra (he/him). I'll be a physics major linguistics minor junior this fall. I grew up moving from place to place. I spent most of my childhood in Germany, but I've also lived on Guam and currently call Italy home when I'm not in Portland. When I'm not studying, I'm usually writing, rock climbing, or playing Pokemon. Being a mentee in the InterConnect program helped me adjust to living in the United States and life as a college student, so I'm excited to be able to provide the same guidance and experience to new international students this fall. Feel free to reach out to me anytime!

Khushi Naik

Hello! I'm Khushi (she/her). I'm from India. I'm currently studying Physics and Computer Science. I've glasses and I don't like wearing them so you'll see me squint quiet often as I try to overcome my astigmatism.. I promise it's not a Death stare!!! Reed is a unique place and I hope to help you guys have a smooth transition to college.

Martin Yuan

Hello! My name is Martin Yuan and I am an upcoming sophomore likely majoring somewhere around physics and math. I am from Shenzhen, China but have been in the US since 8th grade. Over the years, I have come to learn the vibe of what it is like to live in the US as an international student, so if you have questions about the various food and entertainment options here, or how to find resources that you need, I'll be glad to point you in the right direction! I have also grown to be a huge foodie in the recent years, and often make food for my friends on the weekends. So I will self-proclaim as a qualified guide if you would like to supplement your dining experience at Reed beyond commons.

Additionally, I play cello on my own and in various ensembles on campus. Consequently, I am quite passionate about music, and classical music specifically. So if you are enthusiastic about music, I can also help you find your community here!

Looking forward to meet you all!

Sisy Pei

Hi everyone :) I’m Sisy Pei (she/her), a junior ICPS Political Science major and Economics minor. I grew up in Shanghai before moving to NY.

I LOVE playing tennis, listening to musicals, trying new restaurants, and wandering the city with my camera. If you ever need recommendations for food or hangout spots, I’ve got plenty!

Reed is unlike any other place you’ll experience in the US, and as an ISS mentor, I’m here to help make your transition as smooth as possible. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything & I can’t wait to meet y'all! :)

Valeria Gonzalez Padilla

Hello! My name's Valeria, and I'm and upcoming Biochemistry Sophmore! I was born in Costa Rica but grew up in Mexico, and I work in the nuclear reactor and I do research in a chemistry professor's lab. In my free time I like playing violin, video games, and going to concerts. I'm also really into the pokemon tcg if anybody would like to trade :P. I look forward to meeting you!

William Wang

I'm William/Duanyang Wang. I'm a junior, who is probably going to study physics. I'm from Hangzhou, China, which is a beautiful city. I like every type of sport and if you are interested in going to the gym in the morning at 7:00 am, please tell me. Also, tell me if you like to play badminton, squash or table tennis. I'm eager to find someone to play these sports with me.

Questions?

If you have any questions about the program, please contact Gwen Sandford, Program Director for International Student Services.